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.