A couple of our divisions and our residency program have traditionally held winter parties every year. But this year many of our divisions took the opportunity to build community, to recognize their teams’ efforts, and to provide a spot of warmth in the chilly winter months. So many of them happened in such quick succession that we gathered our coverage of them all into one post here. [Our post about last month’s Immunology event is here.]
Division of Hospital Medicine
Frigid temperatures didn’t deter our newest division. During January’s coldest weekend, the Division of Hospital Medicine warmed up in Big Grove’s Hopcorn Room. Children of division members enjoyed a makeshift play area as colleagues and their loved ones socialized and helped themselves to a sandwich buffet. The always-constant conversation and laughter set the tone for a growing group who aims to establish a pattern of fellowship.
Division of General Internal Medicine
A celebratory atmosphere kindled instantly at Tin Roost, where GIM colleagues and their loved ones enjoyed a night of savory and sweet spreads. Guests lined up for meatballs, macaroni, mashed potatoes, and the like beneath a ceiling decorated with ornaments. Of course, dinner wouldn’t have been complete without dessert, and the venue certainly delivered on that front with a rich cheesecake. Between helpings, guests ordered refreshments from a gingerbread house that overlooked a sleigh—where Director Justin Smock, MD, and the administrative team posed for a festive shot.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Director David Elliott, MD, PhD, said that although it had been a long time since the division had held a holiday party, he wanted to celebrate the achievements of the division. One achievement in particular he noted was the clinical research team’s huge strides in 2025. More than 100 colleagues, friends, and family convened at the Courtyard by Marriott for a Saturday evening of food, drink, and conversation. Taking advantage of the amount of space in the room, guests danced to a playlist of dance songs curated by Antonio Sanchez, MD.
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
The lack of any formal structure or presentations suited the informal setting and the division just fine. Members and their loved ones helped themselves to delicious food and drinks in The Den, the basement bar beneath St. Burch in downtown Iowa City. Seasonal lights and warm conversation helped keep the cold temperatures outside at bay.
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
An evening rescheduled because of bad weather the previous week may have dropped the numbers of division members in attendance, but those who did make it were rewarded. In the university’s International Ballroom, guests found good food, drinks, and a raffle ticket to win one of three elaborate gift baskets. No one went home empty-handed though. Division-branded tumblers and a spiral-bound recap of the division’s achievements in 2025 were there for the taking. Division administrator Collin Just, MBA, and Division Director Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, also thanked the division for their role in the success of the division, whether it was in clinical service, research, or education. Certificates for those members with high patient satisfaction scores were also presented and two members were recognized for achieving this distinction for five years in a row.
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
The past few years, Bump’s Restaurant has hosted Cardiovascular Medicine’s annual holiday party—and for good reason! Division coordinator Sara Zimmerman greeted guests with a ticket for refreshments before they joined colleagues in the lounge. Many division members were accompanied by loved ones and took the opportunity to introduce their special guests to peers from the clinic or lab. Everyone could bond over the party’s main highlight: entree options. People lined up for prime rib, brisket, salmon, and a variety of sides before digging into premium fudge and chocolate-covered strawberries.
