Faculty Focus: Colleen Stockdale, MD, MS

What is your hometown? 

Port Angeles, Washington (a long time ago); currently North Liberty, Iowa

How/when did you become interested in science and/or medicine?

I have always been interested in science and health care. My first health care job was an orderly. My health care career (job titles) include: orderly, nursing assistant, student nurse, graduate nurse, registered nurse, certified emergency nurse, physician, obstetrician & gynecologist.

When did you join the University of Iowa faculty?

June 2002

How or why did you choose to join the faculty at the University of Iowa?

I discovered the University of Iowa as a Resident in Obstetrics & Gynecology. What a great place to live and work! I moved back to Washington state after residency for family (my mom) and realized Iowa was my home. After my mom passed, I came home…. to Iowa.

Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?

I have many mentors who have shaped me – starting with my patients, support staff, colleagues, and many more. Thanks all for putting up with me!

How do you see your faculty role impacting medicine and/or science?

Legacy. Together with my patients, we are training our future providers.

What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?

Information technology. The amount of knowledge and information rapidly accessible is truly amazing.

What one piece of advice would you give to today's students?

Remember where you came from. Your role as a provider is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility.

In what ways are you engaged in professional activities outside the University (i.e. population-based research, mentoring high school students, sharing your leadership/ expertise with organizations or causes, speaking engagement off campus, etc.)?

My “hobbies” include leadership roles with organizations that educate and improve practice, as well as ensuring competency and standard setting; currently including: ASCCP (formerly American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology), International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Board of Medical Examiners (USMLE). In short, I educate.

What are some of your outside (personal) interests?

Above……

Also, I was blessed to marry a wonderful man from Iowa with two daughters.

Learn more about Colleen Stockdale, MD, MS.