The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What is your hometown?
Dubuque, IA
How or when did you become interested in science and medicine?
I probably became interested in science and medicine in my high school anatomy class where my favorite teacher led us through the intricacies of mitosis by teaching us an elaborate dance mimicking the actions of the cell. I think the influence good teachers have on their students is astounding and I give all credit to Mrs. Hughes for instilling in me a passion and commitment to science and medicine.
How or why did you choose the Carver College of Medicine?
I chose the Carver College of Medicine for many reasons but one particular aspect that attracted me was the writing program. I graduated with a degree in English with an emphasis on non-fiction writing from the University of Iowa and I knew I wanted to continue blending my passions for science and writing beyond my undergraduate career.
Is there a teacher, mentor or Carver College of Medicine faculty member who has helped shape your education?
Margaret LeMay-Lewis has been fantastic for helping me to continue thinking about science and medicine in creative ways. (UI Carver college of Medicine Writing Program) for which I’m always appreciative.
Dr. Pizzimenti has also been particularly helpful and the care and concern that he injects into his teaching generates an enthusiasm that is contagious.
What opportunities or advantages does being a medical student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
I think medical school will inevitably create challenges in student’s lives, adjusting to the overload of material, finding new study techniques and maintaining a commitment to medicine while getting through the many lectures of the first two years. Yet despite the myriad challenges, I think CCOM faculty and staff constantly provide a support mechanism for students to help us overcome these challenges making Iowa a fantastic place to study medicine. And it’s definitely good to be a Hawkeye.
What are your professional goals and interests?
I’m still exploring the many fields available to me but my current interest is in obstetrics and gynecology.
What are some of your outside interests?
I love reading, writing, cooking with my fiancÉ and watching Cubs games.
What community service/outreach projects do you participate in? What have your experiences been?
This year was my fifth year participating in the University of Iowa Dance Marathon. I’ve become very close to several of the children and families coping with cancer and am constantly inspired by them. This past summer, I got to spend a week with several siblings of the pediatric oncology patients at the Heart Connection Camp in Boone, Iowa where I volunteered. I’m excited to get to volunteer as a counselor again this summer and help the kids escape some of their everyday realities to enjoy camp.
What philosophy guides you in your work?
Work hard and laugh often.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
I’d probably give the Cubs a few more World Series wins.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying to medical school?
I think one of the best pieces of advice that I’ve received about medical school is to make a list of all of the goals you have for yourself before medical school and to remind yourself of them when things get stressful. This piece of advice has helped me keep things in focus and remember who I am and why, despite the difficult exams and demanding schedule, medicine is what I chose to do.
What is the future of medicine?
I hope that the medical system in the future allows a greater number of people access to care both nationally and internationally. I think that health care should be a right, not a privilege and hope that some day we will be able to shift the system in that direction.