Why choose the University of Iowa?

The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Pediatric Pulmonology Program is a fellow-centered program with a strong emphasis on achieving balance between clinical training, research and didactic conferences. The program provides exposure to a broad array of clinical conditions that ranges from common pulmonary diseases to highly specialized multidisciplinary care of rare disorders. Our Pulmonary Division is consistently ranked as one of the best programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Where is Iowa City?

Iowa City is 220 miles directly west of Chicago on Interstate 80. It's also within a 4-5 hour drive to Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City and St. Louis. It has the cultural, educational, social and political opportunities of a bigger city with the values and ambiance of a Midwestern town. Its clean, safe, nothing is farther than a 15 minute car ride, it has a robust public transportation system, dedication to bicycling, wonderful parks, sports, schools and even sailing. Those who have lived here and left, frequently return because what they were looking for was in their own back yard. But we're not the only ones who think Iowa City is great:

• University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital is the only is the only nationally ranked children's hospital in Iowa
• No. 9 "Best Small Places for Business and Careers" (Forbes, 2016)
• No. 44 out of 201 on best performing small cities list ("Milken Institute," December 2016)
• No. 4 "21 Super Cool US Cities" (Expedia Viewfinder, 2017)
• Iowa City is one of the safest and best-educated communities in the country
• Iowa  City has outstanding public and private schools
• Iowa City has low housing costs (less than $150/square foot)
• We have a vibrant performing arts scene, eclectic restaurants, and the cultural amenities of a diverse, cosmopolitan area without the high cost of living, crime, and traffic of a large city
• Iowa City is located within 4 hours driving distance to three other large metropolitan areas

How ethnically diverse are the patients?

Like a lot of university towns, we have a large international community. Growing cultural diversity is another reason Iowa City is an interesting place to live. Diversity is embraced and celebrated with city and university events, festivals, clubs and programs. The University works hard to recruit and retain minorities with its affirmative action policies. About 13% of Iowa citizens are non-white as are almost 13% of the patients seen in our pediatric clinic.

What is the weather like in Iowa City?

For about two weeks every winter it's very cold and windy and for two weeks every summer it's really hot and humid. The rest of the time it's pretty nice. We have a lot of sunny days even in winter-166 per year. Our average snowfall is 28", average rainfall is 35", average temperature in the summer is 72.6 and in the winter, 23.7.

What is there to do in Iowa City when you're not working?

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 also have a really big mall and several smaller ones, 41 parks, 9 golf courses, 6 public tennis courts, 6 public pools, some lakes and a reservoir with trails, camping & 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 including Hancher Auditorium. There's always something going on. Find more information from the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

What's Iowa City like for kids and families?

There's ice skating, bowling, organized sports, 50 public parks, miniature golf, a great public library, a toy library, fun centers, swimming pools and 3 beaches, 9 museums including a children's museum, dance companies and public recreation centers that feature many activities for kids and families at little or no cost. We also have 20 movie screens and 50-licensed daycare providers. The Iowa City schools are perennially ranked among the top schools in the nation. Iowa City is unique in the facilities and services available for individuals with disabilities. Many families who have a family member with a disability are reluctant to leave Iowa City because they cannot duplicate those services in another location.

Are there any job opportunities for my spouse/significant other?

Yes, in June 2016, Iowa City had an average of 3.2% unemployment. Also check out The University of Iowa's Dual Career Services.

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

With 5,400 annual inpatient pediatric admissions and over 218,000 outpatient encounters you will see plenty of the most common illnesses and trauma that children experience. Our clinical practice serves the general pediatric health care needs of the local community and the subspecialty needs of the region. Our department receives referrals for specialized services from neighboring states as well.

Patients are referred from across the nation for certain specialized pediatric treatments and services, such as bone marrow transplantation, pediatric cardiology, otolaryngology, neurosurgery and orthopedics. In addition, we conduct clinics in other cities and towns throughout Iowa. Our patients represent all pediatric age groups and all socioeconomic strata and they present with virtually all acute and chronic conditions.

How will I identify a research mentor and project?

University of Iowa is a very strong research institution with basic translational and clinical research. During the first few months of fellowship, fellow meet with several clinical and basic science investigators who have ongoing projects that match their own interests. Should a fellow enter the program with a strong background in research or an identified project, a mentor with similar interests will be identified. A strong mentor-fellow relationship is imperative to success in research. Fellows have access to collaborative opportunities of the Lung Biology and Cystic Fibrosis Research Center within the Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.

Will I have protected time to perform a research project and meet board eligibility requirements?

Research blocks are protected time. Fellows attend their weekly half day outpatient clinic and educational conferences. All other activities should be dedicated to research.