Internal Medicine’s Social Workers
University of Iowa Health Care has been celebrating this year as the centennial of its incorporation of social workers into the care we provide. Healing and maintaining good health has as much to do with the physical as it does addressing the world that surrounds a patient, whether it is helping them achieve stable housing or accessing a support network of friends or family. For 100 years, UI Health Care has worked to treat the whole patient and the Department of Internal Medicine celebrates all who contribute to that mission. In our department, there are eight social workers with primary appointments, all of whom work in the HIV/AIDS Clinic.
Since 1998, ten years after the clinic’s founding and with the support of Ryan White CARE funds, people diagnosed as HIV+ or with AIDS have had access to case management resources through social workers in addition to the more traditional forms of health care like medication from our infectious disease physicians, nurse practitioners, and staff.
We will have the story of this group’s incorporation into the HIV/AIDS Clinic and the scope of the care they provide early next week. Today we are proud to briefly introduce each of our eight social workers and are delighted to thank them publicly for their contributions. Happy Centennial!
Sade Creach
Hometown: London, England
Last school attended: University of Iowa
Years in Internal Medicine: 1 year in Dec. 2021
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . Seeing the direct benefits of keeping clients in care while building rapport with them!
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . Relax with candles while having a glass of wine
Daniel Czachura
Hometown: East Moline, Illinois
Last school attended: University of Iowa
Years in Internal Medicine: 2 years
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . helping clients/patients to develop a firmer sense of what is really important to them and build goals around that.
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . running outdoors
Malory Dreasler
Hometown: Marshalltown, Iowa
Last school attended: University of Iowa (School of Social Work MSW program)
Years in Internal Medicine: 4.5
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . The relationships we build with our clients help create trust with the medical system as a whole. Although we focus on HIV care and medication, as our clients feel more comfortable accessing care, they often establish primary/preventative care and improve their overall health as well.
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . Cook! I currently have two small children so my time is limited, but I love to try new recipes and new ingredients.
Viridiana Estudillo Gil
Hometown: Zacatepec, Morelos, Mexico
Last school attended: University of Iowa
Years in Internal Medicine: One
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . assisting patients to stabilize different aspects of their life, therefore they can maintain their health care.
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . working out and watch movies/series
Jennifer Keeler
Hometown: West Branch, Iowa
Last school attended: Mount Mercy College (now Mount Mercy University)
Years in Internal Medicine: 10
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . Our program is unique in the fact that we are able to build long-term relationships with the patients we work with. I have worked with some of my patients for several years, we have been able to work together on some of the hardest days of their lives and to celebrate some of the best days.
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . I’d like to say something like yoga or meditation but the truth is I’m the mom of two very busy teens so self-care can be a challenge. I fully subscribe to the benefits of beach therapy–as often as possible. However, the pandemic has brought with it challenges on being able to travel so I’ve tried to find joy in the smaller comforts of life–flowers, Starbucks, or a good book.
Tricia Kroll
Hometown: Washington, Iowa; grew up in Homewood, Illinois
Last school attended: Washington University (St. Louis)
Years in Internal Medicine: 22 in January ’22 (not sure how many in Int Med vs SPFS)
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . seeing the overall health outcomes of our patients and knowing how vital social work is to helping our patients achieve viral suppression
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . yoga
Angela Speers
Hometown: Durant, Iowa
Last school attended: University of Iowa College of Public Health obtaining a Master’s in Healthcare Administration
Years in Internal Medicine: I started January 5, 2016, so over 5 years
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . One of my roles in this program is helping people obtain and understand insurance. To help people better understand Medicare I have been S.H.I.I.P. trained and certified since 2015. Medicare is very difficult to understand, even for those who are trained. Being able to help patients, and even colleagues, with it gives me great pride to assist people in making the best informed decisions. In 2021, I had the honor of receiving Governor’s Volunteer Award for outstanding commitment and service for my work in S.H.I.I.P. Due to the pandemic the award ceremony was virtual, but next year they will have an in-person ceremony with the Governor and Lt. Governor to accept my award.
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . going to the zoo. My family and I are members of a local zoo, so we make trips every weekend to see the animals and ride the train. It is has also been a great outdoor activity we could continue throughout the pandemic.
Kari Vrban, BSW
Hometown: Pleasantville, Iowa
Last school attended: I am currently in school to earn my Master’s Degree in Social Work at St. Ambrose University (May 2022), but completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at University of Iowa (May 2015)
Years in Internal Medicine: 4.5 years
One thing about my work that makes me feel like what I do matters is . . . when I see patients set goals, no matter how small or large, and we work together to identify and tackle barriers so they can achieve those goals. Sometimes it is as simple as setting a reminder to take medications every day and sometimes it is setting a path to become a U.S. Citizen, but every time I feel that being a part of their life in a small way matters.
One thing I do for myself outside of work that recharges me is . . . I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love cooking, swinging in a hammock, kayaking and camping.
I am so grateful for our team of social workers who do so much to support our patients and meet them where they’re at. I feel so privileged to work with such an amazing group of dedicated people who share the common goal of doing the best we can for our patients.