Perched above Slater Field, the McCord Lounge inside Kinnick Stadium was once again host to the graduates of the Gastroenterology Fellowship and their colleagues, friends, and family. Guests took advantage of the appetizer buffet and the bar, before the main presentations began.
Adrian Holm, DO, fellowship program director, invited guests to help themselves to the buffet dinner with an array of options. As diners finished, the official program began. First, Division Director David Elliott, MD, PhD, announced this year’s fellows-voted winner of the Dr. Robert Summers Outstanding Teaching Award, named for a beloved and dedicated faculty member who passed away unexpectedly in 2015. Dr. Elliott presented the award to Alan Gunderson, MD, who accepted the award, expressing gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to work with fellows.
Next, associate fellowship program director Rami El Abiad, MD, presented the award for Fellow of the Year to Ruchi Sharma, MBBS. A novelty-sized check was presented to Sharma, who thanked her co-fellows, praising their abilities and how much she has learned from them.
Holm offered some final thoughts and words of wisdom to the graduates, hoping that they maintain perspective and balance, aiming for excellence in their lives and careers instead of perfection. Each fellow was then introduced and presented with a frame that will eventually hold their certificate of completion. El Abiad presented each of them with humorous gifts that fit their choice to pursue a career in gastroenterology.
The fellows themselves then each made a few remarks. They thanked program leadership and instructors who took the time to make them feel welcome and to ensure they left the fellowship prepared for the next phase of their careers. Family were recognized for providing the support needed outside the institution. Special shoutouts also went to Elliott, division administrator Hilary Humphrey, division coordinator Taryn Owens, and fellowship program coordinator Stephanie Wellington.
The main program concluded and attendees continued to enjoy each other’s company. The fellows also posed for a few more group photos.
Congratulations to this year’s graduates!
Aysha Aslam, MBBS
Joseph Brant, MD
Melis Celdir, MD
Gilles Hoilat, MBBS