Alexander Novak
The pursuit of a career in medicine is not a journey any one individual can achieve on their own. A lot of folks have put forth effort to help me get to where I am today. I'm immensely grateful to my wife and family, my health, and all the staff at the University of Iowa. Having completed residency training at the University of Iowa's Department of Anesthesia, I feel prepared to transition from trainee to attending physician. If I had to complete residency training all over again, I would choose the University of Iowa again!
Shelby Bloomer, DO
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Hobbies: I love going to dance workout classes at the rec, going out for food and drinks with friends around Iowa City, going to concerts, and spending time outside!
Fun Fact: I am the oldest of 5, so I grew up with lots of little siblings running around. As a result, I love working with kiddos, and I will be staying at Iowa for fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology!
Why Iowa: In my fourth year of medical school, I actually matched at a different program. While I really appreciated my first two years of training at that program, I found myself constantly comparing my experience to the residency program at Iowa and missing Iowa City a LOT. First and foremost, this program provides EXCELLENT clinical training in a fun, supportive environment. The hospital system at UI Health Care also places a tremendous focus on education, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care—a fact that I had previously taken for granted. Iowa City itself is also incredible. There are always fun events going on all the time, but it’s also such an easy place to live, with short commutes, minimal traffic, good cost-of-living, and “Midwestern nice” vibes. I am so grateful that this program was able to accept me as a transfer resident, and I am ecstatic to be back in Iowa City, hanging out in the best resident lounge in existence!
Asad Mansoor, MD
If given the choice, I would choose Iowa again. Between the clinical experience and the people that make up the department, Iowa has everything I had hoped for. Iowa does a great job of coupling a clinical experience with faculty who do an excellent job of facilitating a laid-back environment that still pushed me to grow into a well-rounded anesthesiologist through an appropriate level of graded clinical autonomy. Having been through the training program, I feel thankful, knowing that I have built life-long connections with both faculty and co-residents who will continue to be great resources as I move forward in my career!