The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What is your hometown?
Sheldon, IA
When did you join the University of Iowa faculty?
1996
How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?
I became interested in a career in a medically related field as early as elementary school, but didn’t consider becoming a physician until I was in college.
What interested you to pursue a career in Internal Medicine?
Internal Medicine encompasses all that I enjoy about practicing medicine; diagnostic challenges, the interplay of systemic diseases on multiple organ systems, working on multidisciplinary teams, and most of all, providing empathic care for patients.
Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shaper you career?
Throughout my life, I have repeatedly been inspired by strong female role models that convey intelligence and independence yet remain balanced in their personal lives. At a young age, this was my mother, who balanced a family and a teaching career.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa?
I returned to the University of Iowa after residency training knowing that I would continue with excellent training in Infectious Diseases. I stayed on at the University of Iowa because of the collegiality, career opportunities, and what the community offers for families.
Please describe your professional interests.
My interests are in infections in solid organ transplant recipients and other immunocompromised patient populations and in educating and mentoring fellows, residents, and medical students.
What led to your interest in working with organ transplant patients?
Organ transplant patients present with fascinating and challenging infectious diseases, but more importantly, it’s an extraordinary experience to be involved in the continuing care of patients who have had a life altering intervention for their illness.
How does working in a collaborative and comprehensive academic medical center benefit your work?
It allows me to contribute as part of a highly specialized multidisciplinary clinical team. This environment is also rich in learning opportunities for learners at all levels.
What are some of your outside interests?
Most of my free time is centered around my three kids’ activities. When I have time to myself, I enjoy playing the flute; jigsaw puzzles, yoga/aerobic exercise classes, and reading.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?
I strive to incorporate open communication and respect for others into every encounter with patients, learners, and colleagues.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
It’s troubling when financial constraints don’t allow patients to receive the medical care and medications necessary that can enhance their quality of life.
What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?
The increased volume and accessibility of medical information.
What one piece of advice would you give to today's students?
Being a good physician doesn’t lie in how much you know, but in your ability to communicate and your determination to always put forth your best effort.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
Despite all of the advances in medicine, I think “the future” is holding on to the cornerstone of medical practice. That is, delivering healing and comfort to the sick in a caring manner.
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 participated extensively in departmental Continuing Medical Education activities for community physicians and other health care workers in Iowa over the past several years. This is a great opportunity to educate community health care providers in a non-biased way, on the advances in infectious diseases.