Lauren Banaszak, MD

Bridges Family Endowed Chief Resident

What is your primary professional focus in any or all of our mission areas?
As chief resident, I hope to develop my clinical teaching skills and serve as an educator for our residents and medical students. I also hope to augment our residency research and evidence-based medicine curriculums while also working on my own research project pertaining to the role of molecular genetic sequencing in the clinical care of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

What drew you to UW-Madison and the Department of Medicine?
I completed my undergraduate education at UW-Madison, but left to complete medical school at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. The camaraderie among the residents, rigorous educational curriculum, and supportive faculty were a few reasons I wanted to come back. Madison is also an amazing place to live!

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
I am most looking forward to interacting with our residents in conference, in workshops, and on the wards. Our residents are hard-working, passionate about clinical care and teaching, and extremely supportive of one another. It is such a privilege to work with them!

What do you enjoy when you're not working?
I like to stay active and enjoy hiking, barre pilates, yoga, and Les Mills exercise classes. I also like cooking and have two shelves in my bookcase devoted to cookbooks and the three cooking magazines that I subscribe to. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I also enjoyed exploring the vibrant bar and restaurant scene in Madison. Dotty Dumpling's Dowry is a favorite!

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
Do not be afraid to say "no" to projects or commitments that you are not passionate about or do not bring your professional or personal fulfillment.