We are proud to present the incoming Intern Class of 2023. 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!
Katrina Dovalovsky, MD
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Everyone on interview day was so friendly and seemed to genuinely like the program, its people, and Iowa City. I was also attracted to the idea of training at an academic hospital in a Midwest town that serves people from all over the state.
What I like about Iowa City: I love all the outdoor activities, especially the walking and biking trails such as Terry Trueblood and along the river by City Park. There are also delicious dessert places like Heyn’s Ice Cream.
Alex Greiner, MD, PhD
Hometown: Fairfield, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: I was fortunate to be able to see the quality of training the Internal Medicine program offers while in medical school. Seeing the care this program has for its trainees was the icing on the cake. That is patently obvious from just a single conversation with Dr. Suneja or any of the IM leadership. I was also drawn to staying in Iowa City from my research experiences during my doctoral training and the desire to continue unique research avenues I saw possible by staying here.
What I like about Iowa City: I enjoy the vibrancy, but also the simplicity, of the city. Ten-minute commutes, a reasonable cost of living, and active growth made Iowa City an attractive place to stay. Whether musicals at Hancher, trying a new restaurant, or a Saturday football game, there’s almost always something to do.
Casey Hardin, MD
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Medical school: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Everyone on my interview day welcomed me and has continued to do so since I’ve been here. I wanted to receive excellent clinical education in a supportive environment, and I’ve found that here!
What I like about Iowa City: Iowa City feels like a welcoming close-knit community, and I’ve found that there is plenty to do. Since moving here in June, I’ve enjoyed a few concerts downtown, the farmers market, several of the wonderful local restaurants and coffee shops, and I am looking forward to Hawkeye sporting events.
Cole Howie, MD
Hometown: Crossett, Arkansas
Medical school: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
“Why Iowa”: I was really impressed with the camaraderie among the residents and the personal connections the faculty made an effort to make with us throughout the interview process. It was clear that the administration cared deeply about the resident’s experience, constantly optimizing and evolving the program to meet everyone’s needs. This program sets up every resident for success based on their individualized short- and long-term goals, as evidenced by the stellar track record of fellowship and career placements over the last several years.
What I like about Iowa City: Despite Iowa being a mostly rural state, the Iowa City area is extremely vibrant and lively. There is always a festival, celebration, or event nearly every week or weekend in or around Iowa City. This area absolutely has something for everyone no matter their interests, whether its arts, athletics, diverse cuisine, outdoor adventure, you name it. This community is the perfect size for a community-feel area with close access to big city attractions in Des Moines and Chicago.
Quinn Vatland, MD
Hometown: Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
“Why Iowa”: I kind of fell in love with Iowa on interview day. Everyone was so kind, welcoming, and just genuinely excited about medicine. Coupling that environment with the core conferences, focus on residents as teachers, and the hospitalist pathway, Iowa felt like a place where I could be happy and really grow.
What I like about Iowa City: I love exploring downtown and the local coffee shops! Prairie Lights Café and Sidekick Coffee are two of my favorites – they also happen to be independent bookstores, so they’re great stops on a free afternoon! The Iowa River Trail along the river is also quite charming.