Member of the Week: Dr. Marlana Li

Practice: I am a faculty physician in the U of U’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, and am co-director of the Family Medicine Clerkship of the Spencer Eccles Fox SOM. I spend almost half of my time teaching Med students and residency; let me know if you’d like to join our amazing group of preceptors!

A bit about Dr. Li: I was born and raised in Utah, attended the University of Utah, then went to medical school at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. I did my residency at St. Anthony’s in the Denver area. I worked at a private practice in Colorado Springs before changing to an academic career at the University of Utah (I guess I’m like a homing pigeon). I’m married to my best friend, who is a financial planner and teacher, and I have 2 stepsons, 14 and 12 years old. I have a dog named Oreo, whom we love to hike in Millcreek canyon. I love ice skating, biking, and trying new foods. I also enjoy traveling, and one of my “bucket list” items is to visit all of the National Parks.

What keeps you passionate about family medicine? The long-term relationships I’ve developed with patients, and getting to teach (and be taught by) my students. The healthcare system has a lot that needs fixing, but the human body is fascinating, and it’s a privilege to be a healer.

What do you wish you’d known when graduating from med school? I wished I would’ve known more about the business side of medicine, and how to better address health disparities.

Where will we find you on your day off? Outside in nature (weather permitting)

What are you…
reading right now: Rising Strong by Brene Brown