Every division has its own personality, and it is pretty clear within the first few minutes that “family-focused” is a big component for the members of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. They gathered at the Rapid Creek Cidery on the site of Wilson’s Orchard to celebrate the three graduates of their two fellowship programs.

After a social hour both inside and outside the restaurant’s lower level, everyone paused briefly for some group photos to document the important occasion. Nephrology Program Director Lisa Antes, MD, and Associate Program Director Jonathan Nizar, MD, got into a few shots as did family members of the graduates.

After photos and a meal, Antes introduced Division Director Chou-Long Huang, MD, PhD, who welcomed attendees and offered his congratulations and his gratitude to the trainees for choosing Iowa and for contributing to the fabric and effort of the division. Antes then revealed the fellows-chosen winner of Faculty of the Year Sarat Kuppachi, MD, who also directs the one-year Transplant Nephrology fellowship. Antes also recognized the super-human efforts of Division and Fellowship Coordinator Lisa Novak to much attendee applause.

Antes, Nizar, and Kuppachi each took their turns describing one of the evening’s honorees, covering successes during fellowship as well as how well they are each regarded by their colleagues in the division and across the institution. Then the fellows themselves got a chance to offer thanks of their own, to faculty, family, and friends, who all helped make their time in training possible.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates!

Shahed Ammar, MD (transplant fellow)
Abdul Raheem, MBBS
Nada Youssef, MBBS