What is your hometown?
Mokena, IL...the pride of the Chicago south suburbs
How or when did you become interested in science and medicine?
One of my favorite toys as a young kid was my Fisher Price doctor kit. There is a classic family photo of me as toddler “Dr. Patrick” wearing my dad’s giant aviator sunglasses, on the rampage with stethoscope in ear and reflex hammer cocked and ready to strike. I guess not much has changed except the sunglasses (not exactly clinic appropriate). I didn’t always want to be a doctor, but I’ve always been fascinated by science. In grade school, I loved learning about the solar system and space travel. I also found great joy in hunting for fossils around the abandoned coal mines near my grandparents’ place. I finally decided that medicine was my true calling as an undergraduate volunteering at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. I was floored by the tremendous positive impact that doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and nursing assistants could have on people’s lives. I felt that medicine would be a great way to use my energy for the betterment of others.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa to attend medical school?
I attended the University of Iowa as an undergraduate, so, deep down I bleed black and gold. I was very fortunate and relieved to be accepted to medical school here, especially because it was the only school I sent a secondary application to. I was fortunate to meet some of the faculty as an undergraduate lab assistant and was amazed at how approachable they were and how willing they were to expand my understanding of medicine. I am happy to report that as a medical student, this continues to hold true. Another major selling point for attending at Iowa was Iowa City itself. My wife and I really enjoy living in the Iowa City area because there is always something to do.
Is there a teacher, mentor or University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine faculty member who has helped shape your education?
Dr. Jeff Meier (81BS, 86MD), my research mentor, has been a great influence to me. I had the privilege of working with him as a research assistant for the year prior to starting medical school as well as during the two summer research fellowships. In addition to introducing me to the fascinating world of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), he has taught me a great deal about critical thinking and problem solving. Dr. Meier has also opened my eyes to the possibility of a career as a researcher as well as a clinician.
What kinds of opportunities or advantages does being a medical student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
One of the greatest opportunities we have during the first two years of medical school is a significant amount of clinical exposure. We are given many opportunities to develop and hone our clinical skills before hitting the wards. One of my main challenges as a medical student probably does not differ from many of my colleagues across the country…time management. One of the most difficult things about attending medical school is balancing your study life with your outside life. If you can achieve a healthy balance of both, you’ve got it made in the shade.
Please describe your professional goals and interests?
If I had to make a decision today, I would probably go into internal medicine as a general hospitalist or possibly specialize in infectious diseases. I’m not ruling anything out though until I get to the wards. One thing that I think I will pursue regardless of my specialty is health care policy. I enjoy following the intricate political dance that shapes medicine from Washington D.C. to the local level. I hope to continue actively giving my input to legislators to help shape medical policy for the benefit of my patients and colleagues.
What are some of your outside interests?
First and foremost, I enjoy spending time with my wife and my two girls - a Pomeranian named Fiona and a black Labrador Retriever named Darby. As a former history major, I like to read whenever I get a chance. I especially enjoy reading Irish history and anything written by Kurt Vonnegut. Otherwise, I enjoy road biking, running, camping, and watching the Chicago White Sox rush toward their next world championship.
Do you participate in any community service/outreach projects? If so, what are they and what have your experiences been?
I have tried to stay active outside the classroom during medical school. For the past year, I have served as University of Iowa chapter president of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). In this capacity, I have helped organize our annual instrument sale, bring surrogates from the presidential candidates to campus for a health care forum, and lobby on Capitol Hill for several health care bills. I have also served as the vice-president of the Medical Student Ambassadors Program (MSAP). I wear this hat by scheduling on-campus tours for the office of admissions. Finally, I enjoy volunteering at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic as a patient guide and Spanish language translator.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
I like to approach medical school like a job. As an undergraduate, I could quickly cram the names of all the British prime ministers into one ear and promptly have them seep out the other after the test. In medical school, it is a lot more important to retain information since it may have a direct bearing on your patients’ lives some day.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
One of my deepest beliefs is that health care is a basic human right rather than a privilege. As the richest country in the world, I feel it is a great injustice that many of our citizens are denied vital, routine health care because they cannot afford it. I would love to see some form of universal primary and critical care with a focus on preventative medicine.
What one piece of advice would you give to students who are interested in applying to medical school?
Always take time to step back and look at the big picture. Medical school is a major commitment of time and energy, but never forget what initially interested you in medicine. For me, the prospect of using the knowledge I gain in the classroom to benefit my future patients drives me to keep going.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
Although I see technology becoming a bigger part of everyday practice in the future, I am confident physicians will not be replaced by "healthbots". I think the most important part of every patient encounter will remain a good history and physical exam.