Stephanie N. Torres-Ramos, PhD
Completion Year: 2025
Education: Ponce Health Sciences University
Cole Toovey, PhD
Completion Year: 2026
Education: University of Iowa
Josh Blotter, MD
Medical School: University of Utah
Residency: Sanford Health, University of North Dakota
Why Iowa: As an adult neurology resident with a strong interest in epilepsy, I sought a fellowship program that offered advanced diagnostic and treatment options, exposure to a wide spectrum of cases, and a faculty culture that prioritizes mentorship and collaboration. The University of Iowa stood out immediately for its comprehensive approach to epilepsy care, including cutting-edge treatment modalities and a robust EEG curriculum. The large referral base ensures a diverse clinical experience, while the supportive and collegial faculty create an environment that fosters both clinical growth and professional development. From the outset, it was clear that this is a place where fellows are challenged, supported, and prepared for independent practice.
Aniela Grzezulkowska, MD
Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Residency: Pediatric Neurology, Nemours Children's Health, DE / Thomas Jefferson University
Why Iowa: As a pediatric neurology resident, I looked for a program that would have strong training in both pediatric and adult neuroimmunology, as I believe there is an advantage of combined training. It was also important to me to have the opportunity to do inpatient consults as the most interesting and learning cases come from the inpatient side. I have never been to Iowa before starting fellowship but knowing that University of Iowa is an academic center with a large referral base, I had no doubt that I will have plenty of exposure to common neuroimmune disorders such as MS but also encounter rare diseases, and be well prepared for my own practice.
Sudhir Kumar Palat Chirakkara, MBBS
Hometown: Pilicode, Kerala
Medical School & Residency: Government Medical College, Calicut, India
Why Iowa: I chose the University of Iowa because of its strong clinical training, academic excellence, and supportive faculty. The program’s comprehensive exposure to both common and complex movement disorders, along with hands-on experience in advanced therapies, made it stand out. I was especially drawn to its multidisciplinary care model for holistic patient management. The faculty’s evident commitment to teaching and mentorship, combined with opportunities for clinical research, reinforced my decision. Iowa’s collaborative environment and balanced pace create an ideal setting for growth. Having recently started, I already feel both supported and challenged, and I am confident that this fellowship will shape me into a skilled and thoughtful movement disorders expert.
Jade Brusseau, MD
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Family Medicine, UC Davis Network - Mercy - Redding, CA
Why Iowa: I was originally drawn to the University of Iowa because of its reputation for excellent patient care and education. A strong culture of collaboration, kindness, and camaraderie was evident during the interview process, solidifying my choice. This is an exceptional program to train at with diverse learning opportunities. I also enjoy the college town feel of Iowa City. There are many events happening, access to good food, music, and just an overall fun atmosphere.
Hobbies: Coffee connoisseur, hiking and camping, live music, homebrewing, performance cars and F1
Ruth Deya, MBChB, MPH
Medical School: University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
Why Iowa: The Sleep Medicine Program at the University of Iowa provides an outstanding blend of adult and pediatric sleep exposure, supported by a broad referral base, diverse electives, and challenging learning opportunities. The faculty are deeply committed to mentoring fellows, fostering independence, and maintaining a collegial learning environment. Beyond training, Iowa City offers a welcoming community with excellent social and cultural opportunities, making it an ideal place for both professional growth and family life.
Gowri Anil Peethambar, MBBS
Medical School: Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, India
Residency: Prisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Columbia (Columbia) Program
Why Iowa: The University of Iowa offers an outstanding stroke fellowship through its nationally recognized Comprehensive Stroke Center, where fellows train in a program that pioneered landmark contributions such as the NIH Stroke Scale and TOAST criteria. The department is known for its collegial and supportive faculty, strong mentorship, and balance of autonomy with guidance, which I personally felt during my interview through the warmth and enthusiasm of both faculty and fellows. In addition to exceptional clinical and research opportunities, Iowa City itself is a wonderful place to live, a vibrant university town with a welcoming community, rich cultural and academic environment, affordable cost of living, and easy access to nature, making it an ideal setting to grow both professionally and personally during fellowship.
Randall Krug, MD, PhD
Hometown: Champlin, MN
Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Residency: Neurology Residency, University of Iowa Health Care
Why Iowa: The cerebrovascular department here offers a fast-paced and challenging environment, perfect for gaining hands-on experience in both common and rare conditions. The faculty team is outstanding and deeply committed to mentoring, which made me confident that this is the ideal place to continue my training after residency.