Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism fellowship graduation, 2026

On a recent Saturday evening, the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism celebrated their two most recent graduates in a ballroom in the Iowa Memorial Union. Friends, family, and division members helped themselves to appetizers and refreshments while catching up with each other. Two cakes with a cartoon pancreas and thyroid from a local baker were also on display.

After dinner, Endrocrinology Fellowship Program Director Brian O’Neill, MD, PhD, welcomed attendees and played a short tribute video prepared by Elizabeth Bowen, MD, Associate Fellowship Program Director. The video featured photos of the two graduates and other members of the division set to subspecialty-specific songs.

O’Neill then spoke about each of the graduates, noting first that they had completed the Faculty / Fellows as Clinician Educators (FACE) training program. FACE is an optional year-long program that allows a clinician the chance to grow as teachers with a mix of didactic and hands-on sessions. O’Neill presented both graduates with their FACE certificates as well as their fellowship diplomas.

He also described the accomplishments of each graduate, noting the number of division grand rounds presentations they gave and the level of complexity those talks contained. At the end, a full picture was presented of what makes each fellow exceptional. They were each also presented with an additional gift, a cooling and warming stone crafted by a local artisan.

Division Director Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, closed the formal presentation with his own congratulations to the fellows and to the assembled guests who came to celebrate them. He also thanked Division Administrator Collin Just, Division Coordinator Laura Bibby, and Fellowship Coordinator Stacey Mumm for their work all year long in support of the division as well as that evening.

After, the “endocrine organ” cakes were sliced up for guests to enjoy along with other catered desserts. There was also time for a few more photos.