Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship graduation, 2026
This year, the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine celebrated its graduating fellows at Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging in Oxford, Iowa. Though the division had gathered at the lavender farm before, this marked their first visit during the summer season, arriving as the fields began their bloom. It was an ideal backdrop for honoring the Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Class of 2026: Quinn Bongers, MD; Hadi Jaradeh, MBBCh; and Elizabeth Wittrock, DO.
The scenic surroundings set a warm and celebratory tone as guests gathered for the cocktail hour. Dinner followed, with Fellowship Program Director Alicia Gerke, MD, serving as emcee. She opened by celebrating the newest members of the division family—little ones recently welcomed by division colleagues—before recognizing the team’s recent grants and achievements. Division Director David Stoltz, MD, PhD, also offered remarks, speaking to both the division’s progress and the accomplishments of its graduating fellows.
Gerke and Brian Gehlbach, MD, Associate Director of Internal Medicine’s Fellowship Programs, then presented the evening’s annual awards.
Gehlbach kicked things off by presenting Bongers with the 2026 Pulmonary Sleep Medicine Award—a timepiece this year, a fitting send-off before his departure.
Gerke presented the Teacher of the Year Award to Jeff S. Wilson, MD, Associate Director of the fellowship program. Wilson was recognized for the humility and clinical acumen that characterize both his teaching and his patient care.
The evening then turned to honoring each graduate individually. Gerke shared personal anecdotes about every fellow, each story embodied in a personalized memento.
Jaradeh received a large container of orange Tic Tacs—his go-to indulgence throughout VA shifts.
Wittrock, known for her signature pink scrubs, was gifted a pink stethoscope to keep her medical equipment on brand.
Bongers, who reliably brought a homemade cold lunch to work each day, received a new insulated lunch bag—branded with the signature Hawkeye tigerhawk.
