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Training at a Glance

The University of Iowa Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency offers the opportunity to obtain training at a nationally recognized ACGME program with world-class facilities. The University of Iowa residency offers the surgical, obstetrical and subspecialty volume to become a well-trained private practitioner or to pursue a subspecialty fellowship. There are four ACGME accredited fellowship programs within the department:

• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iowa City like?

Few places combine the ease of small-city living with the wealth of large-city services and entertainment that you'll find in the Iowa City and surrounding area. We invite you to discover the features that make our community a great place to call home. There are 15 different festivals and art fairs, plus concerts and race events. There are many music venues, sports events and neighborhood street fairs and garden walks. We have a large mall and several small boutiques, 41 parks, nine golf courses, six public tennis courts, six public pools, lakes and a reservoir with trails, camping and boating. There are bike trails, some famous bookstores, a ton of galleries and excellent museums. There are half a dozen or more performing arts venues. There's always something going on. Learn more about Iowa City's employment opportunities, housing options, schools, and area attractions.

What are the fellowship opportunities available?

We have four ACGME accredited fellowship programs:

• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Is this a family friendly program?

Yes! We love children and support residents in their efforts to balance work with family life. Please refer to the Graduate Medical Education policy for GME Trainees Paid Time Off and Leave of Absence. The house staff health insurance policy, provides full coverage for spouses and children. There are several childcare facilities near the hospital and one on-site.

Is there sufficient patient volume so that I can have multiple exposures to a variety of conditions?

The University of Iowa residency offers the surgical, obstetrical and subspecialty volume to become a well-trained private practitioner or to pursue a subspecialty fellowship. Our faculty physicians and nurse midwives deliver about 2,200 babies and see more than 59,000 outpatient visits annually.

What is the program's balance between primary and specialty care?

The UI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides consultation, comprehensive treatment planning, and a broad range of services for patients with normal and high-risk pregnancies and for gynecology, including oncology and reproductive endocrinology. More than 2,000 patients are delivered annually.

In keeping with the institution's tertiary care role, a large proportion represents complicated or high-risk conditions. The gynecologic oncology program is an integral unit of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. Additional specialty areas include: genetics counseling, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, infertility, in-vitro fertilization, menopause, pelvic pain, premenstrual syndrome, prenatal diagnostics, reproductive care and sexual health.

What's the call schedule like?

Call is limited to Friday evening through Sunday. Weekend call is in house with the following schedule: Friday night plus Sunday day (5:30 p.m. Friday - Saturday 8:00 a.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.), or Saturday day and night (Saturday 8:00 a.m.-Sunday 8:00 a.m.). There is no home call.

Do you have a research project requirement for graduation?

To help ensure a meaningful and successful research experience, residents follow a research curriculum with set project deliverables over the course of their 4 years here. During the first year, residents choose a project and mentor and draft the background section of their paper. They present a brief overview of the project’s background, hypothesis, and aims to the department. The residents receive feedback from the faculty as well as a scholarly project committee. In the second year, residents draft their methods section and complete any necessary applications or training required for their work. During a brief department-wide presentation, the resident reviews the approach and methods that they are using. The residents again receive feedback from their scholarly project committee. In the third year, residents have protected time to perform their research. It is expected that residents will have their project completed by the end of their 3rd year and will have a draft of their completed paper. At a meeting with their scholarly project committee, the resident will present their project in its entirety and also receive feedback on their paper before the fall of their 4th year. Fourth year residents present their completed scholarly projects at the department’s annual postgraduate course. Residents are strongly encouraged to present their research at regional and national meetings as well as to submit their manuscript for publication. Additionally, didactic teaching is provided throughout residency in principles of research including project design, statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, presentation skills, translational research, and ethics.

What's Iowa got that other programs don't?

