Why Iowa

How does your benefits, stipends, and contracts compare to other programs?

Benefits offered by University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics are competitive with other top training programs in the country.  Benefits include:

Stipends are also comparable to other top training programs in the country and in keeping with the cost of living in Iowa.

Contracts are issued to house staff each year until training concludes, and promotion at the end of each year is granted based on demonstrated clinical competence and professional growth. House staff members who do not meet standards for promotion to the next level of training may require remedial action, as deemed appropriate by the Program Director.

What is the eligibility criteria for applicants of a GME residency training program

Eligibility criteria for applicants of a GME residency or fellowship training program are: 

Graduate from one of the following: 

  • United States or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) 
  • United States college of osteopathic medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) 
  • Medical school outside the United States or Canada with: 
    • a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and have a passing score for Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE, 
    • be a U.S. citizen, a legal permanent resident, or hold a visa which provides eligibility to work in the U.S. Typical visas are J-1 (requires Steps 1 and 2 of USMLE and ECFMG certification) and H1-B (requires departmental approval, Steps 1, 2 and 3 of USMLE, and a permanent Iowa medical license) 
  • Meet Iowa Board of Medicine licensure requirements. 
  • All applicants must also meet program eligibility requirements as defined by the ACGME’s respective RRC (for accredited programs) or the department (for non-accredited programs). 

Eligible applicants should apply directly to the residency or fellowship training program. Deadlines and application criteria vary; review those requirements at the individual program websites. Each program has specific guidelines for conducting interviews, what to expect during the interview, and American Board of Medical Specialties certification requirements. 

Is malpractice insurance provided?

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is an agency of the State of Iowa, which self-insures the tort liability of the State and its employees under the provisions of the State Tort Claims Act, Chapter 669, Code of Iowa. Resident and Fellow Physicians at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics are State employees for the purposes of the State Tort Claims Act. The coverage provided to Resident and Fellow Physicians by the State Tort Claims Act is occurrence coverage. 

Official Statement 

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is an agency of the State of Iowa, which self insures the tort liability of the State and its employees under the provisions of the State Tort Claims Act, Chapter 669, Code of Iowa. Resident and Fellow Physicians at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are State employees for the purposes of the State Tort Claims Act. The coverage provided to Resident and Fellow Physicians by the State Tort Claims Act is occurrence coverage. 

What do I need to know about medical licensure

 

GME contracted residents and fellows must apply for a license from the Iowa Board of Medicine at least three months in advance of the training start date. The Iowa Board of Medicine will not accept a license application more than six months in advance of the contract start date. Every resident or fellow physician or dentist is responsible for acquiring a medical license prior to practicing medicine at UI Hospitals & Clinics. State of Iowa law prohibits practice without the proper license. 

The GME office recommends all residents and fellows apply for a license through the Iowa Board of Medicine by using the Uniform Application (UA). This application provides state specific instructions for Iowa. The Iowa Board DOES NOT require applicants to use the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) as part of the application process, though they do accept FCVS if you choose to use their service. For recent medical school graduates, the Board strongly recommends applicants NOT utilize FCVS.   

Resident Licensure 

The Iowa Board of Medicine offers a resident license authorizing the licensee to practice as an intern, resident or fellow while under the supervision of a licensed practitioner of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in a board-approved resident training program in Iowa. This license expires on the expected date of completion of the training program as indicated in the licensure application. The license becomes inactive when a physician leaves the program or can be extended if completion of the program has not been met by the expected date. 

Permanent Licensure 

Some fellowship programs require a permanent license. Contact your program director to confirm whether a permanent license is appropriate. If you are eligible to moonlight, you will be required to have a permanent license. 

Specific licensing questions can be directed to the Iowa Board of Medicine

Getting to Iowa City

Travel

The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)

2515 Wright Brothers Boulevard, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 
Phone: 1-319-362-8336

Located 2 miles West of I-380, the airport is 25 minutes north of Iowa City. It is located just outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 201, Des Moines, IA 50321 
Phone: 1-515-256-5100

Located on the southwest side of Des Moines, approximately 2 hours west of Iowa City on I-80.

The Quad City International Airport (QCIA)

2200 69th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265 
Phone: 1-309-757-1530

Located approximately 60 miles east of Iowa City in Moline Illinois.

Airlines

American Airlines 
1-800-433-7300

DELTA 
1-800-221-1212

United Airlines 
1-800-241-6522

Allegiant Air 
1-702-505-8888x

Car Rental

Avis  
1-800-331-1212

Enterprise 
1-319-366-5522

Hertz Rent A Car 
1-800-654-3131

National 
1-888-826-6890x

Airport Shuttles

Airport Shuttle Service: 1-800-725-8460