Meet your Interns 2026, part 5
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!
Emily Blitz, MD
Hometown: Berryville, Arkansas
Medical school: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
“Why Iowa”: The repeated advice of ‘Find your people’ felt vague until I interviewed with UIHC. Everyone was so kind, and the values of the program matched my own. From interview day to orientation to working with my peers, the staff, and the patients, I have felt welcomed and challenged in the best way.
What I like about Iowa City: The endless ability to be outside! Whether it is a cycle through the city, finding a flow trail, traveling to a state park, or walking downtown to have a patio dinner, my husband and I are so grateful for all of the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Noah Gritters, MD
Hometown: Pella, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: During my Internal Medicine rotations at Iowa, the residents, fellows, and attending physicians consistently took time to answer my questions and invest in my learning. That experience showed me I would be joining a team genuinely committed to putting patient care first and one where I would grow tremendously as a physician.
What I like about Iowa City: I love the nature around Iowa City. There is easy access to great disc golf courses, golf courses, and plenty of other spots for outdoor recreation.
Dylan Kernan, MD
Hometown: West Bend, Wisconsin
Medical school: University of Wisconsin – SMPH
“Why Iowa”: The culture at Iowa appeared to care for residents and functioned in a family-like environment. Attending physicians knew details about resident’s lives and were very welcoming. The interviews also seemed to care about me as a person more than a worker. I also liked the values with a focus on teaching and learning shown by our curriculum and noon conferences. And the catered lunches helped too!
What I like about Iowa City: I like that the city seems to be very active and engaged in events going on. Events downtown such as the block party or farmers market are lively and fun. Yet, somehow many places aren’t overcrowded and it’s easy to get around and plan things on a whim. The different golf courses in the area also offer a good variety of challenges to make use of my days off.
Jenny Ngo, MD
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Medical school: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
“Why Iowa”: Iowa has a robust neurology program that is well rounded with all the subspecialties and lots of opportunities, perfect to explore and learn. The faculty and residents have been so warm and welcoming, creating the best environment to grow and connect.
What I like about Iowa City: Iowa City has lots of places to walk and catch the sunset. It is a safe and close-knit community.