Colorado Mountain Medical physician honored as recipient of Vail Elevate Award
Dr. Grafals Elevate Award Q1 2026
When the late David Scott received a kidney transplant, Dr. Monica Grafals was a provider at UCHealth in Denver who stood at his side, making sure he had a full understanding of the operation and felt comfortable in the process. After the successful transplant, Scott returned to his home of Eagle County, where he had several appointments set up, but not with the doctor who put his medical misgivings at ease.
One day, Scott and his wife Susan went to an appointment at Colorado Mountain Medical in Avon when they heard the familiar laugh of Grafals as she walked into the room. Grafals had taken a new position in the area as an internal medicine physician at Vail Health, and Scott could now see her regularly.
In late June, Grafais was named the recipient of the Vail Elevate Award, which was created by Vail Health in 2022 as a way for patients and their families to nominate and thank employees who have made an impact in their lives. Nominees can work in any area of the Vail Health healthcare system.
“Dr. Grafals continued to encourage him, give wise advice, and help him realistically understand his declining health with compassion. She encouraged him to continue enjoying life while being honest about his prognosis,” said Susan. “Dave lived a much longer life because of her incredible skills as a doctor, her ability to help him reflect on the blessings he already had, and her gift for treating him as the most important patient among all her many other patients. Everyone who meets her feels this way.”
One year after Scott’s passing, Susan nominated Dr. Grafais for the Vail Elevate Award for the exceptional care that gave him more time. He was able to witness his daughter’s wedding, meet his grandchildren, and spend more time with loved ones.
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“My entire family is thankful for this opportunity (to nominate her),” said Susan. “Everyone in our community needs to celebrate her exceptional skills. She is exceptional, and we love her like family.”
