Aaron Dotson, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2021-2024
Why did you choose Iowa?
I chose Iowa because of the friendly and supportive department, ample opportunities and resources to mold your own residency experience, and overall training experience that's one to beat!
Andrew Goldstein, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2021-2024
Why did you choose Iowa?
I chose to train at Iowa because I knew it was a place that would push me to excel, but also provide a supportive and friendly environment. As a medical student here I always felt like the staff and residents included me as part of the team, and I wanted to train at a program that had such a welcoming atmosphere. Iowa has a strong focus on education and provides clinical and surgical training that is among the best in the country. The combination of world-class faculty, dedication to resident education, and a supportive environment were exactly what I was looking for in my residency training.
Dr. Goldstein's academic profile
Tina Hendricks, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2021-2024
Why did you choose Iowa?
Iowa had everything I was looking for and then some! I fell in love with the welcoming, family-focused culture, the commitment to resident training, and above all the people who make this department so special.
Dr. Hendricks's academic profile
Mahsaw Mansoor, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2021-2024
Why did you choose Iowa?
My personal motto is "work hard and be nice to people" and I think the Iowa culture captures that perfectly. The people here are the absolute best, patients and faculty alike. Everyone is approachable, generous with their time, and eager to teach. I was nervous at first moving from larger cities (previously lived in Phoenix and LA), but I promise you will find this place as wholesome and charming as it is described. Also, Dr. Oetting is the greatest program director in the world.
Dr. Mansoor's academic profile
Sean Rodriguez, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2021-2024
Why did you choose Iowa?
There are a lot of reasons why I chose Iowa, but I will try to sum it up. There are many great programs, and Iowa is definitely among them, but it was the "other stuff" that sold me to Iowa. From start-to-finish on interview day, the culture present was pervasive. The faculty are awesome, easy-going, impressive, and really invest in the success of the program and the residents. The residents I met reflected this as well; they were super impressive, yet down-to-earth and fun to hang out with.
Dr. Rodriguez's academic profile
S. Bilal Ahmed, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2022-2025
Why did you choose Iowa?
Iowa has a rich history of excellence in education, patient care, research, and producing leaders who contribute to the field of ophthalmology in a variety of meaningful ways. The focus on residents becoming well-rounded doctors and surgeons is the beating heart of this program. It is an honor to spend the next four years training at an institution with such talented, humble, and genuine people rooting for you from day one.
Arnulfo Garza Reyes, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2022-2025
Why did you choose Iowa?
All residency programs in the country will train a competent ophthalmologist, but very few will offer you world-class training suited for any kind of practice you can imagine. Additionally, very few eye institutes will offer you a resident-driven culture. Iowa is that and more which makes it a unique place at the top of the rankings. Educating you is the priority of every faculty member, and you will find a leader in the field in every subspecialty here at Iowa. I have the goal of going back to the southern border of the country and serving my people as there is a huge need, so it was clear to me that I wanted a place that could offer me elite training to impact my community. I am uncertain about my specialty preference at this point but it gives me peace of mind knowing that graduates from Iowa are widely-known for being capable of excelling right after finishing residency. If I decide to pursue a specialty, the strength of the program and department in general along with the support of the faculty would set me up for success. When you consider residency programs, remember to keep in mind the program’s ability to set you up for a successful career...but the important thing is that success should be defined by you and your own goals. I knew that at Iowa I can come out a well-trained surgeon with experiences that will allow me to shape my career into exactly what I want. Very few places in the country can give you that luxury. To do all of that in a friendly and supportive environment is more than I could have asked for. This is the place to be.
Chad 'Cy' Lewis, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2022-2025
Why did you choose Iowa?
I chose to train at Iowa because I knew it was a place that would push me to excel, but also provide a
supportive and friendly environment. As a medical student here I always felt like the staff and residents
included me as part of the team, and I wanted to train at a program that had such a welcoming atmosphere. Iowa has a strong focus on education and provides clinical and surgical training that is among the best in the country. The combination of world-class faculty, a dedication to resident education, and a supportive
environment was exactly what I was looking for in my residency training.
Joanna Silverman, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2022-2025
Why did you choose Iowa?
I went to medical school at Iowa, and it was here where I learned just how impactful the work of ophthalmologists are. The department is home to some big role models of mine, and I learned first-hand just how excited the physicians/residents at Iowa are to go out of their way to help cultivate our skills and passions as learners. As a frequent over-thinker, this was an easy gut decision.
Dr. Silverman's academic profile
Cheryl Wang, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2022-2025
Why did you choose Iowa?
I chose Iowa because of the culture. I have met so many people here who are not only super interesting and impressive but also humble, down-to-earth, and really pleasant to be around. I can recall many moments from being a medical student here where people went the extra mile for me or were generous towards me with their time, effort, and consideration, even if I was a stranger to them. These memories have made a lasting impression on me and represent the kind of physician and person I would like to become.
Brandon Baksh, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2023-2026
Patrick Donegan, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2023-2026
Why did you choose Iowa?
I had heard about Iowa’s ophthalmology from my mentors in medical school for years, so when I had the chance to interview, I was elated. It seemed to be the perfect balance of terrific clinical and surgical training with world-renowned faculty and a collegial culture that allows one to retain their sanity. It obviously took a leap of faith to come here but I wanted to go to a program that would prepare me for anything after I graduate, be it comprehensive practice or fellowship.
Dr. Donegan's academic profile
Matthew Hunt, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2023-2026
Why did you choose Iowa?
Iowa has the nicest culture, great clinical volume combined with intentional structured teaching, and interesting research opportunities.
Matthew Meyer, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2023-2026
Samuel Tadros, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2023-2026
Why did you choose Iowa?
To me, Iowa stood out as a top program that offered excellent clinical and surgical training. You can craft whatever path you like here, whether that is as a high-volume surgeon in private practice or a research minded academic clinician. Iowa will train you for anything, and you will have fun doing it too!
Jonathan Trejo, MD
Ophthalmology Resident, 2023-2026
Why did you choose Iowa?
As someone who was for sure motivated to stay on the west coast, I couldn’t help but notice how the culture of Iowa is like no other. Every resident here is truly treated like a family member. I could immediately tell during interview day (that has been confirmed while I’ve been here) that we all look out for each other and are encouraged by our faculty and colleagues to learn, grow, and welcome what we all bring to this world-renown institution. I am so glad I chose to come here because I know I will receive the best training I can bring to my patients, peers, and mentees and have already made friendships and mentors that will be lifelong.
Transitional Interns, Ophthalmology Resident 2023-2026
Oladipupo Anibire, MD
Dr. Anibire's academic profile
Donavon Dahmer, MD
Marshall Henrie, MD
Paige Noble, MD
Adetayo Oladele-Ajose, MD
Dr. Oladele-Ajose's academic profile
Zachary Richards, MD
