One of the things that surprised us most about Iowa was the culture of the program. Residency is demanding, and the people you train with can make all the difference. Our residents truly enjoy spending time together, and there is a strong sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the hospital walls. Senior residents are approachable, faculty know you personally, and mentorship develops naturally through years of working side by side. Whether it's grabbing coffee after clinic, celebrating milestones, or supporting one another through challenging rotations, you'll quickly realize that Iowa feels less like a residency program and more like a community.

At Iowa, faculty are invested in your success and take an active role in helping you build the career you want. Whether your interests lie in general neurology, private practice, fellowship training, medical education, or physician-scientist research, you'll find mentors who will advocate for your goals. Residents work closely with faculty on research projects, national presentations, and career development while receiving thoughtful guidance on fellowship applications and life after residency. The relationships you build here often continue long after graduation.

As the state's only comprehensive academic medical center, Iowa provides exposure to an incredible breadth of neurologic disease. Residents are given meaningful responsibility early in training while always having the support of senior residents and faculty. This balance of independence and mentorship allows you to develop confidence in your clinical decision-making without ever feeling like you're on your own. By graduation, residents leave with not only exceptional clinical skills but also the confidence to practice independently in any setting.

For residents interested in scholarship, Iowa offers an environment where research and clinical training complement one another. Opportunities range from clinical and educational projects to basic and translational neuroscience research through the Iowa Neuroscience Institute. Dedicated mentorship, protected research time, and institutional support help residents present nationally, publish their work, and pursue competitive fellowships and academic careers. Our graduates consistently match into outstanding fellowships across the country, and many remain part of the Iowa family as fellows and faculty. Whether your goal is academic medicine or community practice, Iowa provides the training and support to help you get there.

Residency is important, but so is having the time and space to enjoy life outside of work. Iowa City offers an exceptional quality of life with affordable housing, short commutes, excellent schools, and a vibrant local community. Residents regularly gather for brewery nights, outdoor activities, resident retreats, graduation celebrations, and wellness events throughout the year. Whether you're raising a family, training for a marathon, biking across Iowa, exploring local restaurants, or simply enjoying an afternoon off, Iowa City makes it easy to build a fulfilling life during residency.

You don't have to be a football fan to appreciate one of Iowa City's most meaningful traditions. At every home game, more than 70,000 fans pause to wave to the children and families watching from the windows of Stead Family Children's Hospital across the street. The Kinnick Wave is a powerful reminder of the close connection between the university, the hospital, and the community we serve. Many residents enjoy attending games together each fall, but what makes the tradition memorable isn't the score—it's the sense of community. The Kinnick Wave captures something we value deeply in our residency program: a supportive culture that never loses sight of the patients and families at the heart of our work.