• Ryan Program provides training in all aspects of uterine evacuation and contraception.
• The Department has a dedicated residency coordinator, librarian, IT support staff, and statistician.
• Iowa City is a highly intellectual community with premier arts events that are accessible to residents in terms of cost and location.
• We have an outstanding school system for children in grades K-12.
• A great training program and a high quality of life at an affordable price.
• If you have additional questions please contact our program coordinator at nanci-wieneke@uiowa.edu

Program Accreditation

The obstetrics and gynecology residency at UI Hospitals & Clinics is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. Information specific to program requirements for an obstetrics and gynecology training program may be found at the ACGME’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Review Committee.

Quick Facts

By the Numbers!

• 6 residents are accepted each year (2 ObGyn Rural Track residents; 4 in the Main ObGyn Track)
• 24 total residents are ACGME approved for our training program
• Approximately 25% of our graduating residents go on to fellowships
• Over 30 faculty members train and mentor obstetrics and gynecology residents

Scheduling Rotations

• Each R1 has a rotation through the Emergency Treatment Center (ETC) at the University of Iowa Health Care.
• Most rotations are scheduled at the UI Hospital & Clinics.
• R3s and R4s pursue elective rotations which may be at University of Iowa Health Care or elsewhere. 
• All electives must be approved by the Program Director.

Benefits

• Competitive stipends
• Comprehensive medical, dental, hospitalization and pharmacy benefits for residents/fellows and their dependents
• 21 days of annual paid time off.

Learn more about our benefits. 

Board Certification Requirements

• Visit the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology for specifics on board certification requirements

Tuesday mornings from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. are devoted to resident teaching sessions which include Grand Rounds, Practice Based Learning and Improvement (PBLI), maternal morbidity and mortality conferences, didactic teaching presentations by faculty on a number of obstetrics and gynecology topics from the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) learning objectives, and skills lab sessions coordinated by Lauren Coyne, MD.

Residents are evaluated for cognitive, technical, and interpersonal skills.

Cognitive abilities are assessed in part by an annual written examination of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. (CREOG In-training Examination).

Residents are eligible to take Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Written evaluations of all aspects of performance including surgical assessment and rotation evaluation are prepared by the faculty at the completion of each inpatient rotation.

Residents have the opportunity to participate in the Ryan Program for family planning training.

Residents meet individually with the program director at least twice annually to discuss their professional development.

Each resident, supported by departmental funds, may attend one national or regional medical meeting during their residency. Additional financial support is available to residents who have had posters and abstracts accepted at national meetings.

Residents attend a departmental postgraduate conference that is presented each year. Held in the fall, it is a general program in obstetrics and gynecology attended by approximately 200 physicians from Iowa and surrounding states. Fourth year residents present their research project at this conference.

The University of Iowa Obstetric and Gynecologic Alumni Society, an organization of former residents, fellows, and faculty of the department, holds its annual meeting in conjunction with the postgraduate conference. The program has a guest faculty of two or three nationally prominent individuals (whom the residents have ample opportunity to meet) as well as the departmental faculty.

The Alumni Society supports an annual visiting professorship, providing for an individual of international renown to spend approximately two weeks in the department. During this time the major portion of the visiting professor's time is spent with residents.

Residents are encouraged and supported in scholarly work, which may range from chart reviews to original laboratory or clinical research.

To help ensure a meaningful and successful research experience, residents follow a research curriculum with set project deliverables over the course of their 4 years here. During the first year, residents choose a project and mentor and draft the background section of their paper. They present a brief overview of the project’s background, hypothesis, and aims to the department. The residents receive feedback from the faculty as well as a scholarly project committee. In the second year, residents draft their methods section and complete any necessary applications or training required for their work. During a brief department-wide presentation, the resident reviews the approach and methods that they are using. The residents again receive feedback from their scholarly project committee. In the third year, residents have protected time to perform their research. It is expected that residents will have their project completed by the end of their 3rd year and will have a draft of their completed paper. At a meeting with their scholarly project committee, the resident will present their project in its entirety and also receive feedback on their paper before the fall of their 4th year. Fourth year residents present their completed scholarly projects at the department’s annual postgraduate course. Residents are strongly encouraged to present their research at regional and national meetings as well as to submit their manuscript for publication. Additionally, didactic teaching is provided throughout residency in principles of research including project design, statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, presentation skills, translational research, and ethics.

