Dr. Pothoven was born and raised in Belmond, IA. She was excited to return to Iowa after completing her residency training in Michigan to begin her practice and raise her family. She was drawn to urology by the wide spectrum of urologic conditions and balance between clinical and surgical medicine. She recognizes that each patient is unique and enjoys helping patients to understand their diagnoses and individualizing their care.

Dr. Pothoven received her medical degree from Des Moines University in 2001 and completed her residency training at Michigan State University, POH Regional Medical Center in 2007. Dr. Pothoven has practiced in Des Moines since 2007. She is board-certified in urology. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Des Moines University and has enjoyed educating the medical students and physician assistant students about urologic disease since 2009.

When not in clinic or surgery, Dr. Pothoven enjoys running, playing music, and spending time with her husband and 2 children.