Below are those named to this month’s 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!
NOTE: Because of the recent overwhelming response from you and in order to give each story the attention it deserves, we will limit each month’s Honor Roll to the first 15 submissions received. If you do not see your submission here, it will be featured in a subsequent month’s Honor Roll.
Kim Baker-El Abiad, Clinical Associate Professor
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Anonymous nomination
Dr. Baker is a great, caring and selfless physician. In addition to her knowledge and expertise, she spends countless (and sometimes personal) hours taking care of her patients. You would never know it as she carries about her work in a quiet and humble demeanor. Thank you for all you do.
Ed Melcher, Nurse Practitioner
Cardiovascular Medicine
Nominated by Ashley Evans
Ed has gone above and beyond in taking the time to train not only myself but the other new providers in our or practice. His experience and care for patients shows his commitment to cardiovascular medicine and I am honored to work with him each and every day.
Alicia Kilian, Fourth Year Resident
Internal Medicine-Psychiatry
Nominated by Stuart K. Pitman
Working with Dr. Kilian for several weeks on an inpatient general medicine team, I observed a skilled physician in diagnosis and treatment of disease. However, equally, and perhaps more impressively, was watching Dr. Kilian ensure each patient received ordered tests and treatments, and that all teams caring for each patient communicated with the goal of enhancing patient care. In short, Dr. Kilian was a patient advocate of the highest level.
Kaila Boothroy, Human Resources Director
Internal Medicine
Nominated by Danielle Allen
Kaila has helped work through challenging situations recently. I am grateful for her thoughtful leadership and strong HR knowledge.
Mallory Ruden, Admin Services Coordinator and Chloe Miller, Admin Services Coordinator
Cardiovascular Medicine
Nominated by Paige Graham
How much of a help Mallory and Chloe have been to me as I have stepped into Dr. Horwitz’s admin role in the interim. I know they absorbed a good deal of work outside of their normal duties after Anel’s departure.
Stefano Byer, First Year Resident
Internal Medicine
Anonymous nomination
Stefano is a superb resident—great physician, very empathic and goes that extra mile to take care of his patients. He is also a research superstar and is doing great things to further his academic pursuits. He’s a remarkable asset to our department.
Amy Ollinger, Clinical/HC Research Manager
Cardiovascular Medicine
Anonymous nomination
Amy’s exceptional skills as a research nurse unquestionably merit her a spot on the IM Honor Roll. Her patients express profound gratitude for the compassionate care she extends to each and every one of them. Every day, she diligently contributes to the world-class research for which UIHC is renowned.
Jamie Sams, Clinical/HC Research Associate
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Nominated by Jena Neuhaus
Her personality, ambition, organization and expertise do not go unnoticed! Jamie is new to our group and is always eager and willing to help with any task while performing a stellar job at both the patient level and behind the scenes!
Diana Jalal, Associate Professor
Nephrology and Hypertension
Anonymous nomination
Dr. Diana Jalal, who has been a fantastic mentor, is the key figure in establishing the Division of Nephrology at the University of Iowa as national leaders in HSRD and implementation science research.
Stacy Sueppel, Academic Clinical Program Management Associate
Internal Medicine
Nominated by Abbey Gilpin
Stacy is a very warm, caring and approachable person. She is a quick learner who is always willing to jump in and help with anything. She has been a wonderful addition to our team! Thank you for all that you do, Stacy!
Nicole Strand, Academic Clinical Program Management Associate
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Nominated by Anne Vincent
Nicole is our fellowship coordinator for the Pulmonary Division. Nicole takes pride in her work and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that things are done in a timely manner as well as planning several Fellowship events throughout the year. Nicole has been a huge asset to our division.
Alicia Kilian, Fourth Year Resident
Internal Medicine-Psychiatry
Anonymous nomination
For nearly the entirety of her month on 6RC, Dr. Kilian demonstrated remarkable care for a critically ill patient with liver failure. From connecting with the patient to fiercely advocating for them to receive numerous life-saving interventions, Dr. Kilian is an example for balancing exceptional high-quality medical care with dedication to preserving and fighting for patient dignity. Thank you.
Terri Deetz, Clinic Services Specialist
Infectious Diseases
Nominated by Eliza Rose
Terri is always a helpful & positive team player. I was just speaking to one of our patients & they expressed how kind over the years she has been with them. Terri went so far as to send a sympathy card when a beloved member of this person’s family passed away. Keep up the great work, Terri!
Sara Kraus, Nurse Practitioner
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Anonymous nomination
She is the main provider in the obstructive pulmonary disease clinic cordinating the lung volume reduction via endoscopically vales. She is an excellent clinician, and runs the lung cancers screening program with tremendous success.
Sreedevi Jenigiri, Clinical Instructor
Nephrology and Hypertension
Nominated by Heidi Williams
I wanted to recognize Dr. Jenigiri for her outstanding communication skills, consistent efforts to collaborate and grow her clinic by tackling access issues, and for her strong planning skills. She has gone above and beyond on multiple occasions, and I wanted to recognize her for being an unofficial leader in her division. Thank you!!!