Many of our faculty are active in research and have NIH grants and publish their findings in the obstetrical and gynecology literature.

We have a Division of Reproductive Science Research doing research in a wide variety of areas.

Resident Teaching Awards

Golden Apple for Excellence in Teaching

2024:

• Ruth Bondurant, MD
• H. Bennett Stephens, MD
• Sarah Bakir, MD
• Karl Meierding, MD

2023:

• Emily Capper, MD
• Zoe Sayler, MD
• Margaret Foster, MD
• Catherine Bachur, MD

2022:

• Sarah Bakir, MD
• Karl Meierding, MD
• Christian Calma, MD
• Shelby Green, MD

2021:

• Keely Ulmer, MD
• Mildrede Bonglack, MD
• Douglas Russo, MD
• Jenna Johnson, MD

2020:

• R1, Sraavya Akella, MD
• R2, Noelle Waldschmidt, MD
• R3, Avery Whitis, MD
• R4, Heather Winn, MD

2019:

• R1, Laura Rasmussen, MD
• R2, Colette Gnade, MD
• R3, Rebecca Chung, MD
• R4, Edward Nguyen, MD, PhD

2018:

• Avery Whitis, MD
• Hope Richards, MD
• Trenton Place, DO, PhD
• Evan Cohen, DO

2017:

• Abigail Mancuso, MD
• Kathryn Huber-Keener, MD, PhD
• Edward Nguyen, MD, PhD
• Heather Winn, MD

2016:

• Eric Tyler, MD
• Abigail Mancuso, MD
• Evan Cohen, DO
• Tara Hoff, MD

2015:

• Eric Tyler, MD
• Megan McDonald, MD
• Sarah Wernimont, MD, PhD
• Evan Cohen, DO

Resident Teacher of the Year

Multiple Obstetrics and Gynecology residents have been nominated for or received Resident Teacher of the Year awards from the entire Carver College of Medicine M3 or M4 class. 

• Heather Winn, MD, was selected as the 2018 Resident teacher of the Year by the CCOM M3 class.
• Hope Richards, MD, was selected as the 2017 Resident Teacher of the Year by the CCOM M3 class.
• Sarah Wernimont, MD, PhD, was a finalist for the 2017 Resident Teacher of the Year by the CCOM M3 class.
• Kathryn Huber-Keener, MD, PhD, was a finalist for the 2016 Resident Teacher of the Year by the CCOM M3 class.

Quilligan Scholar

• Sarah Wernimont, MD, PhD, was named as a 2016 Quilligan scholar by the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Pregnancy Foundation, one of five residents in the United States to receive this honor..

Gold Humanism

• Lydia Alexander, MD received the 2015 Arnold Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award as nominated by the College of Medicine students.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Residents participate in governance of the ACOG Junior Fellows. For many years both the section chair and vice-chair have been University of Iowa residents, and some have served as ACOG District VI junior fellow officers. Clinical Professor Thomas Gellhaus, MD, served as the President of ACOG from 2017 to 2018.

Faculty and Fellow Teaching Awards

Best Fellow Teacher Award selected by the residents:

• 2024: Keely Ulmer, MD
• 2023: Silvana Pedra Nobre, MD
• 2022: Nick Cardillo, MD
• 2021: Sarah Watson, MD
• 2020: Allen Mehr, DO
• 2019: Yasmin Lyons, MD
• 2018: Sarah Wernimont, MD, PhD
• 2017: Megan McDonald, MD
• 2016: Erin Salinas, MD
• 2015: Joseph Kowalski, MD

