On Thursday of this week, the Division of Infectious Diseases hosted a small farewell for its graduating fellows, Michael Olthoff, MD, and Andrew Simms, MD. Faculty, staff, and their fellow trainees gathered to congratulate the pair and to thank them for their contributions during a challenging couple years.

Members of the division were treated to some snacks and a lively presentation from Fellowship Director and Interim Division Director Judy Streit, MD. Two teams of attendees competed in a game of Who Knows the Fellows Best? with questions about details like Olthoff’s previous work with honeybee colony mite-infestations and Simms’ secret support for Iowa State basketball. The game ended in a tie.

Fellows were also presented with some parting gifts that further reflected knowledge the program leadership had about them. Olthoff received a headlamp for future Colorado mountain adventures and Simms received a mortar and pestle to assist pharmacists in their antibiotic stewardship efforts. They each also received fine handmade clocks manufactured by woodworkers in nearby Kalona, Iowa.

Both graduates will be leaving Iowa for their next chapter. Olthoff will enter private practice at Rocky Mountain Infectious Disease Specialists in Aurora, Colorado, and Simms will join Methodist Physicians Clinic in Omaha, Nebraska. Congratulations, graduates!