We are proud to present the incoming Intern Class of 2024. We wanted to take the opportunity to go a little past the names and faces and learn a couple things about them. We asked them each to tell us about why they chose Internal Medicine at Iowa for their residency. And, now that they have been here a month or so, what they like about living in Iowa City or working at University of Iowa Health Care. We will introduce them a few at a time each week for the next couple months. Welcome to Iowa!
Paolo DiSano, MD
Hometown: Chico, California
Medical school: California Northstate University
“Why Iowa”: I felt very lucky to have received an interview from a program with such a strong academic culture and a genuine community feel. The faculty and coordinators were welcoming, and it was clear that they had taken time to really get to know us as individuals prior to the interview. I was sold and could not be happier to join such an exceptional program!
What I like about Iowa City: I grew up in a college town, and Iowa City has the same fun and energetic atmosphere that reminds me of home. I am eager to continue exploring the parks and hiking trails and find some good fishing spots. I also cannot wait to cheer on Iowa Hawkeye sports and am extremely excited for the upcoming football season!
Ella Gehrke, MD
Hometown: Clive, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: As a graduate of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, I had the early opportunity to witness how Iowa genuinely values and cares for its residents, both as learners and as people. I knew that as a resident here, I would receive excellent mentorship, something I valued highly when searching for the right residency program for me. The abundance of opportunities in research and community outreach further solidified my decision, and I’m so happy I made the decision I did! Iowa is not just where I studied; it is my home, and I am privileged to continue my training here!
What I like about Iowa City: One of my favorite spots to enjoy on a day off is the Cedar Ridge Distillery! I really love spending crisp fall afternoons there, enjoying the good food, drink, and weather!
Trevor Hoggan, MD
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Medical school: University of Utah Medical School
“Why Iowa”: The unique mix of a large hospital with complex cases in a city this size. Also I heard from other residents that the faculty are great to work with.
What I like about Iowa City: Events like the 4th of July festival in Coralville and the Jazz festival downtown have been the highlights of my summer! I enjoyed sitting in the grass with my family and eating some delicious treats from the local vendors.
Aubri Larson, MD
Hometown: Siren, Wisconsin
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin Green Bay
“Why Iowa”: The University of Iowa embodies everything I could have dreamed of in an internal medicine program. The unconditional support and emphasis on collaboration is truly unmatched. I am so grateful to have found my way back to Iowa.
What I like about Iowa City: The environment here feels like home. Whether it’s enjoying live music at local breweries or relaxing in a hammock at Terry Trueblood, Iowa City has all my favorite ways to unwind.
Lauren Tomlinson, MD
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Medical school: Albany Medical College
“Why Iowa”: It can be hard to get a feel for a residency program through a virtual interview, but Iowa exudes collegiality and culture, both of which I sensed immediately on my interview day. Coupled with training led by renowned faculty in a supportive and collaborative environment, Iowa had everything that I was looking for in a program.
What I like about Iowa City: There is so much to do here! I have been enjoying meeting up with my co-residents to try new restaurants, find the best latte, and explore the many parks in the area (Terry Trueblood is currently my favorite). It also goes without saying that “Midwest nice” is real and is a big reason why Iowa City has already started to feel like home to me!