Faculty APGO Medical Student Teaching Award

• 2024: Holly Bolger, DO
• 2023: David Bender, MD
• 2022: Kimberly Kenne, MD
• 2021: Mark Santillan, MD, PhD
• 2020: Eugenia Mazur, MD
• 2019: Kelly K. Ward, MD
• 2018: Michael Haugsdal, MD
• 2017: Heather Anaya, DO
• 2016: Sarah Shaffer, DO
• 2015: Veronika Kolder, MD

ACOG/CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Teaching

• 2024: Margaret Smollen, MD
• 2023: Miriam Murray, MD
• 2022: David Bender, MD
• 2021: Megan McDonald, MD, MME
• 2020: Thomas Gellhaus, MD
• 2019: Marygrace Elson, MD, MME
• 2018: Sarina Martini, MD
• 2017: Kimberly K. Leslie, MD
• 2017: Kelly K. Ward, MD
• 2016: David Bender, MD

Golden Apple for Excellence in Teaching

• 2021: Abey Eapen, MD
• 2020: Emily Hill, MD

The departmental faculty physicians are active in all areas from local to international and many serve on regional, national or international boards of specialty and subspecialty organizations.  Many have received recognition for their efforts.  Several members of the faculty serve as specialty or subspecialty examiners for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

In addition to a dedicated residency coordinator the department also provides IT support staff, a librarian, and a statistician.

We have an annual educational retreat in which the residents participate. Class level mentors organize class level get-togethers, and the program director hosts quarterly resident dinners.

There are many and varied social opportunities in Iowa City and this is some of what our residents do and enjoy:

• "As a family my husband and I like to go boating and fishing on Lake McBride. It's only 15 minutes from where we live, easily accessible, and beautiful. The fishing is hit or miss."
• "As a group my class has taken up Croquet games played out in my backyard.  The rules are still being discovered, but that's part of the fun."
• "A resident Christmas party with staff coverage."
• "Amazing public libraries and parks. The apple orchard in the fall and spring. Adventureland is my kids favorite activity in the summer. Tons of bike and running trails. Great 5K and 10K for the runner in you. And of course, Big 10 paradise!"
• "One of my favorite places to go in Iowa City is Prairie Lights, the unofficial bookstore of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, which is gorgeously curated. They have great readings during the academic year and a little cafe with delicious treats. All the bike trails around town are pretty sweet, too."

Learn more about Iowa City.

Procedural Experience of Residents Graduating 2020

Role of Surgeon or Teaching Resident

Procedure	Average	Program National Percentile
Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery	269	51
Cesarean Delivery	185	30
Operative Vaginal Delivery	22	66
Obstetric Ultrasound	54	9
Abdominal Hysterectomy	32	52
Vaginal Hysterectomy	17	36
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy	80	88
Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy	97	82
Total Hysterectomies	130	78
Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Procedures	32	13
Cystoscopy	65	75
Laparoscopy	73	8
Hysteroscopy	56	23
Abortions	73	89
Transvaginal Ultrasound	56	23
Surgery for Invasive Cancer	90	92

Our residents have many choices available to them following their residency training.

Our department excels in placing residents in subspecialty training in competitive fellowships here and around the country. About 25 percent of our residents seek subspecialty fellowship training.

Our residents who elect to go into practice directly find rewarding opportunities available to them, within UI Health Care, in all parts of the country, and in exciting places globally.

 

Our Traditions

Over the years, members of the University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology have had national leadership roles within our profession, helping to shape our collective ability to provide the best care possible to our patients. Our environment encourages innovative thinking, which has attracted a core of physician scientists, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of disease in order to better treat it.

Our Programs

There are four ACGME accredited fellowship programs:

• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Our Technology

We work in one of the nation’s “Most Wired” hospitals—a distinction we’ve earned over the past decade. We were pioneers in the use of electronic medical records and the rich data we’ve assembled assist researchers in finding the best care protocols for a number of conditions.

Our Care

We hold the country’s highest designation for several of our clinical services, a testament to the vision and dedication of our faculty care givers. In some cases, we’ve written the criteria for credentialing programs around the country to deliver effective treatment for complex conditions.

