We are proud to present this year’s incoming interns. 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!
Sang Woo Han, MD, PhD
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Medical school: University of California, Irvine
“Why Iowa”: Having grown up in Iowa City, I wanted to come back home for residency and to raise my son here as well. It is a safe, nice city with a low cost of living and surrounded by family, it was the obvious choice.
What I like about Iowa City: I like the small Midwest city vibes and it surprisingly has a decent amount of diversity being a university town.
Emma Hartness, MD
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: As a graduate of the Carver College of Medicine, I saw firsthand Iowa’s outstanding training program with diverse pathology, avenues for community outreach, and opportunities for research. I was drawn to Iowa’s culture of kindness, the supportive community of mentors and colleagues, and the collaborative environment where care teams go above and beyond for patients.
What I like about Iowa City: The people! I also love how easy it is to access local running trails. Plus, no matter where you are in the city, you can find coffee nearby!
Ashley Pepple, MD, MS
Hometown: Plainwell, Michigan
Medical school: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
“Why Iowa”: Iowa offered the blend of rigorous academics and a welcoming, tight-knit Midwest community that I was seeking. Training here means being able to access top-tier resources and research opportunities, while also benefiting from the pace and warmth of a smaller program. I love the sense of camaraderie and family—I’ve found not only excellent clinical training but also a supportive environment where I can grow as a physician alongside my colleagues.
What I like about Iowa City: Iowa City has a welcoming vibe and always something to do—from lively downtown events and friendly locals to endless outdoor options. My husband, Scott, and I have found a wonderful ultimate Frisbee community in Iowa City which is a wonderful added bonus!
Ryan Torelli, MD
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Medical school: Texas Tech University
“Why Iowa”: The supportive and friendly atmosphere within Internal Medicine at Iowa was palpable at my virtual interview. The faculty and residents were the most genuinely caring folks I met during interviews. I came away from my interview at Iowa knowing that the program community is right for me and that Dr. Suneja and the program’s associate directors are dedicated to my success.
What I like about Iowa City: The verdant parks and trails of Iowa City remind me of growing up in the Pacific Northwest. I love walking City Park. When I see rivers and trees, I know I’m home.