Kristina Garrels, MD*

Undergraduate – McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Hon. BSc. Applied Chemistry 

Medical School – Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario 

Residency – Urology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario 

Faculty Appointment – Clinical Instructor of Urology 

Role in Fellowship Program – Alumna (2020) 

Brief Description - Dr. Garrels has been practicing Urology since 2001, first in Canada and then for 14 years in the United States. Most recently she has been an Epic superuser and Medical Director of Informatics for Sanford Health, a large, rural, multi-facility health system. She hopes to leverage MetroHealth’s vast expertise in the operational clinical informatics to further develop her skills in quality improvement, change management and healthcare policy. She is awed to be on a team with such a long history of Epic development and optimization, and excited about new initiatives in telehealth and population health. Outside of medicine, she enjoys walks with her adorable Wheaton terrier, designing comic theme birthday cakes, and spending time with her husband and children.

Post-Fellowship Position – Clinical informatics consultant focusing on physician engagement and change management as a strategy to promote operational excellence. Continued patient care with locum urology positions.

Quote – “Two years of clinical informatics fellowship at MetroHealth has left me inspired by the incredible impact the clinical informatics department delivers through resourcefulness and collaboration. I’m reminded of Margaret Meade’s adage ’Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’”

* - Board Certified in Clinical Informatics
** - Board Eligible in Clinical Informatics