Our Goal

Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. We change medicine each day by asking the difficult “what if” questions. In doing so, we bring better outcomes for hundreds of lives each day. We prepare our residents to be compassionate and innovative healers and discoverers and invite them to join us on this quest to improve the human condition.

Different from many residency programs, ours will immerse you in research that's informed by your own curiosity and passion. You’ll not only have the support of a faculty mentor, but the laboratory and computing resources of a major academic medical center.

Our residents have used their research experiences as a foundation for a career of pursuing the great questions of modern medicine. They regularly present their findings at conferences and publish in scholarly journals.

Our physician researchers ask the kinds of questions that help move laboratory discoveries to innovative new treatments in the clinical setting.

Learn more about our department's research. 

The rural track offers the best of both worlds for candidates with an interest in the practice of women’s health in a rural area. 

Like the standard track, the residency is four years and is based at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. During your residency you will be exposed to the depth and breadth of the field, including subspecialty rotations. You will then have the opportunity to focus on community-based practice, working with community specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, thanks to our partnerships with community hospitals and practices.

Over the four years of training, you will complete five four-week rotations at community-based sites. The majority of this community-based experience is in the third and fourth years of training, enabling you to maximize your clinical experience in these sites. Telehealth is incorporated in the ultrasound rotation in the second year. Training sites include Burlington and other sites under development. 

Each residency class of six residents has four residents in the standard track and two in the rural track. Our residency program of 20 as of Sept. 2021 has been ACGME approved for 24 residents. We will receive one additional resident each year until we have reached our full complement of 24 [6-6-6-6].

The rural track is a separate NRMP match from the standard track. When selecting the University of Iowa program, there is a separate choice for the rural track.  Candidates may apply for both the standard track and rural track. Preference for the rural track residency is given to candidates with demonstrated interest in rural practice in Iowa.

Applying to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at University of Iowa 

Applications for obstetrics and gynecology residency will be accepted through ResidencyCAS through September 25, 2024 for first year positions beginning the following June.

Interview offers released on October 29, 2024.

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies obstetricians and gynecologists in the United States.

Founded in 1927, the ABOG is one of 24 specialty Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology

After residency, a physician may seek certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

To become Board certified, a physician must pass a written test to demonstrate that he or she has obtained the special knowledge and skills required for medical and surgical care of women.

He or she must also show experience in treating women's health care prior to the oral examination.

An oral examination is given by a team of well-respected national experts; the exam tests the physician's skills, knowledge and ability to treat different conditions. The examiners also review the patients the physician treated during the past year.

Interview Details

Applications for obstetrics and gynecology residency will be accepted through ResidencyCAS.

We are following the OBGYN initiatives for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

• Updated standards for the OBGYN application and Interview Process:
  • Application deadline of 9/25/2024
  • Interview offers released on 10/29/2024
  • Interview offers limited to the number of interview spots
  • Allow applicants a mimimum of 48 hours to respond to interview offers
  • Interviews occur no earlier than 11/1/2024
  • Virtual interview for all applicants

The Interview

We will interview about 48 candidates for four positions for our main obgyn residency track. We will interview 16 candidates for two Rural Track obgyn positions. Contracts and orientation for all new residents will begin on June 24, 2025.

Interviews for the 2025 Match will be by invitation only on the following dates:

Main Track Dates:

Monday, November 11, 2024 a.m.
Monday, November 11, 2024 p.m.
Monday, November 18, 2024 a.m.
Monday, November 18, 2024 p.m.
Monday, December 9, 2024 a.m.
Monday, December 9, 2024 p.m.

Rural Track Dates:

Monday, December 16, 2024 a.m.
Monday, December 16, 2024 p.m.

