What is your hometown?

Iowa City, IA

When did you join the UI faculty?

2003

How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?

After college, I taught junior high school math and science in New York City for 3 years. The school had a wonderful school-based health clinic, and it helped me decide to switch from teaching and go to medical school.

What interested you to pursue a career in psychiatry?

I really enjoy listening to people tell the stories of their lives, and this is an important part of psychiatric practice.

Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?

There have been many. First, my parents. Also, Charles deProsse, George Bedell, Ann Laros, Sara Mackenzie, and George Bergus.

How or why did you choose the UI?

I moved to Iowa City in 1981, when I was in high school. I returned here for medical school in part because my parents were here and I had started a family. Also, Iowa City has a lot of conveniences that make it easier to balance work and family. I've stayed here because of the people-students, residents, faculty, and staff. People have been very supportive as I have forged a career practicing two specialties, family medicine and psychiatry.

What kinds of professional opportunities or advantages does being a faculty member at Iowa provide?

There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in education. The Teaching Scholars Program is a great example. Also, people are willing to support new projects or help create new clinical services.

Please describe your professional interests.

Perinatal mental health, mental health care in primary care, teaching about mental health care, and obstetrics.

What are some of your outside interests?

Family, travel, socializing, watching my son play hockey.

Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?

I have a deep respect for the complexity of life and the human body. I also believe there are good qualities in every person.

If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?

Access to healthcare for everyone.

What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?

The electronic medical record. Also, the practice of combining family medicine and psychiatry has developed and grown.

What one piece of advice you would give to today's students?

Take the time to listen to your patients.

What do you see as "the future" of medicine?

I hope we are moving toward universal health insurance.

In what ways are you engaged with the greater Iowa public (i.e. population based research, mentoring high school students, sharing your leadership/expertise with organizations or causes, speaking engagements off campus, etc.)?.

I have taught a year-long sexuality education course for junior high school students at my church several times. I am the team manager of my son's hockey team. I have helped Teach for America recruit pre-med students to work as teachers for 2 years in underserved public schools across the country