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!
Oladipupo Anibire, MD
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Medical school: Meharry Medical College
“Why Iowa”: The opportunity to train at an outstanding program with supportive faculty and residents.
What I like about Iowa City: It’s a wonderful place to raise a family. No traffic! You can get to your destination within 15 minutes. Affordable cost of living.
Joe Berei, MD
Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
Medical school: University of Illinois-Rockford
“Why Iowa”: While living in Iowa as an undergraduate, I worked as a medical scribe for several physicians who had completed internal medicine training at the University of Iowa. They all strongly recommended pursuing training at the program if I had the chance, and I took that to heart. There is also the added benefit of being able to drive past the world’s largest truck stop when I head back to Rockford!
What I like about Iowa City: I like having access to a variety of outdoor activities during my free time. There is a bike trail right outside of my apartment, a disc golf course within walking distance, and a lake is nearby. What more could you ask for?
Cameron Brownlee, MD
Hometown: Sheridan, Arkansas
Medical school: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
“Why Iowa”: I was in search of a robust academic program in a smaller city. During my interview, the program staff and residents sold Iowa as a family-friendly city for my wife and our pets.
What I like about Iowa City: My co-residents are amazing. The staff and program leadership are supportive and intentional with their interactions with residents. I knew residency would be hard, but I can’t imagine having a better support system here at UIHC. The city is great. It’s just big enough to have everything you need without being overwhelming. Our pets love the abundance of outdoor activities here!
Amanda Chang, MD
Hometown: Rolling Hills Estates, California
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: I love the culture of the internal medicine residency program here! All of the residents and faculty are incredibly kind and supportive—personally and professionally. Also, Dr. Suneja is an amazing person!
What I like about Iowa City: I really enjoy the summer events that happen each year in downtown Iowa City, and I also appreciate how friendly everyone is here. Also, the low cost of living doesn’t hurt!
Bohae Rachel Lee, MD
Hometown: DeKalb, Illinois
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
“Why Iowa”: I really felt the “Iowa Nice” culture from the interview. I knew that I could thrive in this supportive learning environment and gain great clinical experience serving a diverse patient population.
What I like about Iowa City: Iowa City is such a fun place to live! I love that wonderful restaurants and nature trails are all within a 15- to 20-minute drive. The little-to-no traffic is a bonus!