Hard work on shared passions is one of the quickest ways to form deep and long-lasting bonds. This idea was affirmed this week as the Division of Immunology celebrated its graduating fellows. Guests were created upon arrival at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area Lodge with stations honoring each of the fellows. Photographs and name placards stood next to scrolls on which colleagues could sign their congratulations. The scrolls were filled quickly with messages and memories.

After an introduction from Division Director Dr. Scott Vogelgesang and a meal, an impressive and touching video featured interviews of each fellow in which they offered lessons learned and gratitude to their mentors and colleagues, interspersed with a variety of photographs of them and their successes from over the years.

Rheumatology Fellowship Director Dr. Rebecca Tuetken then introduced Dr. Bibi Ayesha and Dr. Taylor Doberstein. Dr. Tuetken not only offered words of praise and encouragement for the years ahead but copies of The Singing Detective, which she said should offer a good source of relaxation while still connecting to rheumatology.

Dr. Tuetken shared introductions of Dr. Bharat Kumar, who is the division’s second graduate of their new dual-certification track, with Allergy/Immunology Fellowship Director Dr. Mary Beth Fasano. Both Dr. Tuetken and Dr. Fasano praised Dr. Kumar’s skills as well as his decision to remain at the University of Iowa as a faculty member. Finally, Dr. Fasano introduced Dr. Joel Van De Graaff and expressed how grateful she and the division have been to work with him and get to know him.

Each of the fellows expressed their own gratitude for the instruction, the experience, and the connections to Iowa that they will maintain wherever they head next. Congratulations, graduates, and congratulations to the fellowship leadership and staff on maintaining such a remarkable pair of programs!

Dr. Bibi Ayesha
Dr. Taylor Doberstein
Dr. Bharat Kumar
Dr. Joel Van De Graaff