Tim Garrington, MD

Care Philosophy

Solid tumors are rare in kids and every case is unique, so treatment has to be individualized and requires a team approach. We have a big, multidisciplinary team here to address the many aspects of cancer treatment. A key additional component to that team is the family. It is essential that the family understands what is going on and participates in the decision-making process so that the priorities and goals of the patient are always kept at the forefront. I went into pediatrics because I love the refreshing innocence and optimism of children, who have their full lives ahead of them. And, I want to do everything I can to make sure that they reach their full potential. Cancer can tragically cut short the lives of young people, cheating the world of all of the good things they would have accomplished. My goal is to do everything in my power to prevent that, through cutting edge clinical science coupled with compassionate, personalized care. A diagnosis of cancer in a child is a scary thing and is likely one of the hardest things that a parent will ever have to face. That is something I strive to remember every time a new patient walks into my office. My job is not only to treat the patient’s disease but to give the family hope and to make sure they know that they have a whole team of people here to support them through their journey.

Clinical Interest for Patients

I am the leader of our solid tumor team, so my clinical work focuses on the treatment of childhood solid tumors outside of the brain and spinal cord, such as neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, pediatric sarcomas, and many other tumor types. I have a particular interest in histiocytic disorders and am a member of the Histiocyte Society. Outside of my clinical work, I am interested in medical education. I teach at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and I am director of our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, training the next generation of pediatric hematologist/oncologists.