Meet the Chiefs
Rachel Anderson, MD
My passion for internal medicine ignited during Morning Report in my third year of medical school. Watching the Chief Residents expertly guide a diverse group of learners, from first-time medical students to seasoned third-year residents preparing for fellowships, was truly inspiring. The process of clinical reasoning, from initial workup to final diagnosis, captivated me. To advance my own skills, I immersed myself in podcasts and diagnostic dilemma cases. I find great joy in discussing clinical cases and challenging my own thinking, and I look forward to a career in medical education where I can share this passion with others while continuing to learn and grow in the field of medicine.
The University of Iowa was the last program I interviewed at for residency, and it immediately felt like home. During my interview, Dr. Andy Bryant spoke passionately about resident education and shared his favorite spots to walk his dogs. Dr. Manish Suneja’s warmth and genuine interest during our virtual interview made me feel welcomed and valued. These interactions have only grown more meaningful throughout my residency.
Growing up in Northern Minnesota, I am one of the few who can claim that Iowa’s weather is significantly warmer than what I was used to. However, it is the people who truly make this program special. The incredible support, care, and clinical training I’ve experienced over the past three years have been invaluable. Serving as Chief Resident is an honor, allowing me to continue fostering the culture of excellence and support that defines our program.
Outside of work, you can find me hiking or running with my dog, Nala, or exploring local restaurants in search of the best fries in Iowa City. After my Chief year, I plan to pursue a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine and a career as a clinician educator.
Marie Finkbeiner, MD
I remember coming to Iowa City for the first time a few days before my intern orientation started. It was humid and overcast, very different than the dry heat of the Idaho summers I had grown up with.
The transition to a new place felt all too familiar. I had spent the last 2 years moving every 4 to 6 weeks for rotations in medical school at the University of Washington, a practice we lovingly described as “safari-ing.” Through this, I had the opportunity to see healthcare through many difference lenses—emergency medicine in Anchorage to rural full spectrum family medicine in Eastern Washington. But coming to Iowa felt different, like I was finally settling down.
Going through medical school, I had imagined what interviewing for residency would look like. I pictured myself in a nice suit, traveling around the country, touring hospitals and shaking hands with program directors as I nervously tried to find a program where I belonged. The world had other plans and instead I found myself sitting in front of my computer trying to connect (literally and metaphorically) with people across the country.
Part of why I wanted to be a Chief Resident was because of my interaction with people from this program on that interview day. The warmth, kindness, and genuineness of their character created an environment I felt safe to grow into the physician I wanted to become. Throughout my 3 years training here, this has held steadfast. Whether it be on the wards or in didactics, I’ve always been met with a nurturing hand to guide me in my growth as a person and doctor.
Over the three years I trained here, I have seen firsthand how the program bends and molds to best suit the needs and wants of the residents that occupy it. My goal as recruitment chief is to help create an environment where residents and the program can grow together, opening up an inviting space for new physicians who will join our family in the coming recruitment year. I intend to accomplish this by promoting transparency within the residency, actively listening to resident ideas and concerns and being open to creative solutions—all starting in September 2024, because before I welcome a new class of interns, I get to welcome a new baby.
The transition to a new place felt all too familiar. I had spent the last 2 years moving every 4 to 6 weeks for rotations in medical school at the University of Washington, a practice we lovingly described as “safari-ing.” Through this, I had the opportunity to see healthcare through many difference lenses—emergency medicine in Anchorage to rural full spectrum family medicine in Eastern Washington. But coming to Iowa felt different, like I was finally settling down.
Going through medical school, I had imagined what interviewing for residency would look like. I pictured myself in a nice suit, traveling around the country, touring hospitals and shaking hands with program directors as I nervously tried to find a program where I belonged. The world had other plans and instead I found myself sitting in front of my computer trying to connect (literally and metaphorically) with people across the country.
Part of why I wanted to be a Chief Resident was because of my interaction with people from this program on that interview day. The warmth, kindness, and genuineness of their character created an environment I felt safe to grow into the physician I wanted to become. Throughout my 3 years training here, this has held steadfast. Whether it be on the wards or in didactics, I’ve always been met with a nurturing hand to guide me in my growth as a person and doctor.
Over the three years I trained here, I have seen firsthand how the program bends and molds to best suit the needs and wants of the residents that occupy it. My goal as recruitment chief is to help create an environment where residents and the program can grow together, opening up an inviting space for new physicians who will join our family in the coming recruitment year. I intend to accomplish this by promoting transparency within the residency, actively listening to resident ideas and concerns and being open to creative solutions—all starting in September 2024, because before I welcome a new class of interns, I get to welcome a new baby.
Luke Morrey, MD
Growing up in Rochester, MN, a community renowned for its medical excellence, instilled in me a profound respect for the field of medicine. I pursued my undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Saint John’s University in central Minnesota, where my fascination with the complexity of human physiology grew stronger, guiding me toward a career in medicine.
My decision to specialize in internal medicine was solidified during my clerkship rotation at the University of Minnesota Medical School. It was there that I encountered many inspirational chief residents whose clinical skills and dedication to teaching left a mark on me. I was drawn to the University of Iowa during the first-ever round of virtual interviews for residents. I knew the program’s culture was the perfect fit for me.
During my residency at the University of Iowa, I have been fortunate to see many outstanding previous chief residents who have continually demonstrated the importance of enhancing the educational mission of our program. Their mentorship and leadership has prepared me for this role. As Chief Resident, I am committed to continuing our new simulation curriculum, which provides residents with hands-on, practical experience in a controlled environment. Additionally, I plan to further develop our didactic curriculum that emphasizes clinical reasoning, equipping residents with the critical thinking skills necessary for effective patient care. Looking ahead, I am excited about pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care, with a long-term goal of a career in academic medicine.
Outside of my professional life, I am dedicated to training as an amateur competitive power lifter, a pursuit that teaches me discipline, resilience, and smart goal-setting. I don’t do any cardio, but I chase my two-year-old around the park too, so I think that counts. He is a constant source of joy and motivation. Balancing my personal and professional responsibilities has enriched my life and provided me with a well-rounded perspective that I bring to my role as Chief Resident. I look forward to leading our excellent internal medicine residents.
Lauren Zabel, MD
I’ve lived in the Midwest my whole life, but that wasn’t necessarily the plan. I grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and attended medical school at the University of Kansas in Kansas City. When it came time to apply for residency, I was set on leaving the Midwest. I was encouraged by mentors to apply to Iowa, but it wasn’t on my radar until interview day. After my interview I remember closing my laptop and thinking “this is my program,” and It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
These past three years of residency have challenged me academically, professionally, and personally, but they’ve also been the best three years of my adult life. I’ve had the fortune of training in a program surrounded by leadership, staff, and colleagues that have supported me from day one and treated me like family. I’ve formed some of the best and closest friendships that I know will be lifelong. I’ve been a part of countless shenanigans with my “Y-week crew” (co-residents on the same clinic rotation schedule) including laser tag, ice skating, pumpkin carving, hatchet throwing, chicken catching, and much more.
I applied to be Chief Resident because I wanted to be a part of a program that has done so much for me. During my year as Chief Resident in Quality and Safety (CRQS), I want to promote resident involvement and education in quality improvement and patient safety, so residents will be better prepared to face these issues as a graduate. I also hope to promote our growing palliative care and Distinction in Health Equity (DIHE) education curricula. At the end of my chief year, I plan to complete additional training in palliative care fellowship.