2024 Graduates

• Aya Iwamoto, MD, REI Fellowship at University of Iowa Health Care
• Jenna Johnson, MD, Private Practice, Dubuque, Iowa
• Margaret Foster, MD, Private Practice, Des Moines, Iowa
• Karl Meierding, MD, Private Practice, Des Moines, Iowa
• Andrew Storm, MD, MFM Fellowship, St. Louis, MO

2023 Graduates

• Sraavya Akella, MD, Private Practice, Women's Health Associates, Columbia, Missouri
• Catherine Bachur, MD, Faculty at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Christian Calma, MD, Private Practice, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Surbhi Jain, MD, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
• Douglas Russo, MD, Urogynecology Fellowship, University of Chicago

2022 Graduates

• Mildrede Bonglack, MD, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Tri-Health-Cincinnati
• Shelby Green, MD, Private Practice, Unity Point, Des Moines, Iowa
• Danielle Ikoma, MD, Private Practice, Rockford, Ill.
• Laura Rasmussen, MD, Faculty at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Noelle Waldschmidt, MD, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Hartford, Conn.

2021 Graduates

• Colette Gnade, MD, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
• Leigh Hess, MD, Obsetrics and Gynecology, OGA-Meridian, Meridian, Idaho
• Emily Jacobs, MD, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Keely Ulmer, MD, Generalist Division & Research, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Avery Whitis, MD, OB/GYN Associates, PC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2020 Graduates

• Rebecca Chung, MD, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI), Case Western, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland
• Jordan Mattson, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
• Hope Richards, MD, Private Practice, Cheyenne Women's Clinic, P.C., Cheyenne, Wyo.
• Vinnie Wagner, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
• Heather Winn, MD, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) Fellowship, Carolinas Medical Center-North Carolina, Charlotte, N.C.

2019 Graduates

• Tara Hoff, MD, The Women's Clinic of Northern Colorado, Fort Collins, Colo.
• Courtney Kerestes, MD, Family Planning Fellowship, University of Hawaii, Honolulu
• Edward Nguyen, MD, PhD, Pelvic and Robotic Surgery Fellowship, University of Washington Northwest Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle
• Trenton Place, DO, PhD, REI Fellowship, University of South California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
• Margaret Terveen, MD, Private practice, Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Sioux Falls, S.D.

2018 Graduates

• Lydia Alexander, MD, Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa
• Evan Cohen, DO, University of Southern Florida, Tampa, Fla.
• Kathryn Huber-Keener, MD, PhD, Faculty at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iowa City, Iowa
• Ashley Kaiser, MD, The Group, Davenport, Iowa
• Andreea Newtson, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa

2017 Graduates

• Michael Haugsal, MD, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Adrianne Mallen, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.
• Abigail Mancuso, MD, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Sarah Wernimont, MD, PhD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Heather Williams, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, Augusta University, Augusta, Ga.

2016 Graduates

• Elyse Brock, MD, Huron Regional Medical Center, Huron, S.D.
• Whitney Cowman, MD, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa
• Michelle Krohn, DO, Black Hills Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rapid City, S.D.
• Andrea O'Shea, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.
• Eric Tyler, MD, Spokane OBGYN, Spokane, Wash.

2015 Graduates

• Adrienne Adams, MD, Private practice, Chicago
• Brian Kilonzo, MD, Genesis Health System, Silvis, Ill.
• Megan McDonald, MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa; Faculty at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Gynecologic Oncology Division, Iowa City, Iowa
• Christine Okpala, MD, Women’s Specialty Care, Las Vegas
• Karla Solheim, MD, Partners in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Waterloo, Iowa

2014 Graduates

• Jean Hansen, DO, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
• Erica Hofland, MD, Sanford Health, Dickinson, N.D.
• Joseph Kowalski, MD, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa; Faculty at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Iowa City, Iowa
• Amandeep Mahal, MD, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
• Lindsey Michaels, MD, Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates, Des Moines, Iowa

2013 Graduates

• Erin Eppsteiner, MD, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, Northampton, Mass.
• Rachel Mejia, DO, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa; Faculty at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Iowa City, Iowa
• Kristin Orr, MD, Cedar Rapids OB Gyn Specialists, PC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Jena Swanson, MD, CentraCare Health, Saint Cloud, Minn.
• Sarah Swift, MD, Bellin Hospital, Green Bay, Wis.

