Heroic Herstories: Women in Medicine with the Katies

In this episode, Katie Harris and Katie White talk with Dr. Carol Scott-Conner about her career in surgery and the path it took to get there. She shares what it’s like to work in high-pressure environments, the discipline required to succeed, and the mentors who helped guide her along the way. Dr. Scott-Conner also reflects on how the field has evolved and what it means to lead with confidence and precision.

Katie Harris and Katie White are joined by Dr. Patty Quinlisk, who brings a powerful public health perspective shaped by years of serving communities across Iowa. She shares behind-the-scenes insight into crisis response, the pressure of making decisions that affect entire populations, and the importance of clear, honest communication during uncertain times. Dr. Quinlisk also reflects on lessons learned throughout her career and what it takes to build trust when it matters most.

Hosts Katie Harris and Katie White talk with Dr. Teri Brennan about leadership that goes beyond titles. From mentoring future healthcare professionals to advocating for meaningful change, Dr. Brennan shares the experiences that defined her approach. She opens up about challenges along the way, the importance of building strong relationships, and how listening and empowering others can create lasting impact across an organization.

In conversation with hosts Katie Harris and Katie White, Dr. Peggy Nopoulos shares her journey in psychiatry and academic medicine. She reflects on the defining moments of her career, the patients who shaped her perspective, her leadership in research and how curiosity and compassion continue to drive her work and leadership.

In this episode, hosts Katie Harris and Katie White welcome Dr. Maureen Connolly, a physician whose decades of work in internal medicine have been grounded in empathy and long-term patient relationships. Dr. Connolly shares how her experiences in practice have shaped her approach to care and balance — and why listening, connection, and trust remain at the heart of everything she does.

This week, Katie Harris and Katie White sit down with Dr. Mary Beth Fasano, Emeritus Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa. Dr. Fasano reflects on a career that has blended patient care, education, and leadership — and the lessons she’s learned about mentorship, resilience, and advocating for others along the way. Her story is an inspiring look at how compassion and curiosity can shape a lifetime of impact.

In this episode, hosts Katie Harris and Katie White talk with Dr. Rachel Dirksen, physician and co-founder of Remedy Internal Medicine in Coralville. Dr. Dirksen shares her path from academic medicine to private practice, what inspired her to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and how she built a model of care focused on time, connection, and trust. Her story is one of courage, creativity, and staying true to what matters most in medicine.

In this episode, hosts Katie Harris and Katie White sit down with Dr. Kyle Brown, a physician and researcher in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa. Dr. Brown shares the story of her journey in medicine — from the experiences that first inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, to the challenges and milestones that have shaped her along the way. She reflects on the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and finding balance between clinical work, research, and life outside of medicine. Her story offers a candid and inspiring look at what it means to build a career grounded in purpose, perseverance, and passion for helping others.

In this episode, hosts Dr. Katie Harris and Dr. Katie White sit down with Dr. Isabella Grumbach, former interim Chair of Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and now leading the Department of Internal Medicine at OU College of Medicine and clinical service chief at OU Health.  Dr. Grumbach shares her incredible journey from Germany to the U.S., stepping into leadership roles, mentoring physician-scientists, and her cutting-edge cardiovascular research into atherosclerosis, vascular disease and the effects of radiation on the vasculature. She reflects on what it means to balance clinical care, research and education — and how women in medicine can build influence, legacy and impact.

In this episode, hosts Katie Harris and Katie White sit down with Dr. Linda Floden, a geriatrics physician at MercyOne. Dr. Floden shares her path into medicine, her passion for caring for older adults, and how her experiences have shaped her approach to compassionate, patient-centered care. From lessons learned through decades of practice to the importance of mentoring future healthcare providers, Dr. Floden’s story is a powerful reminder of the heart and humanity that define medicine.

n this episode, hosts Katie and Katie sit down with Dr. Lois Geist, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Geist reflects on her path in academic medicine, the lessons she’s learned about mentorship and leadership, and her commitment to empowering women in medicine. From her early experiences in pulmonary and critical care to her leadership across the university, Dr. Geist shares insight on the value of advocacy, resilience, and community throughout her career.

In this episode of Heroic Herstories: Women in Medicine with the Katies, we sit down with Dr. Vicki Kijewski, Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and respected educator at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Dr. Kijewski shares her journey into medicine, her passion for patient-centered care, and the mentors and moments that shaped her career. She reflects on her path as a physician and leader, offering inspiration to the next generation of women in medicine.

In this episode, we sit down with Upinder Singh, MD — newly appointed Chair and Department Executive Officer for Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa. From her prior role as Division Chief of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine at Stanford to her vision for leading Iowa’s largest academic internal medicine department, we dive into her journey, challenges, leadership philosophy, and aspirations for the future.

We welcome Dr. Lisa Veach, an infectious disease physician based in Des Moines, Iowa. Join us as we explore her path into medicine, her work combating infectious diseases, and her insights on leadership, resilience, and serving communities.

In our debut episode, we sit down with Dr. Amal A. Shibli-Rahhal, Clinical Professor of Endocrinology and Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Curriculum at the University of Iowa. From her journey to Iowa, to her expertise in metabolic bone disorders and her leadership in medical education, Dr. Shibli-Rahhal shares stories of resilience, mentorship, and inspiration.