What is your hometown?
Ankeny, Iowa
How or when did you become interested in science and medicine?
Well, this is somewhat of an embarrassing story…I took all of the science and math classes that I could in High School. I thought that when I graduated I would never take another science class. This is mostly because I had a scholarship to study fashion design. Well needless to say that didn’t really pan out for me. I got bored and realized that I missed science. So I transferred to the University of Iowa my sophomore year and started pre-med classes. My advisor was skeptical, but she was supportive and got me through the whole application process. I was really lucky to realize that medicine - not fashion - was right for me.
How or why did you choose the UI to attend medical school?
I chose to continue my education at the University of Iowa because I loved Iowa City and I loved the people that I’d met from the College over my pre-med years. They had always been very encouraging and helpful whenever I had questions. I knew that I wanted to stay in Iowa to be close to my family because I didn’t think that I could conquer med school without them. But mainly, Iowans are the warmest, most supportive people around, and I knew I wanted that as part of my education.
Is there a teacher, mentor or Carver College of Medicine faculty member who has helped shape your education?
Oh definitely, there are many. First of all Joel Gordon, Julie Phye, and Kris Dawkins were amazing throughout my first two years. They were my extended support system. Each of them has been there for me personally and academically whenever I needed them. I wouldn’t have become mayor of the Boulware Community without their support and encouragement. I truly believe that they have made it possible for me to get to where I am…in my third year of med school (yeah!). I also had an amazing mentor in Terri Nordin, now a fourth year medical student. She is incredible in everything she does from academic activities to being a mom. She has been a great example of someone that I strive to be more like. I have been so lucky to have these people around me during this part of my life.
What kinds of opportunities or advantages does being a medical student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
It provides students with many opportunities to experience rural and community medicine. It provides students a strong academic and clinical background with which to enter residency programs. I think the challenge is to live up to the incredible reputation the doctors who graduated from the University of Iowa before us have built.
Please describe your professional goals and interests.
I’m not entirely sure what specialty I will pursue, but I’ve always had my heart set on OB/Gyn. I am really interested in women’s issues of detection and prevention of disease. I have done some research with Dr. Kevin Ault on sexually transmitted infections, and I believe that this is something that I would like to continue to pursue in the future.
What are some of your outside interests?
I have super dorky hobbies. I really like to refinish furniture, and yes I’m admitting it…I like to scrapbook. I know I have the hobbies of a suburban housewife, but I can’t help it.
Do you participate in any community service/outreach projects? If so, what are they and what have your experiences been?
I recently worked at the free clinic in Des Moines as part of our Community Based Primary Care clerkship. I was so inspired by the women that work at this clinic. I know that men work there too, but on this particular night it was all women. They have families and jobs, but volunteer their time to help out in the community. That kind of selflessness is not easy to find.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
I think that my philosophy is generally that I treat patients as I would want my mom, dad, sister, grandma, or grandpa to be treated. I don’t think that you can go wrong if you remember that each patient is someone else’s mom, dad, sister, or brother.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
It would be education for those who don’t know how to protect themselves against disease.
What one piece of advice you would give to students who are interested in applying to medical school?
Follow your heart and be sure that medicine is what you love because your patients will be the ones who suffer if you are not true to yourself.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
I see prevention of disease as the future of medicine. I see helping patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle as the main fight healthcare providers must battle in the US today.