2012 Graduates

• Ryan Empey, MD, Granger Medical Clinic, West Jordan, Utah
• Janna R. Girardi, MD, Medical Director, Mercy Medical Center Healing Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Jennifer Steines, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, Davenport, Iowa
• Kristy Van Kirk, MD, Cheyenne Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheyenne, Wyo.

2011 Graduates

• Laura Bonebrake, MD, BJC Medical Group Offices, Ob/Gyn Associates, St. Louis
• Kim Naruko-Stewart, MD, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility, Maple Grove, Minn.
• Kelin Schultz, MD, Park Nicollet, Maple Grove, Minn.
• Jami Shepard, MD, OBGYN Associates of Iowa City & Coralville, Iowa City, Iowa

2010 Graduates

• Alison Agner, MD, Rocky Mountain OB-GYN, Denver
• Jill Goodman, MD, OBGYN Associates of Iowa City & Coralville, Iowa City, Iowa
• Jessica Kresowik, MD, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics–Quad Cities Clinic, Davenport, Iowa
• Erin Lehman, MD, UnityPoint Clinic OB/GYN – Lakeview, West Des Moines, Iowa

2009 Graduates

• Dana Messenger, OB-GYN Associates, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Deb Piehl, OB-GYN Associates, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Alireza Shamshirsaz, Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship, Hartford, Conn.; Faculty, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor University, College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Houston
• Marissa Wisdom, Mid Dakota Clinic Center for Women, Bismarck, N.D.
• Aimee Young, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, Port Charlotte, Fla.

2008 Graduates

• Danielle Berdahl, MD, Spearfish Regional Medical Clinic, Spearfish, Md.
• Christina Broadwell, MD, University of Wisconsin, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Madison, Wis.
• Susan Wing Lipinski, MD, Banner Health, Loveland, Colo.

2007 Graduates

• Lori Day, MD, Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa; Faculty, University of Michigan Health System, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ann Arbor, Mich.
• Micca Donohue, MD, Gundersen Lutheran Clinic, Onalaska, Wis.
• Merida Miller, MD, Park Nicollet Clinic OB/GYN, Maple Grove, Minn.
• Anne Turcea, MD, Women’s Care for the Commonwealth, Danville, Ky.

Fourth Year Residents

Sarah Bakir, MD, Rural Residency Track

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa

Katharine Linder, MD

Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minn.

Zoe Sayler, MD

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bismarck, N.D.

Kyle Varon, DO

Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, W.Va.

Rachel Watson, MD 

Medical School: University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, Mo.

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Third Year Residents

Maren Bettermann, MD, Rural Residency Track

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN

Emily Capper, MD

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa

Grace Chabal, MD, Rural Residency Track

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa

Kelsey McOllough, MD

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa

Sarah Rasmussen, MD

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND

H. Bennett Stephens, MD

Medical School: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

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Second Year Residents

Anisa Alizaidy, MD

Medical School: Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Ruth Bondurant, MD

Medical School: The University of Texas Health and Science Center at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long SOM

Allison Carlisle, MD, Rural Residency Track

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Macey Mattock, MD, Rural Residency Track

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford

Samantha Metzger, MD

Medical School: University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine

Samantha Swartz, MD

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine

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First Year Residents

Alaire Buchholz, MD, Rural Residency Track

Medical School: University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine

Hannah Cress, MD, Rural Residency Track

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Courtney Decker, MD

Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Adrienne Esposito, MD 

Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine

Gary Kersbergen, MD

Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Alexandra Sharp, MD

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine

Christian M. Pettker, MD

Jennifer R. Niebyl, MD Chair and Department Executive Officer
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Welcome to the website of the University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. I am proud to lead a talented group of hard-working, creative, and caring faculty and staff that works every day to bring the best healthcare to Iowans and beyond. The field of medicine is faced with considerable challenges today. Our team is rising to these challenges to meet the needs of those we serve, while working also to maintain the joy and meaning of being a healthcare provider. A strength of our department is our interdisciplinary composition, as we comprise a diverse group of physicians, nurse midwives, advanced practice nurses, physician associates, nurses, genetics counselors, sonographers, embryologists, and more. We also have important collaborative relationships with the School of Nursing and the Departments of Family Medicine and Pediatrics.

