We are proud to present the incoming Intern Class of 2022. 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 about why they chose Internal Medicine at Iowa for their residency. And, now that they have been here a month or so, 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!
Lakshmi Guduguntla, MD
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: I was here in Iowa City in high school for one summer where I did Drosophila research here with Dr. Wu. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun exploring the city. I remembered everyone being so kind and friendly. Iowa City has always been special to me since that experience.
What I like about Iowa City: Iowa City really just feels familiar and comfortable, reminds me of Ann Arbor. The people here are nice, the nature is beautiful and, of course, I’m excited to be in a Big Ten University city. I am looking forward to the football season.
Matthew Hunt, MD
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Medical school: Washington University, Saint Louis
“Why Iowa”: Top clinical training with high surgical volume and excellent research opportunities, all in a program that really values their residents.
What I like about Iowa city: The city feels like a community. Whether it’s salsa dancing or live music at the ped mall, playing pickleball at City Park, or spending the day at the beach, I’m always running into friends.
Alyssa Ray, MD
Hometown: Moline, Illinois
Medical school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Iowa City fells like home to me. On interview day, I was amazed by the quality of noon lecture and the kindness of my interviewers.
What I like about Iowa City: One thing that I love about Iowa City is the walkability. The hospital is only a short walk away from downtown. So far I’ve enjoyed the restaurants, coffee shops, arcades, and bowling in downtown Iowa City.
Ashten Sherman, MD
Hometown: Le Claire, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Getting to work with amazing faculty and residents who all seemed happy to be where they were. I wanted to have that same happiness!
What I like about Iowa City: One of my favorite times around Iowa City is football game day. More specifically, after the first quarter when everyone waves at the kiddos in the children’s hospital. I was there for the first one and 100% cried. There’s just something about an entire stadium full of people collectively recognizing a group of individuals fighting diseases most of us will never have to face. As healthcare workers we see it every day, but on game day everyone takes a moment to see it as well.
Mackenzie L. Walhof, MD
Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Iowa really is a rare gem of a program that emphasizes both academic rigor as well as the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle outside of medicine. I felt that by staying here for residency, I’d be able to thrive as a physician, pursue research, and maintain my relationships with friends and family. I’ll be honest, I was very nervous about starting residency but so far have enjoyed it beyond what I ever imagined.
What I like about Iowa City: Midwest people in general are so nice. I love that you can strike up a conversation with complete strangers wherever you go, and people are usually in genuinely good moods. As a mom of three little kids, Iowa City has so much to do, with great parks, lakes, and an outstanding Children’s Museum.