Dr. Kassebaum has been one of the most impactful mentors in my life because she has a unique ability to deliver direct, insightful feedback, informed by her incredible depth of professional and lived experience, in a way that clearly conveys her compassion and investment in my success. Her advice wasn’t always what I wanted to hear, but it was always what I needed to hear. Her voice still resonates in my head at times when I am facing adversity or trying to identify the right, most values-consistent, move for myself professionally. I made it through some of the toughest parts of my life and found my unique path to success, in large part, because she was there to guide me and support me at some of the most formative parts of my life. She has helped to ensure my success both as a fierce agent for institutional change and as one of the only out gay, polyamorous, Indigenous physicians in the US.

Michael Ioerger, MD, PhD, MPH, CSCS, ACE-FNS

Resident Family & Community Physician, Personal Wellness & Performance Specialist, & Founding Architect of the POWER Skills Lab