By supporting scholarship in ethics and the arts, the UI Carver College of Medicine’s Humanities Distinction Track gives medical students space to explore the artistic and philosophical side of medicine during medical training. Students have completed projects ranging from novels, memoirs, and poetry collections to scholarly writing, photography, and more in search of a deeper understanding of medicine.

University of Iowa medicine alum Wanakee Carr finds meaning in the care she provides as a doctor practicing obstetrics and gynecology in the Des Moines area. She describes helping bring a new child into the world as “such a beautiful experience.”

For Marc Doobay, MPAS, PA-C, the road to a career as a physician assistant (PA) and becoming a passionate educator and advocate for the field isn’t one’s usual path. Initially pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, he soon realized his true calling lay in the PA profession—a choice driven by his desire for balance and a connection to the patient-centered, team-based care model.

Little-known fact: In addition to graduate programs in medicine, physician assistant studies, and biomedical sciences, the UI Carver College of Medicine offers undergraduate degrees in radiation sciences and nuclear medicine technology. We chatted with Samantha Nguyen, a first-generation student who earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Radiation Sciences at the University of Iowa, about her career path and what her day-to-day looks like now.

For some medical students, the calling to serve others is not just the foundation for their careers—it’s their guiding star. The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine’s Service Distinction Track exists to help these students gain experience working with medically underserved, marginalized, and rural populations during medical school and inform them on important topics related to service-oriented health careers.

Carver College of Medicine grad Kyle Glienke reflects on his calling to rural and agricultural medicine and his place in Storm Lake, Iowa — the community he loves.

The University of Iowa Physician Assistant Studies and Services Program has a long history of producing outstanding medical professionals, and Stephen Rumelhart, PA-C, is a shining example of this tradition. A proud alum, Rumelhart’s journey through the world of medicine has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a commitment to patient care.

Kathy Edwards is a world-renowned physician, teacher, mentor, and researcher who has made significant contributions to life-saving advances in vaccines. Throughout her career, she has designed and executed clinical trials and educated others on their conduct to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines for influenza, pertussis, pneumococcus, and many other pathogens.

Jon Lensing co-founded OpenLoop in 2019, when he was a medical student at the University of Iowa. As CEO of the telehealth company, he has applied his leadership, research, and technology skills to grow the company nationwide with the vision to bring healing anywhere.

John Callaghan is a leading expert in hip and knee surgery with hundreds of research and grant credits. Driven by a continual pursuit of knowledge at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Callaghan dedicated himself as a faculty member, volunteer, and role model to make a positive global impact in his field.