Join Cool Science for Science on Tap every 2nd Monday of the month at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs. Presenters begin at 6:30 pm and typically speak for 60-90 minutes including Q&A, with food and drink available beginning at 6:00 pm. A wide variety of fascinating topics are presented by local scientists for informal discussion, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages anyone and everyone to come explore the latest ideas in science and technology. From practical to theoretical, the presentations and group interactions provide a fun and interesting way to gain an understanding of the world around us.
Join Cool Science for Science on Tap every 2nd Monday of the month at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs. Presenters begin at 6:30 pm and typically speak for 60-90 minutes including Q&A, with food and drink available beginning at 6:00 pm. A wide variety of fascinating topics are presented by local scientists for informal discussion, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages anyone and everyone to come explore the latest ideas in science and technology. From practical to theoretical, the presentations and group interactions provide a fun and interesting way to gain an understanding of the world around us.
Next up: Monday, August 11, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Death is the Poor Man’s Doctor: TB Care in Colorado Springs
Leah Davis Witherow, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
With an introduction on Tuberculosis by Kevin McQueen, CUHealth: What is TB, how does it spread, and how do we treat it.
Summary: From its founding in 1871, local boosters advertised Colorado Springs as a premier health destination for the treatment of consumption and “lung troubles,” among other maladies. Our region’s greatest asset-turned-industry was its stunning scenery, abundant sunshine and mild climate. For good reason, the city’s official nickname became The City of Sunshine.
At the turn of the past century, at least 1/3 of all Colorado residents came to the state in search of a cure for themselves or a close family member. Once cured, many stayed on in the region to build their lives, families, and businesses – just as local boosters hoped. In many ways, tuberculosis care shaped our built environment and we can still see evidence of it across our landscape
However, equally important are those who came in search of a cure but found themselves locked out of a system of care dependent on wealth and leisure. With TB as an economic driver, who benefited, and who lost out? This illustrated talk will describe the variety of “lungers” seeking a cure in Colorado Springs, as well as the rangr of TB treatments, facilities, and fad cures — that may even have proved worse than the disease!
Summary: From its founding in 1871, local boosters advertised Colorado Springs as a premier health destination for the treatment of consumption and “lung troubles,” among other maladies. Our region’s greatest asset-turned-industry was its stunning scenery, abundant sunshine and mild climate. For good reason, the city’s official nickname became The City of Sunshine.
At the turn of the past century, at least 1/3 of all Colorado residents came to the state in search of a cure for themselves or a close family member. Once cured, many stayed on in the region to build their lives, families, and businesses – just as local boosters hoped. In many ways, tuberculosis care shaped our built environment and we can still see evidence of it across our landscape
However, equally important are those who came in search of a cure but found themselves locked out of a system of care dependent on wealth and leisure. With TB as an economic driver, who benefited, and who lost out? This illustrated talk will describe the variety of “lungers” seeking a cure in Colorado Springs, as well as the rangr of TB treatments, facilities, and fad cures — that may even have proved worse than the disease!
Leah Davis Witherow is the Curator of History for the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, an AAM accredited regional museum of history and culture. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and is the Project Director for the Museum’s award-winning interactive storytelling platform, the Story of Us. Additionally, for the past twenty-five years she has taught courses in nineteenth and early twentieth century American History, specializing in the history of Colorado, Labor, the Progressive Era, and Women. In 2017 she was selected as a “Woman of Influence” by the Colorado Springs Business Journal; is on the state-wide board of Colorado Humanities; and serves as president of the Board for the non-profit Ormao Dance Company.
Kevin McQueen is a seasoned registered respiratory therapist with 38 years of clinical and leadership experience. He is board certified in both patient safety and adult critical care, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing quality and safety in healthcare. Kevin holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Ottawa University. Currently, Kevin serves as the System Lead Director of Respiratory Care for the University of Colorado Health System, overseeing respiratory care services across 14 hospitals throughout Colorado. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping system-wide strategies that enhance respiratory care delivery and patient outcomes. Throughout his career, Kevin has held diverse leadership roles including Environment of Care Officer, Director of Patient Experience, Director of Risk Management, and Patient Safety Officer. He is also a published author and contributor to several articles and toolkits, primarily focused on patient safety and respiratory care.
Kevin’s professional service includes his tenure as President of the Colorado Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC) from 2020 to 2022. Nationally, he has been active with the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), serving as the Chair of the Patient Safety Round Table and as a State Delegate in the AARC House of Delegates.
Kevin McQueen is a seasoned registered respiratory therapist with 38 years of clinical and leadership experience. He is board certified in both patient safety and adult critical care, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing quality and safety in healthcare. Kevin holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Ottawa University. Currently, Kevin serves as the System Lead Director of Respiratory Care for the University of Colorado Health System, overseeing respiratory care services across 14 hospitals throughout Colorado. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping system-wide strategies that enhance respiratory care delivery and patient outcomes. Throughout his career, Kevin has held diverse leadership roles including Environment of Care Officer, Director of Patient Experience, Director of Risk Management, and Patient Safety Officer. He is also a published author and contributor to several articles and toolkits, primarily focused on patient safety and respiratory care.
Kevin’s professional service includes his tenure as President of the Colorado Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC) from 2020 to 2022. Nationally, he has been active with the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), serving as the Chair of the Patient Safety Round Table and as a State Delegate in the AARC House of Delegates.
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