What is your hometown?
Lohrville, Wisconsin
How or when did you become interested in science and medicine, and what led to your decision to pursue becoming a Physician Assistant?
As a child, I spent a lot of time visiting my grandparents. Grandma was always “sick” and needed help around the house. I never knew what was wrong until one day I confronted my parents, who informed me that her doctors told her she had six months to live. As a matter of fact, they told her this before I was even born. This amazing woman turned a six-month death sentence into 12 precious years. On June 12, 1994 she died peacefully and with dignity after her 13-year battle with leukemia. At the time, her death was devastating to me. As I matured, my feelings of devastation evolved into a relentless determination to help other people. It was during this time I knew I was going to pursue a career in medicine. After doing some research on medical school, physician assistant school and other health care professions, I knew that a career as a Physician Assistant was exactly what I wanted.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa to attend the Physician Assistant program?
Honestly, I was impressed with everything about this university (including the PA program) from the minute I arrived on campus to the minute I went home on interview day. It just seemed like a perfect fit for me.
Is there a teacher, mentor or UI Carver College of Medicine faculty member who has helped shape your education?
I think all of the faculty, teaching assistants and mentors I have interacted with so far have contributed to my education in a positive way. I am incredibly thankful for the education I have received at the University of Iowa thus far.
What kinds of opportunities or advantages does being a PA student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
The greatest advantage for me was having many of my classes with the second year medical students. The chance to interact with them on a personal as well as professional basis provided a unique opportunity to learn and observe together.
The University of Iowa Physician Assistant program is challenging and rigorous. For me, the summer and fall semesters were very taxing. However, I know that when I graduate from this program I will have the proper educational foundation to guide me in the rest of my medical career. I know I made the best decision when I chose to attend this PA program.
Please describe your professional goals and interests?
I am interested in so many avenues at this point it’s hard to say where I’ll end up! I’ve always been fascinated with cardiology, but I could see myself in orthopaedics, too. I am confident that my experiences during my second year will help solidify my decision.
What are some of your outside interests?
The majority of my time is spent with my husband, Josh, and our families. I love spending time with my nephews, kayaking, boating, taking long walks, bicycling, golfing and traveling.
Do you participate in any community service/outreach projects? If so, what are they and what have your experiences been?
Not at the moment. Our class has a Community Service Committee that has been instrumental at setting up monthly community service projects this past year. A few of the many things our class has done include volunteering at the Ronald McDonald house, participating in a food drive and serving lunch for the Free Lunch Program at the Wesley Center.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
My grandmother left behind a strong legacy of faith, caring and family, which has fueled an enduring passion within me to become a great Physician Assistant. Every time I enter a patient’s room I always think of her and realize that this person is just as important to someone as my grandmother was to me.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?"
Last month, I got the privilege to listen to a lecture given by a remarkable doctor, Patch Adams. Dr. Adams believes that “the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.” I truly believe laughter and happiness are integral parts of a person’s health and if I could change one thing about the world, it would be to encourage people to laugh more often and to be happy.
What one piece of advice you would give to students who are interested in applying to a Physician Assistant program?
If this is your passion, don’t ever give up trying to achieve it. You may run into bumpy spots or obstacles along the way, but you can get around them. Never lose sight of your destination.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
Personally, I look forward to what the future of medicine holds. There are many medical advances taking place as a result of today’s technology and research. I can only hope that someday cancer will be a thing of the past and all people around the world will have affordable, accessible, quality heath care.