What is your hometown?
Faribault, Minnesota
How or when did you become interested in science and medicine?
I was always interested in science growing up and enjoyed the subject in school. In the 9th grade, I injured my knee while playing basketball. I ended up having surgery and really valued the relationship I built with my surgeon, Dr. William Laney. I was pleased with the outcome of my surgery and rehabilitation and it got me thinking about going into medicine and helping other people.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa to attend medical school?
I did my undergraduate work here at the University of Iowa and really loved both the school and community. It seemed natural to continue my education at a well-respected medial school in the city that I consider home.
Is there a teacher, mentor or University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine faculty member who has helped shape your education?
There have been a number of people that have shaped my education thus far. Dr. Ernest Found reaffirmed my decision to go into medicine when I was dealing with health issues in college and while in medical school. My relationship with him and his encouragement made me realize that this was the career I wanted to pursue. He continues to inspire me today.
Dr. Chris Cooper (87BA, 91MD, 97R-Urology) has been an amazing sounding board for me as I have been going through the first two years of medical school. He is full of wisdom and offers great advice. I appreciate his humor, honesty and enthusiasm for helping medical students.
Dr. Lee Bennett (94R, 95F-Radiology) was my research mentor during the summer of 2007. It was a great exposure into research and clinical medicine. You can tell that he is passionate about teaching and mentoring and I have been lucky to be one of his mentees.
What kinds of opportunities or advantages does being a medical student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
I really appreciate all of the passionate people who are involved with our education. They truly care about the students and make sure we are prepared to be competent clinicians. The challenge is meeting the standards that previous classes have set.
Please describe your professional goals and interests.
I’m not really sure what area of medicine I will end up in. I do know that I want to eventually be involved with medical education and teach future generations of physicians. I hope that no matter where I end up, I love my job and am happy with my life.
What are some of your outside interests?
I am an avid Hawkeye fan and enjoy all of the sports, especially rowing and football. I am also a triathlete and spend a lot of my spare time training. I am looking forward to my races this summer, including Escape from Alcatraz in San Francisco.
Do you participate in any volunteer projects? If so, what are they and what have your experiences been?
I have been a volunteer coach with the University of Iowa Women’s Rowing Team. As a former team member, it has been nice to give back to a program that means so much to me. I enjoy being around the athletes and being able to make a difference not only in their rowing but also in their life.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
“Life is a journey, not a destination.” I try to enjoy the journey that I am on. It’s easy to get wrapped up in grades and the pressures put upon us, but it is always good to step back and realize that we are really lucky to be where we are.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?"
I hope to see health care available to everyone in this country. The technological advances in medicine have been amazing and now it is time to make them available to all. I have been pleased to be associated with like-minded individuals in school and really hope that someday, no one will be denied the care they need.
What one piece of advice would you give to students who are interested in applying to medical school?
Pick a school and location where you will be happy. The grind of medical school can be tough, so make sure the city you live in will afford you opportunities outside of medicine.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
That is a tough one. I’m sure technology will continue to advance and give us many tools to diagnose and treat patients. I also see a greater emphasis placed on preventative medicine and learning to avoid costly interventions simply by changing some of our daily habits.