Dear colleagues, faculty, and friends,

As our tenure as chief residents draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound journey we’ve shared. This year has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and countless moments of growth. Today, we write to you not only as individuals but as a team, grateful for the privilege to have served in these roles.

This year, we have witnessed the resilience of our residents, the dedication of our colleagues, and the unwavering support of our mentors. Each day brought new opportunities to learn, to teach, and to advocate for the well-being of those we serve. Together, we navigated the complexities of patient care, honed our clinical skills, and embraced the responsibility of leadership. At Iowa, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve and grow our program. From the addition of simulation sessions and Framework Fridays, to a revamped website, to a detailed new ICU schedule proposal, we each in our own way worked to advance this mission.

As we bid farewell to our roles as chief residents, we carry with us the lessons learned, the relationships forged, and the memories cherished. We are immensely grateful for the guidance of Dr. Suneja and our APDs—Drs. Smock, Bryant, and Johnson. To our colleagues, faculty, and friends, we extend a heartfelt thanks for your support, encouragement, and camaraderie. Your contributions have enriched our journey and inspired us to strive for excellence in all that we do.

As we embark on the next phase of our careers, we do so with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped us and with optimism for the opportunities that lie ahead. Though our paths may diverge, we remain connected by our shared commitment to excellence in patient care and our dedication to the principles of medicine.

With gratitude and fond memories,

Chief Residents 2023-2024

Taylor Becker, Alex Garza, Reed Johnson, Kathie Zhang

(From left to right) Alex Garza, MD, will begin a gastroenterology fellowship at UI Health Care; Kathie Zhang, MD, will begin a nephrology fellowship at the University of Colorado in Denver; Taylor Becker, MD, will begin a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at UI Health Care; and Reed Johnson, MD, will join our Division of General Internal Medicine as a faculty member.