Laura Thomas, M.D.

Internal Medicine Residency Program Director
Associate Professor, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program                    Medical Director, Rapid Response and Code Blue
The University of Kansas Health System

I am honored to have assumed the role of Program Director in July of 2025, following eight years of service as the Associate Program Director for Simulation and Curriculum. I earned my medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed my residency in Internal Medicine, chief residency, and fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

My clinical interests include general pulmonology and critical care. In medical education, I am passionate about simulation-based learning, procedural training, board preparation, and the development of clinician educators.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy life in Kansas City with my husband and our three children. We appreciate the city’s affordability, welcoming community, and vibrant array of family-friendly activities.

Marie Brubacher, M.D.

Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program
The University of Kansas Hospital, Quality Improvement/Patient Safety, Global Health

I graduated from Yale School of Medicine working two years in Haiti at a preventive health clinic.  After completing medical school, I trained at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard teaching hospital, in internal medicine and completed a chief year at the Boston VA.  

My primary professional interests are engaging medical students and residents in the joys and challenges of practicing clinical medicine, tackling tough questions, and finding happiness in their professional and personal lives.  I joined KU in 2016 as a primary care physician.  I spend much of my time in the simulation community at KUMC, working with the Ziel Simulation Center designing the nation's first interprofessional longitudinal simulation curriculum for medical students and working on a simulation-based curriculum for internal medicine residents and hospital staff in Code Blue.  I additionally enjoy time developing our Population Health Pathway for internal medicine residents interested in global and community health.

My husband and I live in Prairie Village and are raising our three children here. We are proud to be a part of the University of Kansas Medical Center community that we believe provides excellence in clinical training that is routed in a collaborative and productive spirit!  We love our city, which is home to a friendly community, affordable living, an array of sports teams, cultural attractions and good eating!

Leigh M. Eck, M.D.

Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program
The University of Kansas Hospital, Curriculum

I graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2002, followed by completion of an Internal Medicine residency, a year as Chief Resident, and an endocrinology fellowship, which I completed in 2008. Since then, I’ve been deeply involved in medical education, joining the Internal Medicine residency leadership team as an Associate Program Director in 2008. In 2014, I was honored to become Program Director, a role I held through 2025. Leading our residency program is one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, allowing me to support resident physicians and collaborate with an exceptional education team.

In 2025, I transitioned back into the role of Associate Program Director – supporting Dr. Thomas in leading the program. I also serve as the Division Director for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology and as an Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the School of Medicine—roles that allow me to advocate for learners across the continuum of medical education.

Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my two daughters, staying active through regular exercise, and planning our next family adventure.

Mike Rouse, D.O.

Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program

I graduated from Kansas City University school of Osteopathic Medicine and completed Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Kansas. Following a chief year, I remained at KU to continue interests in medical education, both within the School of Medicine and Internal Medicine residency program.

My professional interests include simulation-based training, debriefing, interprofessional collaboration, point-of-care ultrasound, and IT-integrated quality improvement projects. I also enjoy working on projects to improve systems-based practice.

As part of the Internal Medicine residency program, I am most excited to be part of a culture of collaboration. The program has a growth-mindset and continuously promotes innovation and adaptive strategies to meet the evolving expectations and needs of our graduates. 

Most importantly, it is a privilege to work with our resident physicians who provide outstanding and comprehensive care for very complex patients. It is a privilege to see their personal and professional growth as they develop their clinical identity and become future colleagues.

Stephanie Slimmer, M.D.

Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program

I graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2018. I completed my Internal Medicine residency training at the University of Kansas, which was followed by a chief year in 2021-2022. This sparked my love for medical education and mentoring. I am a practicing hospitalist and have continued to be involved with the residency program as Core Faculty, Co-Director of the Hospital Medicine Pathway for residents interested in a hospitalist job and Director of the Clinician Educator Pathway for residents interested in a career in academic medicine.  I became an Associate Program Director in 2024.  I am ecstatic to be able work with an amazing group of resident physicians, each who bring their own talents and strengths to our team. The culture here at KU will allow you to rise to your highest potential as a physician with challenging clinical cases, never-ending support and mentorship, and being surrounded by amazing colleagues who will be inspiring you along the way.

Outside of the hospital you can find me cheering on the Kansas State Wildcats, trying the multitude of new restaurants KC continuously offers, and staying active in various ways – running, workout classes, and walks with friends.  

Mark Quinn, M.D.

Kansas City VA Medical Center, Site Director; Hospital Medicine

After graduating from medical school at the University of Kansas, I interviewed for residency programs across the country. It quickly became clear that the supportive and collegial atmosphere at KU was exceptional—something to be cherished and sought after. I decided to join the KU team, and I've never looked back. After completing my Internal Medicine Residency at KU, I took on a chief year at the Kansas City VA before transitioning to a private hospitalist role at The University of Kansas Health System and Olathe Medical Center. Although my time in that position was brief, it was an invaluable experience. The following year, I returned to academia as the Residency Site Director for the Kansas City VA.

While in residency, I developed a deep appreciation for the Kansas City Veterans Hospital. It was during my rotations at the VA that I gained the skills needed to become a confident and independent physician. The environment at the VA is distinctive and at times can be challenging, but the opportunity to grow and care for our veterans far outweighs these obstacles. I aspire to provide others with a training experience similar to my own, and create an atmosphere that encourages growth, learning, and success for our trainees.

I have always prioritized teamwork, emphasizing the importance of collegiality and collaboration. In medicine, we often push our limits to care for others, but it's easy to overlook our own well-being and that of our colleagues. I believe that it is essential to support one another as passionately as we care for our patients. KU fosters this spirit of camaraderie, with our leadership, Chief residents, and trainees embodying a sense of togetherness that forms the heartbeat of our program at both KU and the VA.

My wife and I live in Fairway, KS, close to Kansas City Joe’s BBQ, a must-visit for anyone in the area. We have a son and daughter who both joined our family during residency—I can certainly relate to the challenges of parenthood while in training. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, arm wrestling (challenges always welcome), and reading fiction. I’m excited about the time we’ll spend together and the chance to share the highlights of our incredible program with you.

Molly Van Petten, M.D.

Leavenworth VA Medical Center, Site Director

Abby Hyde
Program Manager
ahyde2@kumc.edu

Andrea Cady
Program Coordinator
acady@kumc.edu

Talor Enos
Program Coordinator
tenos@kumc.edu

Alexis Moore
Program Coordinator
amoore38@kumc.edu 

Emily Gochenour
Administrative Assistant
egochenour@kumc.edu