On the mild summer evening of Friday, June 7, staff, faculty, family, and friends of Endocrinology fellows Zi Tan, MD, and Amr Wahba, MBBCh, gathered at Wilson’s Ciderhouse to celebrate their graduation.

Set in the lower level of the quintessential Iowan venue, above a sprawling green orchard outside, guests arrived to passed hors d’oeuvres and personalized complimentary drink tickets. Along the wall next to the bar sat more cocktail snacks, bookended by individual cakes for each of the graduates.

While guests settled in their seats to enjoy a dinner, a slideshow highlighting the fellows throughout the academic year played created by Associate Program Director Elizabeth Bowen, MD. With the tone set from the program, Endocrinology Fellowship Program Director Brian O’Neill, MD, PhD, began the program.

O’Neill summarized each fellow’s educational background and scholarly interests, recent accolades and achievements, and next steps in their careers. He also gave the audience fun facts about each person. Following their highlights, O’Neill presented each graduate with a framed certificate of completion and a wrapped frame for their diplomas on behalf of the division.

Endocrinology and Metabolism Division Director, Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, FACE, also delivered some remarks and congratulations to Tan and Wahba, who then took the stage together to give their thanks to the people who supported them throughout their fellowship, whether they were in the room or elsewhere.

The mood was light as the program concluded and commemorative photos began, trailing the celebration outside in the final moments of the evening.

Congratulations to this year’s Endocrinology Fellowship graduates!