Meet your Interns 2026, part 7
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!
Carolyn J.S. Bornbach, MD
Hometown: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin
“Why Iowa”: One of the things that drew me to Iowa was that it has a unique combination of a world-class academic medical center located within a community that has a small-town feel. The University of Iowa offers incredible opportunities to learn, take care of complex patients, and grow as a physician, but it never felt like I would get lost in a large institution. The balance between a slower pace of life and being part of a major academic medical center is one of the things I appreciate most.
What I like about Iowa City: I love that Iowa City is part of a community that feels close-knit and welcoming, with the kind of community atmosphere you typically find in a small town. With so many restaurants, coffee shops, trails, and an array of shopping, there is always something to do. My husband and I have really enjoyed making our home here and finding our favorite places around the area. The people I meet are genuinely welcoming, invested in one another, and proud to be part of the community.
Janielle Cober, MD
Hometown: Ottumwa, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: I was fortunate to have exposure to the IM program as a medical student and saw firsthand the progressive independence residents were given. The program here has created an environment where residents can flourish with graded autonomy over patient care as their skills grow, within the safety of surrounding faculty who truly care and encourage academic curiosity. Iowa is an exceptional program that provides a family-like feel that has been built by years of intentionality, legacy, and belief in the program’s mission.
What I like about Iowa City: Iowa City has a lively downtown and surrounding towns that offer an excellent selection of golf courses, seasonal events, new and upcoming restaurants and cafes, and, of course, a Big Ten sports atmosphere.
Brian Grodecki, MD, MBS
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: I chose Iowa because it had everything I was looking for: excellent training, people who genuinely enjoy teaching, and a culture that felt warm from the start. I wanted a program where I would be challenged but would also feel comfortable asking questions, and Iowa seemed to have that balance. Everyone I met was clearly very good at what they did – and refreshingly normal about it. Being close to my fiancé made it the rare decision that made sense both professionally and personally.
What I like about Iowa City: I love how calm and close to nature everything feels, while Iowa City itself is a fun oasis of books, coffee shops, and lively little festivals. More than anything, I like how quickly people treat you like family – one of my medicine attendings invited our whole team over for dinner just a few weeks into residency. I am still, however, adjusting to the lack of Philadelphia traffic, but I’m doing my best.
Emma Renwick, MD
Hometown: Leawood, Kansas
Medical school: University of Kansas, Salina Campus
“Why Iowa”: I was attracted to Iowa due to not only the amazing program but, more importantly, the people here who make it a welcoming community to be a part of.
What I like about Iowa City: I love the size of the town and the college atmosphere. There are always events and things going on, yet at the same time it feels like a small, tight-knit community with the friendliest people and safe atmosphere. I love going on walks outside and going to the local stores and restaurants to try new things! Being from the greater Kansas City area and going to medical school in Salina, Kansas, I do feel like Iowa City shares characteristics of both places, giving the best of both worlds!
Nicholas Weis, MD
Hometown: Leawood, Kansas
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine
“Why Iowa”: Iowa is a highly ranked program that prides itself on having a supportive culture, kind staff, and welcoming atmosphere. Plus, here is where I can see the most interesting and unique cases medicine has to offer!
What I like about Iowa City: The city centers itself on the university; it really does feel like one big family!