For their graduation event this year, organizers for the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension chose a location a little farther away from campus, but one that suited their group perfectly. The Merino Loft sits on the converted second floor of the Hotel Millwright, which stands on the edge of the historic Amana Colonies, about 30 miles west of Iowa City.
Guests were encouraged to sign cards for each of the graduates, even though one could unfortunately not attend that evening. They helped themselves to appetizers, drinks from the bar, and to conversation with friends and family.
After dinner, Lisa Antes, MD, fellowship program director, and Christie Thomas, MBBS, welcomed everyone. Antes and Jonathan Nizar, MD, associate program director, then introduced each of the graduating fellows in attendance to present them with their certificates and gifts. Each of the fellows were also invited to say a few words of thanks and recognition to those who had helped them during the course of their training.
Sarat Kuppachi, MBBS, director of the transplant nephrology fellowship program, then presented Lisa Novak, division and fellowship program coordinator, with flowers and a gift on behalf of the division. Antes did the same for Jackie Kersten, the division administrator.
The fellows announced that this year’s winner of the Teacher of the Year award, an honor selected by the fellows themselves, was a tie. They presented certificates to Melissa Swee, MD, MS, MME, and to Lama Noureddine, MD.
Brad Dixon, MD, and Thomas each spoke for a few moments to recognize the extensive contributions of Doug Somers, MD, on the occasion of his impending retirement. Somers thanked his family for their support, spoke about the many changes he had seen in the division, and wished his colleagues well in the coming years.
After the formal presentations, the division posed for a large group photo, as they do nearly every year. Many smaller group photos were also taken as the attendees savored a few more moments together.
Congratulations to the 2025 Nephrology Fellowship graduates!
Bahjat Azrieh, MD
Sahil Grover, MD
Maysar Hassan, MD
Mohamed Mudarres, MD