The Department of Internal Medicine is pleased to introduce some of the department’s newest members, most of whom joined us between July and September 2025 (start dates in parentheses). The group below have joined the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation; new providers in other divisions will be announced in the coming weeks. We are happy to welcome them to the department.

MaryMargaret Chappell, PA-C (1/6/25)

MaryMargaret Chappell earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. She brings a compassionate approach and clinical expertise to oncology and transplant care. Outside of her clinical role, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and walking her two Bernese mountain dogs, Ned and Malibu. She also likes spending family time with her husband, a medical student here, and their baby.

Christina Cho, PhD – Assistant Professor (9/1/25)

Dr. Christina Cho earned her PhD in Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology from Albany Medical College. She completed postdoctoral fellowships in Cancer Immunobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Cho brings a research-intensive focus to cancer biology and immunotherapy. Her work dissects the tumor microenvironment to uncover the molecular drivers of immune evasion and disease progression. Outside of the Lab, Dr. Cho enjoys spending time with her family, and is passionate about wellness. She is a certified yoga instructor and a dedicated practitioner of mindfulness, good eating, and the joy of doing nothing. She is also active in science communication and community outreach, making complex science more accessible to help build a healthier, more informed society.

Gustavo Colagiovanni Girotto, MD – Clinical Professor (9/4/25)

Dr. Gustavo Colagiovanni Girotto joins the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation as Clinical Professor of Medical Oncology and Leader of the Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) Program. He earned his MD from UNIFESO in Teresópolis, Brazil, completed an internal medicine residency at Sociedade Beneficente de Campo Grande, and a fellowship in clinical oncology at Associação de Combate ao Câncer in Goiás. Prior to Iowa, Dr. Girotto served as Professor at FUNFARME in São José do Rio Preto, where he mentored more than 30 residents, introduced curriculum innovations, developed early- and late-phase clinical research programs, and contributed to Brazilian and global oncology steering committees. His clinical and research interests include gastrointestinal and women’s cancer, with emphasis on biomarker-driven and early-phase trials, rational therapeutic combinations, and expanding access to precision oncology through investigator-initiated studies and international collaborations. Outside of work, Dr. Girotto enjoys watching sports, playing tennis, and spending time with his wife, Kamylla, their daughter, Isabela, and close friends. He is delighted to join the Iowa community and looks forward to contributing to patient care, research, and collaboration across the cancer center.

Anna Hernstrom, PA-C (4/28/25)

Anna Hernstrom received her MPAS from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. She brings a patient-centered focus and dedication to multidisciplinary cancer care.

Greg Kirkpatrick, MD, PhD – Instructor (7/1/25)

Dr. Greg Kirkpatrick earned his MD and PhD in Cancer Biology from the University of Colorado in Aurora. He completed his internal medicine residency and a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of Iowa. Dr. Kirkpatrick’s clinical interests focus on malignant hematology, and his research interests examine novel nanoparticle approaches for in-situ immunization of cancer. Outside of his research and clinical work, Dr. Kirkpatrick enjoys spending time with his dog, golf, soccer, and trivia.

Rogério Pastore Bassitt, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor (5/30/25)

Dr. Rogério Pastore Bassitt joined the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Pastore Bassitt received his MD from the University of São Paulo Medical Faculty in Brazil. He then completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Hematology Fellowship there. His clinical and research interests focus on thrombotic and hemostatic disorders. ​When not at work, he enjoys music and cycling.

Mariana Pilon Capella, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor (8/11/25)

Dr. Mariana Pilon Capella earned her MD from the University of Taubaté in Brazil. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Hospital Beneficencia Portuguesa and in Medical Oncology at IBCC, both in São Paulo. She later pursued a Clinical Research Oncology Fellowship at McGill University in Montreal. Dr. Pilon Capella brings international training and a research-driven approach to oncology care, with a particular focus on breast cancer. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exploring local restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Maria Siddiqui, MBBS – Clinical Assistant Professor (7/1/25)

Dr. Maria Siddiqui earned her MBBS from Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, University of Karachi in Pakistan. She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, followed by a leukemia fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center and a hematology/oncology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Siddiqui brings expertise in hematologic malignancies and compassionate patient care.