We are proud to present the incoming Intern Class of 2021. We wanted to take the opportunity to go a little past the names and faces and learn a couple things about them. We asked them each to tell us a little bit about why they chose Internal Medicine at Iowa for their residency. And, now that they have been here a couple months, what they like about living in Iowa City or working at University of Iowa Health Care. We will introduce them a few at a time each week for the next couple months. Welcome to Iowa! (Read previous weeks’ installments.)
Alex Cuskey, MD
Hometown: Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Medical school: University of Wisconsin
“Why Iowa”: It was important to me to attend a program with a great learning environment that also would set me up for success in my future career. The program itself was a great fit but what sold me on Iowa was the positive energy I felt from the faculty and residents. It seemed like everyone really enjoyed working together and cared about helping each person reach their personal/professional goals. I knew it was a place that I would have support and would enjoy working with my co-residents because of the great established culture.
What I like about Iowa City: I like that Iowa City has many of the same amenities of any large city but is small enough that it is easy to get around. Like other college towns, if offers a lot of great events like concerts, variety of restaurants, shopping, festivals, and college sports. Have loved going to the local breweries and restaurants with my wife along with some of my co-interns. Big Grove, Vue Rooftop, and 30 Hop have been a hit as they have some of the best food and drinks around!
Zak Sharif-Sidi, MD
Hometown: Galesburg, Ilinois
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin
“Why Iowa”: Two big things attracted me to UIHC – 1) the high quality training and friendliness of the staff during my interview, there is a positive culture across the institution and it shows effort has been put into it 2) Iowa City has tons to offer without the hassle of living in a larger city which is perfect during a busy residency training program.
What I like about Iowa City: I like that life outside of work is simple and there is easy access to many different things that I enjoy such as biking on trails, playing pick-up soccer, gardening, going to the gym, eating out, etc. Plus, I have a house in Iowa City which makes hosting friends and family a lot easier during residency.
Cory Wilson, MD, PhD
Hometown: Little Elm, Texas
Medical school: University of Texas at Houston
“Why Iowa”: I was really attracted to Iowa by the amount of research and clinical training available. I really enjoyed talking with the current residents and faculty during my interviews. The environment was very welcoming.
What I like about Iowa City: I grew up in a small town and really loved the idea of raising my family in a community like Iowa City. One of my favorite things to do is explore the 50+ parks with my kids followed by fresh cider and BBQ at Wilson’s Orchard.
Tong Yu, MD
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: I really admire the people in the IM Department here–they are hardworking, compassionate, and supportive. Even as a medical student, they always treated me like a part of the team, and there was a strong sense of community among the residents. The senior residents were amazing, and I think their skills are a direct reflection of how excellent the training here is. I also wanted to stay in Iowa City and remain close to my family.
What I like about Iowa City: I like the trails and parks in Iowa City, especially the trail along Hancher and the river leading to City Park! I also like how Iowa City has a variety of restaurants, and my favorites are Oyama Sushi, Soseki Cafe, and Seoul Grill.