About
Dr. Rachael Dirksen grew up in rural Charlotte, Iowa, and earned her undergraduate degree with honors from Loras College in Dubuque. She double-majored in Biochemistry and English Literature. Before medical school, she spent a year in Madison, Wisconsin as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Her memberships in Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society reflect both her academic achievement and commitment to patient-centered care.
She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2012, where her training emphasized primary care. After residency, she served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, teaching medical students and residents while caring for outpatient clinic patients. She holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and belongs to the American College of Physicians. She is an LGBTQ affirming provider. Her clinical interests include cardiovascular disease prevention, weight management, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep, and mental health. She lives in Iowa with her spouse and two children and enjoys exercise, baking, and reading.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa – majors in Biochemistry and English Literature (graduated with honors)
Medical School
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (completed 2012)
Additional Training
AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, Madison, WI (one year prior to medical school); Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Iowa (post-residency)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Dirksen right for?
Dr. Dirksen is a strong fit for adults managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease. Patients who value a long-term relationship with one physician benefit from her approach. She is an LGBTQ affirming provider who welcomes patients from all backgrounds. Adults seeking support around weight management, mood concerns, or sleep also find a knowledgeable partner in Dr. Dirksen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Dirksen treats a broad range of adult chronic and acute conditions. Her focus areas include hypertension, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. She also manages acute illnesses and coordinates care with specialists when needed.
Yes. Dr. Dirksen holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. She also belongs to the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Dirksen earned her medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2012, with a training emphasis on primary care.
Yes. After residency, Dr. Dirksen served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa. She taught medical students and residents while also providing outpatient patient care.
Yes. Dr. Dirksen is an LGBTQ affirming provider. She welcomes patients from all walks of life and creates a respectful, inclusive environment for every patient.
Dr. Dirksen takes a thorough, individualized approach. She reviews each patient's full medical history, communicates test results directly, and builds a care plan together with the patient. Her smaller panel allows her meaningful time with each person at every visit.
Dr. Dirksen makes herself directly accessible by phone, text, and email. This direct line of communication is a core part of how she cares for her patients at Remedy Internal Medicine.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026