April 19, 2007

What is your hometown?

Spencer, Iowa

When did you join the UI faculty?

1997

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

I always had an interest in science and the science of medicine. It wasn’t until I got a little older and had more experiences with the humanistic side of medicine that I knew it was the right fit for me. Helping people, patients, and helping clinicians take care of their patients is the truly rewarding part of my career.

What interested you to pursue a career in radiology?

Dr. Bill Erkonen, a faculty radiologist, helped to teach us anatomy and radiologic anatomy during the gross anatomy class my first year of medical school. His calm and caring demeanor helped everyone through the first year of medical school. His enthusiasm for his career was inspiring and I wanted to be part of it.

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

Several, at every step along the way: my parents, the senior surgical resident on my pediatric surgery rotation as a medical student; the senior residents during my residency, my program director, my current section head.

How or why did you choose the UI?

Growing up in Iowa, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics always seemed to epitomize excellence in health care. When I was a medical student, I never imagined I could be on the faculty, teaching and delivering patient care. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.

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

When I was growing up I thought I either wanted to be a teacher or a doctor. Working at the University of Iowa gives me the opportunity to do both.

Please describe your professional interests.

Neuroradiology, Head and Neck Imaging and Resident Education.

What are some of your outside interests?

I like to bike, cook and spend time with my husband and three children.

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

I deliver care as if the patient were a member of my family.

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

I don’t think we can work miracles on a global level everyday, but everyday we get the opportunities to make a difference in our own microcosm of society. Through little actions, holding the door for someone, helping a patient who appears lost in the hospital, greeting a stranger with a friendly hello, we can make a small part of the world a little brighter.

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

The change from a gross anatomical-based diagnosis to molecular and functional diagnosis.

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

Work hard, treat everyone with respect and they can make a difference.

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

I think the medical students of today and tomorrow are the future. We need to help them through mentorship and by being role models.

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 volunteer at my daughter’s preschool and our church.