Allergy / Immunology and Rheumatology fellowships graduation, 2026

The Division of Immunology celebrated graduates of both its Allergy / Immunology and Rheumatology fellowships. One of those graduates completed the dual-certification pathway and is now eligible to be board-certified in both subspecialties.

Graduates, colleagues, and their loved ones arrived at the Courtyard by Marriott, within sight of the UI Health Care University Campus. They signed the backs of diploma frames, got appetizers and drinks, and chatted before the main event began.

Division Director Benjamin Davis, MD, PhD, welcomed guests and delivered a mini-commencement address, weaving in the teamwork, excellence, and expertise he had witnessed over the previous week in World Cup matches with those skills displayed by the evening’s honorees.

Rheumatology Fellowship Director Bharat Kumar, MD, MME, was up first. He listed the qualities of the program’s first graduate, Mani Maheshwari, MD, and expressed his certainty that they would serve her and her patients well at her next position in Texas. Kumar also listed the strengths of Amir Abidov, MD, and just how valued he has been in both fellowship programs.

Allergy / Immunology Fellowship Director Amy Dowden, MD, came up next and echoed Kumar’s comments for Abidov. She then spoke about the contributions of Truman Nguyen, MD, and his importance to the team.

Davis then returned to thank everyone for attending and invited everyone to continue to relax and enjoy themselves in the space. He also expressed his appreciation to the coordinator team of Andrew Huizer, Dylan Gardiner, and Lynne Thomas, for their work all year long in the division and in preparing the evening’s events.