Education

• Medical Degree: University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
• Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, Wis.

Certification

• American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Special Interests

• Adolescent medicine
• High-risk obstetrics
• Vulvular and vaginal disease
• Minimally invasive surgery
• In-office procedures
• Problem-solving gynecologic concerns.

I didn’t grow up wanting to be a physician, but I certainly had an interest in the birthing process at an early age. Growing up on a farm, I was always eager to help Dad in the barn at lambing time. As early as 5, I was helping bring new wooly lives into the world. I was also a constant companion to the vet when he paid a visit, eager to learn about anatomy and diseases.

Later my interest in biology and chemistry at Iowa State University led me to medical school at the University of Iowa, where I quickly realized how much I felt drawn to women’s care, childbirth and surgery. My tour of the Midwest during my training next led me to residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where in addition to many late nights delivering babies, I gained a new appreciation for beer and cheese, Lake Michigan, and summers chock full of festivals.

I can’t think of a better way to grow up than on a farm in southwest Iowa, but as a young adult I turned into a city girl pretty quickly. Moving to Minneapolis after residency was a perfect fit for me. I live in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, and look forward to dinners out in the neighborhood, weekend mornings at the farmers market, walks and dog park trips with my Great Dane, and just hanging out with a good book by the fire. If I’m not out and about in my neighborhood, it might be because I’m home cooking a new recipe to try out on the girls’ Supper Club, off SCUBA diving or wandering around the North Shore.

Over the past 14 years here in the northwest suburbs, I have enjoyed getting to know my patients better each year — catching up on their kids’ activities, the last summer vacation, and what new adventure is next in their lives. I love being able to care for women at all stages in their lives, but my main areas of interest include adolescent medicine, high risk obstetrics, vulvar and vaginal diseases, minimally invasive surgery and office procedures.

Practice Website: www.oakdaleobgyn.com