The Department of Internal Medicine is pleased to introduce some of the faculty members who joined us in July and August 2023. We are happy to welcome them to the department.
Serkan Bektur, MD – Clinical Instructor
Dr. Serkan Bektur joins the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine after completing his advanced heart failure and transplantation cardiology fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He received his MD from Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey, followed by a cardiovascular diseases residency at Afyon Kocatepe University in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. He worked as a general cardiologist and interventional cardiologist (coronary interventions) for more than 7 years after completion of his cardiovascular diseases training in Turkey. Dr. Bektur’s clinical and research interests include heart failure and coronary artery diseases. He is married and has a 7-year-old daughter. When not working he likes watching Seinfeld, playing guitar, playing volleyball, visiting new places and tasting new flavors. You can also see him spending time outside with his family.
Peter Farjo, MD, MS – Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Peter Farjo joins the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine after completing a clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Farjo completed his MD as well as his internal medicine residency and cardiovascular disease fellowship at West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, WV. He also earned an MS in Clinical and Translational Science at WVU during his training. Dr. Farjo’s research interests focus on conduction system pacing and EP outcomes research. His hobbies include playing Legos with his son and watching college sports, especially football and wrestling.
Miles Hagner, MD – Instructor
Dr. Miles Hagner joins the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine having just finished his pulmonary & critical care fellowship here. He received his MD from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences in Ohio, followed by an internal medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Hagner’s clinical and research interests include epithelial biology and pulmonary immunology, as it relates to sarcoidosis and other interstitial lung diseases. In his free time he likes to make ceramic art, go bowling or thrifting, and explore Iowa for the best places to eat or hike/walk with his dog.
Yasameen Muzahim, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Yasameen Muzahim joins the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology from her hepatology fellowship at Rutgers University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. She received her MD from St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, followed by an internal medicine residency at Atrium Health-Navicent in Macon, Georgia. Dr. Muzahim’s research and clinical interests focus on autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and transplant hepatology. Outside the hospital, Dr. Muzahim enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends.
Kittika Poonsombudlert, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Kit Poonsombudlert joins the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation after completing her hematology and medical oncology fellowship here. She received her MD from Vajira Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, followed by an internal medicine residency at the University of Hawaii. Dr. Poonsombudlert’s clinical and research interests involves allogeneic stem cell transplant. She enjoys bike riding and watching anime.
John Rieth, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. John Rieth has joined the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation as a clinical assistant professor. Dr. Rieth received his MD from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. He completed an internal medicine residency, followed by a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Rieth’s clinical and research interests focus on sarcoma and melanoma. In his spare time, he likes to read, kayak, and play the piano and saxophone.
Jinxi Wang, PhD – Research Assistant Professor
Dr. Jinxi Wang was recently appointed to the rank of research assistant professor within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, from his position as a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Long-Sheng Song’s lab. Dr. Wang earned his PhD from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research interests are focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms of cardiac remodeling and identifying novel therapeutic targets in heart failure, using preclinical models of disease. His hobbies include farming, cooking, fishing, singing, and playing table tennis.
Jeffrey Zavala, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Jeffrey Zavala joins the Division of Immunology after completion of his allergy and immunology fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Dr. Zavala received his MD from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, followed by an internal medicine residency here. His professional interests include allergic rhinitis, and food and drug allergy. When he isn’t working, Dr. Zavala enjoys outdoor activities with friends and family, coaching youth sports, cycling, running, playing guitar, and cooking/grilling.