Class of 2025 Residents
Andrew Dergan, MD
Chief Resident
Hometown
Omaha, NE
Medical Education
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Why Iowa?
During interviews, I was encouraged by how genuine and happy residents seemed when talking about their time at Iowa. The strong camaraderie and support–especially that between faculty and residents–was also particularly important to me. Furthermore, I really liked that family medicine residents are heavily involved in the hospital, emergency department, and clinic. I felt that this, combined with the program being unopposed, would help me become comfortable practicing in a myriad of specialties in both high- and low-acuity settings.
Jack DeMoss, MD
Hometown
Sergeant Bluff, IA
Medical Education
University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Why Iowa?
I chose Iowa because of how apparent it was during the interview process that faculty and residents were genuine and happy. The program has impressive didactics and clinical experiences, and I get to reap the bonus reward of training in my hometown.
Prasun Mandal, DO
Hometown
Beaumont, TX
Medical Education
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas
Why Iowa?
I never thought I'd find myself in Iowa, but I have no regrets. Iowa fits my goals and values. It provides me the opportunity to tailor my education at a full-spectrum and unopposed residency towards hospitalist, emergency, and outpatient medicine. Furthermore, the warmth and camaraderie of the faculty, staff, and residents have been apparent throughout my daily interactions. Teaching and faculty involvement is a daily occurrence. Efficiency, work-life balance, and resident wellness are all emphasized here. Lastly, Sioux City strikes a nice balance between a small and large city, which is ideal for me.
Abigail Scrogum, MD
Hometown
Kingdom City, MO
Medical Education
Creighton University
Why Iowa?
It's an unopposed program that offers great training in all aspects of family medicine. I want to further my career by practicing in a rural area an felt that Iowa would give me all the training I need to be successful. The program also offers the ability to tailor your residency experience to your interests in the second and third year by having many different electives, which will allow me to focus on my interest in obstetrics and gynecology. I also felt that the program had a friendly and supportive atmosphere that I could see myself thriving in.
Class of 2026 Residents
Erica Luke, DO
Hometown
Ukiah, CA
Medical Education
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Sara Mesenbrink, MD
Hometown
Omaha, NE
Medical Education
University of Nebraska College of Medicine
Rebecca Steineck, DO
Hometown
Esterville, IA
Medical Education
Des Moines Universtiy College of Osteopathic Medicine
Deena Sunny, MD
Hometown
Calicut, Kerala
Medical Education
Father Muller Medical Medical College
Lazarus Zamora, MD
Hometown
Corona, CA
Medical Education
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Class of 2027 Residents
Amjad Abdelhady, M.B.B.Ch.
Hometown
Cairo, Egypt
Medical Education
Misr University for Science and Technology College of Medicine
Why Iowa?
I chose the University of Iowa’s Family Medicine Residency Program in Sioux City because of its strong focus on community-based care, the opportunity to work with underserved populations, and the program’s training in various settings. Working closely with many specialists to gain experience in different fields aligns with my interests and future goals. I’m excited to be part of a program that fosters deep connections within the local community. This program puts the family in Family Medicine, and I love that!
Christopher Burns, MD
Hometown
Durham, NC
Medical Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Jeanie Chen, MD
Hometown
Toronto, Canada
Medical Education
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Why Iowa?
I chose the University of Iowa Family Medicine program for the faculty, residents, and for its unopposed residency program. It is the ideal location for a well-rounded family medicine training, with the freedom to tailor your training and experience as you desire. The faculty are super nice, very accommodating of different learning styles, and wholeheartedly support individual professional development.
Noah Chun, MD
Hometown
Beaverton, OR
Medical Education
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Alexia Forbes, MB, BS
Hometown
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Medical Education
Anhui Medical University Faculty of Medicine
Why Iowa?
I have a particular interest in the outpatient medicine aspect of family medicine. One of my favorite things about this residency is it supportive environment. The faculty are truly invested in my personal and professional development. My career goal in family medicine is to serve in an underserved rural area. In Sioux City I enjoy going to the park and visiting the Mars ice cream. I believe I bring to the program a combination of clinical experience, adaptability, and a patient centered mindset that alliance with the core values of family medicine.
William Hsieh, MD
Hometown
Taipei, Taiwan
Medical Education
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Why Iowa?
I selected Iowa for its unopposed residency, which provides comprehensive family medicine training in connection with the University of Iowa. Practicing in Sioux City allows us to benefit from a diverse patient population drawn from the surrounding tri-state area. Additionally, working in a rural program in Iowa presents unique advantages, such as building strong relationships with patients, experiencing a wide range of medical cases due to limited access to specialists, and contributing to the health of a close-knit community. The lifestyle here promotes a good work-life balance, making it an ideal place for both personal and professional growth.
Adam Poole, DO
Hometown
Crystal Lake, IL
Medical Education
Des Moines University
Why Iowa?
I have lived in Iowa since my freshman year of college and can definitively say the Iowa State Fair is the best state fair. Family medicine has been a passion of mine since my very first clinical rotation in medical school at a small-town family practice clinic. I quickly learned the importance of the versatile and unique set of skills a family physician possesses. My career goal is to be the doctor my patients and community can trust, helping everyone live life to the fullest. One of my favorite things about this residency is the positive team dynamic residents and faculty have developed with each other. Outside of medicine, I enjoy biking, golfing, playing sand volleyball, and attending live music venues - all right here in Sioux City!