In his first year as Director of the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship, Grerk Sutamtewagul, MD, has connected with each of the program’s trainees in turn. He could easily recognize what this year’s graduating fellows excelled at, and the impact they’ve had on the fellowship as a whole.

“This class faced very difficult times during COVID when they joined, and it was tough doing training during that time. There were lots of limitations, but they were so good, they’re all very mature . . . and they all brought different skills to the program. They helped support the younger group of fellows really well—they still join conferences, and help teach them, which is really nice to see.”

The ceremony to celebrate these graduates took place at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville at the Iowa River Landing on Friday, June 7. Attendees recounted stories and congratulated one another as they moved between dinner, dessert, and drinks, and the atmosphere was one of gratitude. A slideshow of fond fellowship memories from the past year played until the presentation of awards began.

First, staff and clinicians who had reached between five and 35 Years of Service milestones were highlighted. Following these acknowledgements, the division’s Faculty Teacher of the Year award was presented to Chandrikha Chandrasekharan, MBBS, and the APP of the Year award was presented to Lauren Ringe, DNP, ARNP.

Next, Fellowship Coordinator Jana Ringle was recognized with flowers for her outstanding work that has allowed the program to thrive for many years. Sutamtewagul thanked her especially for making his transition into this new role a welcoming one.

Dean Elhag, MD,  and Justin Buzick, MD, were recognized for their roles as the Senior and Junior Chief Fellows, respectively, and Sutamtewagul expressed the importance of their leadership in bringing together the tenets of cooperation and dedication within the division.

To close, the graduating fellows delivered short speeches, which conveyed their lasting and positive impressions of the program experience and their gratitude. Raafat Alameddine, MD, spoke about how his years of training found a new height of learning in the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship, and how he felt continually supported and inspired in his time with the program. Dean Elhag, MD, highlighted his love of the people he met while training, as well as his gratitude for the support of his family throughout his ever-changing academic career.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates of the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship!

Raafat Alameddine, MD
Dean Elhag, MD
Alex Sieg, MD (unable to attend)