Our comprehensive medical, surgical, and nursing services provide the full spectrum of care for patients with normal and complicated pregnancies and for gynecology, including cancer, menopause, female pelvic health, and reproductive endocrinology. While our care is primarily focused in Iowa City at the University of Iowa Health Care hospitals, we serve all of Iowa, with telehealth and outreach services at sites across the state. The goal of our department is to serve, educate, and care for Iowans, and exemplify all models of care in women’s and reproductive health for the world to see.

We are a primary care provider for women’s health, serving normal and uncomplicated pregnancies and routine women’s health issues. In keeping with the institution's quaternary care role, a number of our patients represent complicated or high-risk conditions within all spectrums of obstetric and gynecologic care. We serve two labor and deliver suites at our two Iowa City hospitals, incorporating both modern technological advances as well as facilities for the family-oriented approach to patient care. The gynecologic oncology program is an integral unit of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. Our in vitro fertilization program is a national leader in outcomes and the latest technologies. Additional specialty areas include genetics counseling, infertility, in-vitro fertilization, gynecologic urology, menopause, pelvic pain, prenatal diagnostics, and reproductive care.

Basic and clinical research in reproductive medicine is an important departmental activity and is generously funded by state, federal, and philanthropic support. Our areas of strength in scholarship include obstetric quality and safety, preeclampsia, ovarian and uterine cancer, female pelvic health, fertility/infertility, and rural women’s health. Our internationally-recognized Women’s Health Tissue Repository attracts researchers from across the spectrum of pregnancy and reproductive health and is a particularly unique resource used to answer the more important questions in our field. Important collaborations with state and federal agencies are an critical part of our scholarship and research as well.

We are dedicated to excellence in the education of medical students, residents, and fellows, as reflected by a competency-based curriculum that is designed to provide practitioners with comprehensive knowledge and outstanding skills. The clinical and research efforts of trainees are closely mentored and nurtured by a dedicated research team. Our graduates move on to successful careers in clinical practice and academic obstetrics and gynecology. We have four ACGME-accredited fellowship programs in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. We also support an accredited Clinical Nurse Midwife training program.

Whether you are a patient, student/trainee, researcher, physician, midwife, or other provider, we hope you will have a meaningful and rewarding interaction with our department and that we treat you with our unique ‘Iowa nice’ touch.

- Christian Pettker, MD

 

Megan McDonald, MD, MHPE

Residency Program Director
Clinical Assistant Professor
megan-e-mcdonald@uiowa.edu

Lauren Coyne, MD

Associate Residency Program Director
Residency Simulation Skills Lab
Clinical Associate Professor
lauren-coyne@uiowa.edu

Kelly Ward, MD 

Associate Residency Program Director 
Clinical Associate Professor
kelly-k-ward@uiowa.edu

Donna A. Santillan, PhD

Resident Research Program Co-Director
Research Associate Professor
donna-santillan@uiowa.edu

Mark K. Santillan, MD, PhD

Resident Research Program Co-Director
Associate Professor
mark-santillan@uiowa.edu

Nanci Wieneke

Residency Program Coordinator
nanci-wieneke@uiowa.edu 
Phone: 1-319-356-4403
Fax: 319-384-8620

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Iowa Health Care
200 Hawkins Drive 
Iowa City, IA 52242-1080

Megan McDonald, MD, MHPE

Thank you for your interest in the residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Iowa. Our program has a long history of excellence. The University of Iowa is a great place to train and Iowa City is a wonderful place to live and work, with abundant and varied offerings and events.