The Department of Internal Medicine is pleased to introduce some of the newest members who joined us in January and February 2024 (start dates in parentheses). We are happy to welcome them to the department.
Erin Christakos, MMS, PA-C (1/31/24)
Erin Christakos joined the Gastroenterology and Hepatology division as a Physician Assistant, where she will see patients at UI Health Care Downtown. She received her MMS from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. Erin likes to spend time with her husband and three children when not at work.
Daniel Handler, DNP, ARNP (1/8/24)
Dr. Daniel Handler joined the Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine division as a Nurse Practitioner, where he will care for patients in the MICU. He received an MSN, as well as a DNP from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland and completed a Critical Care Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He likes to play pickleball when not at work.
Michelle Krantz, ARNP, FNP-C (2/19/24)
Dr. Michelle Krantz joined the General Medicine division as a Nurse Practitioner, where she will see patients in the Anemia Clinic. She received her DNP from the University of Iowa College of Nursing. She has worked at University of Iowa Health Care for the past 11 years and is transitioning to her new role as an ARNP. In her free time, she likes to craft, especially with her nieces, and spend time with her family. She also enjoys international travel.
Kartik Mani, MBBS – Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Kartik Mani joins the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine from St. Louis, where he led the CTO-CHIP program at the VA and was a faculty member at Washington University. Dr. Mani received his MBBS from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi India, followed by a General Surgery residency there. He also completed Cardiovascular and Interventional Fellowships at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. Dr. Mani’s new roles include Chief of Cardiology at the Iowa City VA, and faculty member in UI Health Care, where he will help develop the CTO component of the high-risk coronary program in the UI and VA cath labs. His research interests include protein biology and the role of biomolecular condensates in homeostasis and cardiomyopathy. In his free time, Dr. Mani enjoys photography, 80s music, and writing on his blog.
Jennifer McGee, FNP-C (2/19/24)
Jennifer McGee joined the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology as a Nurse Practitioner, where she will see patients in the General GI Clinics. She received an MNHP from the University of Iowa College of Nursing, as well as an MSN from Allen College in Waterloo. Previous Nurse Practitioner experience includes Urgent and Quick Care clinics here at our UI Community Clinics. She has been an RN for 18 years and has had her most recent nursing experience in Labor & Delivery/NICU/Mother Baby here. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, diamond dotting, golfing, and spending time with family. She has 5 children ranging from age 6 to 26 years old, 3 yorkies, and 2 cats. Oh, and 1 husband! Never a dull (or quiet) moment in her house. She loves a challenge and is ecstatic to be joining our team.
Joan Sieren, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C (1/2/24)
Joan Sieren joined the Division of General Internal Medicine as a Nurse Practitioner, where she will see patients in the Pre-surgical Evaluation Clinic. She received an MSN from Western Governor’s University in Holladay, Utah, as well as a Post-Master’s Certificate-Family Nurse Practitioner from Allen College in Waterloo. In her spare time, she enjoys running, biking, reading, family time, and riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle. She also works as a Medicolegal Death Investigator for the Washington/Louisa Co. Medical Examiner’s Office, and is an EMS provider for the Wellman Volunteer Ambulance.
Katie Steichen, ARNP (1/8/24)
Dr. Katie Steichen joined the Division of the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation as a Nurse Practitioner, where she will care for oncology patients on the Hospitalist Service. She received a BSN from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, as well as a DNP from the University of Iowa College of Nursing. When not at work, she enjoys spending time outside with her two huskies and her daughter.
Colleen Stein, PhD – Research Assistant Professor (1/1/24)
Dr. Colleen Stein was recently appointed to the rank of research assistant professor within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, from her position as an assistant research scientist in Dr. Ryan Boudreau’s lab. Dr. Stein earned her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada. Her research interests are focused on interrogating mitochondrial functions, and applying viral vector strategies to manipulate miRNA or microprotein levels to better understand molecular pathways contributing to heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Her hobbies include cooking, reading whodunit mysteries, and sudoku.
Elizabeth Whitaker, ARNP (1/31/24)
Elizabeth Whitaker joined the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine as a Nurse Practitioner, where she will see patients at UI Health Care Downtown. She received her ACNPC-AG from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In her spare time, Elizabeth likes to spend time with her husband and kids and watch new movies.