Meet your Interns 2026, part 1
We are proud to present this year’s incoming interns. We wanted to take the opportunity to go a little past the names and faces and learn a couple things about them. We asked them each to tell us about why they chose Internal Medicine at Iowa for their residency. And, now that they have been here a month or so, what they like about living in Iowa City or working at University of Iowa Health Care. We will introduce them a few at a time each week for the next couple months. Welcome to Iowa!
Molly Barten, MD
Hometown: McCallsburg, Iowa
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: My main attraction was returning to my home state and caring for my fellow Iowans. An added bonus is how kind and supportive everyone has been! I’ve been amazed at how generous everyone is with their time and resources, and it really motivates me to pay it forward to my patients and colleagues.
What I like about Iowa City: There are so many fun weekend events during the summer, and most are free!
Akansh Gupta, MD
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Training at the University of Iowa has always meant more to me, being raised in Iowa. It is an opportunity to care for the people and communities that shaped who I am. I know how much trust Iowans place in the University as the state’s referral center, and I understand how overwhelming it can be for patients and families to seek specialized care in Iowa City. Being able to be a part of that experience and care for patients from across the state is a privilege and something that is incredibly meaningful to me.
What I like about Iowa City: I enjoy how convenient everything is. No matter where you are, you’re only about 10 minutes from anything you might need, whether it’s the hospital, great restaurants, or a pickleball court. Plus, I get to wear my Cyclone gear in Hawkeye country, which is an added bonus.
Brianna Iverson, MD
Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Iowa has always been home to me, and after medical school I knew I wanted to continue my training at a place where I felt supported and challenged. The people here genuinely care about one another, and the culture emphasizes both excellent patient care and resident education.
What I like about Iowa City: I love that Iowa City has something for everyone. It’s easy to spend a Saturday morning grabbing coffee downtown, going to the farmer’s market, walking the trails, or trying a new restaurant. It has the feel of a small town with the amenities of a much larger city, and it’s been a great place to call home.
Angela Olvera, MD, PhD
Hometown: Moline, Ilinois
Medical school: University of Wisconsin – Madison
“Why Iowa”: I went to undergrad at Iowa. Through volunteering, research and living in Iowa City those four years, I knew that the Internal Medicine program was academically rigorous while maintaining a supportive and kind culture. Iowa has the medical complexity, research infrastructure and proximity to family that I was looking for.
What I like about Iowa City: Iowa City is a great size. Small town feel with all the resources of a rigorous academic institution. I love the affordability that allows me to provide my dogs with their own yard and the ease of living where I can bike in to work, walk to downtown, and be just about anywhere I need to be in 15 minutes.
Rachael Thorpe, MD
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Medical school: University of Utah School of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: The combined Med/Psych program, its wonderful residents and leadership, and the presence of a med-psych unit! I loved how kind and approachable everyone from this program seemed.
What I like about Iowa City: The kind people, greenery and humidity, yummy restaurants, wild rabbits, and fireflies!