Below are those named to the January 2024 Internal Medicine Honor Roll—an employee recognition program where team members (providers, staff, etc.) can recognize other team members who are doing great things.
We are pleased to recognize their contributions! Nominate someone today!
Justin Buzick, Chief Fellow
Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation
Nominated by first- and second-year Hematology and Medical Oncology fellows
Dr Buzick is an able leader for the fellows who is ever welcoming and supporting. Ever since he assumed the role of our chief, he has spent countless hours patiently listening to our issues and requests and making sure these are dealt with in a timely manner. His contribution to ensuring that the fellows’ didactics run smoothly is indispensable and highly appreciated. The fact that he is able to commit himself to leading our division’s fellows so efficiently, in addition to being an excellent clinician to his patients speaks to his unusual talent and abilities as an individual. We are grateful for him.
Kathie Zhang, Chief Resident
Internal Medicine
Anonymous nomination
Kathie is an exemplary example of what a general internist should be. She is always willing to help, is excited about teaching, and passionate about her patients.
Jana Ringle, Fellowship Coordinator
Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation
Anonymous nomination
She goes above and beyond when we go to her for anything. She is like a guardian for fellows. She is always there for us. She is the best program coordinator.
Muhammad Furqan, Clinical Associate Professor
Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation
Anonymous nomination
Dr. Furqan is a great teacher. He goes above and beyond to teach, starting from basics to complex things. Most important he cares about the patient, listens to them calmly. He is an example of a great clinician and an excellent teacher.
Allyson Wolcott, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation
Anonymous nomination
Allyson is such an important member of our multiple myeloma team because of her clinical skills, her compassion, and her diligence in caring for our patients. And so it’s no surprise that our patients LOVE her! Thanks, Allyson, for everything you do!
Michael Klein, Clinical Assistant Professor
General Internal Medicine
Nominated by David Katz
Dr. Klein has selflessly offered to see patients who were stranded without a primary care physician or whom no one else was able to see at IRL-IM.
Sadaf Akbari, Postdoctoral Scholar
Nephrology and Hypertension
Anonymous nomination
Dr. Akbari is a post-doctoral scholar that has been studying cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD. She presented her findings that 2/3rds of those with CKD in the US do not meet their goal blood pressure at the Kidney Week meeting in November and she was interviewed by Healio.com. [link]
Maggie Freese, Genetic Counselor
Nephrology and Hypertension
Nominated by Melissa Swee
Maggie recently presented at a national forum and was able to showcase her talent in clearly and engagingly conveying intricate genetic ideas. She was able to captivate and enlighten her audience, demonstrating both depth and enthusiasm in her subject matter.
Diana Jalal, Associate Professor
Nephrology and Hypertension
Nominated by Melissa Swee
Dr. Diana Jalal’s nomination is inspired by her exceptional mentorship to younger faculty members and trainees. Her responsiveness and ability to offer profound insights stand out, greatly enhancing the professional growth and development of those she mentors.
Lisa Novak, Office Coordinator
Nephrology and Hypertension
Anonymous nomination
Lisa has been covering the entire division of Nephrology on her own for a while now, which includes supporting over 20 Doctors/PAs/Fellows/Residents, but she is still always ready to help me when needed.
Kristin Goedken, Associate Clinical Department Administrator
Administration
Nominated by Jennifer Reed
Kristin has been a phenomenal representative of the Department of Internal Medicine while liaising between Mercy faculty, our department, and University of Iowa Physicians. Mercy faculty have complimented her helpfulness and quick responses. She is professional and resilient while pioneering this new chapter for University of Iowa Health Care.
Brittany Bettendorf, Clinical Associate Professor
Immunology
Anonymous nomination
Coordinating Rheumatology Free Medical Clinic
Eileen Fürstenberg, Human Resources Specialist
Administration
Nominated by Jackie Kersten
Eileen and I have been working closely on several faculty recruitments. I appreciate her help answering numerous questions, reviewing letters and making sure that a new faculty member is credentialed ASAP. Her work with faculty recruitment is so important to every division!
Jennifer Franzwa, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Cardiovascular Medicine
Nominated by Kathleen Detert
Jennifer goes out of her way to assist her patients in every way that she can. She’s an outstanding clinician who deserves this honor.
Julie S. Jacobs, Research Specialist
Cardiovascular Medicine
Nominated by Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
As a researcher, you need someone in the lab to make your job easier; i.e., Julie S Jacobs, our Lab Research Specialist.
Kathie Zhang, Chief Resident
Internal Medicine
Anonymous nomination
This year Kathie has been a continuous source of support and admiration for her residents. She’s not only a dedicated CRQS chief but also dedicated a significant amount of her time to staffing outpatient clinic, free medical clinic, and helping interns and residents navigate the VA system. She is a humble and strong leader who deserves more recognition for her achievements.
Taryn Owens, Administrative Services Specialist
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Nominated by Mohamad Mokadem
Takes pride in her work and is very organized and helpful in managing details of many staff in the GI division.
Natalie Ross, Second Year Resident
Internal Medicine
Anonymous nomination
She has been a great senior resident on my 6RC internal medicine rotation.
Kim Tolsdorf, Administrative Services Specialist
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Anonymous nomination
Kim joined endocrine at the time when the office manager, office assistant AND fellowship coordinator left. So—while totally new to her position—had to cover all 3 positions, and she did it tirelessly. Very often she would be communicating and checking/sending emails at 10 pm or later without complaints.
Kristin Goedken, Associate Clinical Department Administrator
Administration
Nominated by Danielle Allen
Kristin was my workflow delegate and administrative backup while I was out for several weeks. I really appreciate her help during a very busy time for her.
Aaron Knaack, Financial Analyst
Infectious Diseases and Immunology
Nominated by Danielle Allen
Aaron took on several activities, in addition to his work, while I was out of the office for several weeks. I greatly appreciate his help!
Amy McDonald, Senior Business Analyst
Administration
Nominated by Kaila Boothroy
Amy always finds time to help with questions. She has great ideas and insights for how to navigate the wide variety of questions that come our way. Thank you, Amy! I really appreciate your willingness to help.
Thank you to our nominators. Your nomination helps us recognize the hard work and dedication of our outstanding team members and promote a culture of appreciation within our organization. Nominate someone today.