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.)
Solanus de la Serna, MD
Hometown: Bowling Green, Ohio
Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Residents, faculty, and program leaders who are all incredibly friendly, supportive, and eager to teach us how to advance our clinical and academic skills.
What I like about life in Iowa City: The convenience of getting around is unbeatable, everything is close by and makes for easy living with a busy schedule. But there’s also lots to do around the city with parks, Lake MacBride, breweries, golfing, and planned city events/activities like farmer’s markets. Also can’t wait for the atmosphere of college football season, even though I’m a Wolverine at heart…Go Blue!
Chad “Cy” Lewis, MD, MPH
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Medical school: Dartmouth College (Geisel School of Medicine)
“Why Iowa”: Iowa is filled with amazing, accomplished people who prioritize friendliness, respect, and support for their residents. As a preliminary intern who will ultimately be going into ophthalmology, I also appreciate that our intern year has been specifically tailored to provide us with the most relevant IM rotations to help prepare us for our transition into our chosen specialties as PGY-2s.
What I like about life in Iowa City: I love the fact that I can own a house in a nice, quiet neighborhood that’s only a few minutes away from the hospital, have plenty of local food and entertainment options on any given day, and have a really easy way of life on a resident’s salary here.
Sarah Little, MD
Hometown: Locust, North Carolina
Medical school: West Virginia University
“Why Iowa”: UIHC has amazing opportunities from an educational standpoint. When I interviewed, it felt like there was also a great sense of support and community. I feel like I’m getting to train with incredibly talented people in a very supportive environment.
What I like about life in Iowa City: I love all the parks in the area. I’m still exploring, but there are so many nice places to take my dog, Jellybean, for walks. I really like walking along the river at City Park!
Alex Paschke, MD
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Medical School: Western Michigan University School of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Culture that is simultaneously supportive, achieving, humble, and genuine. Longitudinal subspecialty clinics. And of course the free food at every noon conference.
What I like about life in Iowa City: Iowa City has a surprisingly deep artistic history and is one a few cities designated as a UNESCO City of Literature. You’ll find people who are active, kind, curious, and creative from all walks of life. There are great childrens’ museums and activities for those with new or growing families, and someday I might even get to see my Badgers win in Kinnick.
Joanna Silverman, MD
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: I had first-hand experience with the welcoming, team-based culture and phenomenal teachers as a medical student at Iowa. This hospital is home to some of my biggest role models and those who helped cultivate my skills and passion as student doctor — why would I go anywhere else for residency?!
What I like about life in Iowa City: Easy access to nature (i.e. Squire Point, Lake McBride, Terry Trueblood)