From Kinnick Stadium’s McCord Lounge, graduating fellows could see the crest of UI Health Care’s university campus hospital during their Saturday graduation. Having spent much of their time in those clinics, this was a fitting view to mark the fellows’ near-completion of the Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology fellowship programs.
Guests filtered into the longue as the event commenced with a cocktail hour. Fellows, faculty, and their families enjoyed opportunities to catch up and put names to new faces.
The division then rounded out the opening hour by gathering near the east windows to pose for a few group pictures.
As guests finished dinner, Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, Rami El Abiad, MD, took to the podium to express his gratitude for each graduating fellow and their contributions to the program. He provided an individualized compliment for each graduate, and the gifts he offered were equally unique. But every fellow shared one additional gift: a bouquet of flowers, which Rami asked they give to their loved ones in attendance.
Graduating fellows – Gastroenterology
Katelin Durham, MD
Ahamed Khalyfa, DO
Gopala Koneru, MBBS
Ruchi Sharma, MBBS
Alan E. Gunderson, MD, Director of our new Transplant Hepatology Program and Assistant Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, shared some remarks about the first, and now graduating, fellow in the transplant program: Yolanda Rodriguez Villalvazo, MD. Gunderson detailed the strong precedent Villalvazo has set for future fellows—how even as a program of one, her strength as a clinician and team member has left an extraordinary impact on the division. Gunderson then passed the mic to Villalvazo, who expressed her gratitude to faculty members for their support in the clinic and beyond.
Awards
Every year, fellows select an attending to be recognized with the Dr. Robert Summers Outstanding Teaching Award, named for a beloved faculty member who passed away unexpectedly in 2015. This year, the graduates presented the award to El Abiad, who recently took on the role of fellowship director after serving as associate director for many years.
El Abiad delivered the next award with the same infectious enthusiasm that his teaching was recognized for. He announced Durham as Fellow of the Year, finalizing the recognition by gifting her a Hawkeye chain and a supersized check. Durham—recognized for her warmth, diligence, and commitment to excellence—thanked the division and her co-fellows.
The night closed among an animated breakdown of faculty lore and inside jokes, giving fellows and faculty’s loved ones a glimpse of the humor and camaraderie that defines the Gastroenterology division.
