What is your hometown?
Cedar Rapids, IA
When did you join the University of Iowa faculty?
May 2006
How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?
In grade school I fell in love with science, particularly biology, and from that grew an interest in medicine. I was first introduced to academic medicine in high school while participating in a summer science research program at the University of Iowa (Secondary School Training Program). I knew then that my ideal job would be in this environment.
What interested you to pursue a career in Pathology?
I came to pathology indirectly. After medical school I started my residency training in Neurology, however along the way I was introduced to Neuropathology, a subspecialty of Pathology. I discovered that Neuropathology combined my interests in neurologic disease with the morphologic aspects of pathology. Pathology is a discipline that bridges the basic sciences and clinical medicine with a focus on diagnosis, which I find challenging and rewarding.
Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?
There have been many along the way: from enthusiastic high school biology teachers, college research mentors, teaching faculty from medical school, residency and fellowship training, to those who continue to provide career advice and guidance as I navigate my career path.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa?
I am a product of the University of Iowa, having done both my undergraduate and medical school training here. I welcomed the opportunity to return to Iowa as a faculty member because of the reputation Iowa has for academic excellence, the value this institution puts on medical education, and for the professional opportunities in my field.
What kinds of professional opportunities or advantages does being a faculty member at an academic medical center provide?
The diverse patient population and wide-spectrum of diseases seen at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics combined with talented, enthusiastic colleagues fosters not only excellence in patient care, but a rich environment for innovation and collaboration in medical education and research.
Please describe your professional interests.
I am passionate about the brain (and brain diseases), specifically the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors. I’m also interested in and committed to medical education, with a focus on resident education.
How does working in a collaborative and comprehensive academic medical center benefit your work?
I am surrounded by bright, conscientious colleagues from diverse educational backgrounds with whom I can collaborate and learn from in all that I do.
What are some of your outside interests?
Watercolor painting, hiking, gardening, and spending time with family.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?
Approach each case or patient with an open mind, 100% effort, and humility. Use criteria and evidence to support your diagnosis and never be afraid to admit you don’t know the answer.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
Accessible, affordable health care for everyone.
What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?
Several stand out: an explosion of information technology, growth and influence of molecular genetics in medicine, and increasing costs of medical education.
What one piece of advice would you give to today's students?
Look beyond the next exam to explore and identify the aspects of medicine about which you are passionate. Find a way to incorporate these into your long term career plans.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
Progressively more personalized medicine via the use of molecular genetics in diagnosing and treating disease.
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 occasionally have the opportunity to speak to groups about my career in medicine. Most recently, I spoke at the 59th Annual Pre-Medical conference at the UI Carver College of Medicine to college advisors and pre-health science career students from around the state. I also enjoy the opportunity to mentor high school and college students, especially women interested in science and medicine.