Why KU?
Hear from some of our residents about why they chose KU and what they have experienced in the internal medicine residency program.
Hannah Steenblock, Class of 2026
I grew up in Ames, Iowa and went to medical school at the University of Iowa. I don't have any family in Kansas or Missouri, and it had been probably 8 years since I had last been in Kansas City when I moved here earlier this summer. My husband, who is originally from Illinois, had never been to Kansas City until after Match Day. So how did we end up here? This story starts all the way back when I was applying for medical school actually. We went on our first date in October of 2018 and I told him I had some interviews coming up for medical school and that I would probably be moving away. Little did I know, at the same time we met he was looking for jobs in Chicago. I opted to stay in Iowa for school and he never took the Chicago job, we are now married. Because he stayed those extra 4 years in Iowa for me, I told him for residency we could move somewhere new and more exciting. We sat down and made a list of the things that were important to both of us. I wanted to train at an academic medical center where there would be opportunities to pursue a fellowship, work at a VA, and teach medical students, three things that were very important to me. We both wanted to stay in the Midwest but move to a bigger city where there would be more restaurants, concerts/shows, shopping, Zoos, parks, etc. We also wanted to live somewhere with a decent cost of living so that we could buy a house - because our fur babies deserve a yard obviously! We did our research, compiled our list, and KU Med was one of the programs that fit every single one of these criteria.
I looked back at old match data from University of Iowa and saw that people had matched to Internal Med at KU previously (s/o to Chief Resident Dr. Hentzen) so I felt like that was a positive sign. There were also IM residents at Iowa that had gone to medical school at KU and wanted to return to Kansas City after graduation, which I think also speaks volumes about the program and hospital here. My interest was piqued, and I remember feeling so excited to get that ERAS email inviting me for an interview (I guess any interview invite was exciting, but this one I was especially happy about). I purposefully scheduled it after a couple others so I could get my jitters out of the way.
After those first few I realized that virtual interviewing can be really tricky. It can be hard to read people's body language and reactions when you are talking to them on a screen. I had some interviews at other programs that afterwards I felt like I had no idea how they went. It was unnerving and made it hard to know if I would actually be happy there or not. And then I had my KU interview. The residents at the social hour were so friendly and seemed genuinely happy to be here. I remember thinking "I hope I love my residency program and co-residents as much as they do." Which is honestly so important! Residency in itself can be stressful, so it really helps to like the people around you. On my interview day I spoke with Dr. Naylor and Dr. Pandya and they were both so warm and welcoming. I could tell they had thoroughly read my application and had questions specific to me picked out. They showed genuine interest in me. Our conversations flowed so freely, and I never felt put on the spot. I also got the feeling from my interview that KU is really trying to prioritize resident wellness and make sure that everything they require of us is for the sake of our learning and not just to carry the hospital on our back. Burnout is such a real and scary thing and so it felt really important to be somewhere that cares about this. After all was said and done, I told my husband that I felt the most myself during this interview than I had on any other interview day. The rest of the season, everything else was compared to KU, and nothing quite measured up. I went with my gut feeling, and I am so glad that I did. In the month that I have worked here, the program has allowed me to grow so much, and given me so much support while doing so, and I'm just getting started! Furthermore, my husband and I have settled into our new home and are having a great time exploring our new city. I feel like I have the best of all worlds here, training in a nationally ranked hospital system in a super fun Midwest city surrounded by some of the most supportive people.
Carmen Cajina Aguirre, Class of 2026
Why KU? As I look back, I realize that I did not have just one reason for choosing KU, but many! I am originally from Nicaragua, a place known for the warmth of the people, which I have also found here in Kansas City. It was before the interview season that I started learning about all the learning and growth opportunities offered by the Internal Medicine program at KU through their website, but that was just a glimpse of everything this place has to offer.
Before my interview, I had the chance to attend the Meet and Greet with the residents through Zoom, and I still remember that day. I was surprised by how supported the residents were feeling, and even more importantly, the support was not limited to academic and professional matters but also extended to the personal and family level. There was a moment during the meeting when someone said something funny, and we were all laughing comfortably. In the end, I thought to myself, 'I definitely have to be in this program!'
When I was interviewing here I immediately met faculty that I felt really connected with and that they were really interested in my own personal learning. That day, I asked Dr. Gillenwater and Dr. Gibbons what makes the program special, and both of their responses had this in common: 'This is a place where you can grow, and everyone is willing to help you achieve that growth.' That was just the first of many events that made me feel supported by the program.
After matching here, I could confirm that it is not just a program; it is a family of wonderful people! Thanks to Dr. Castillo, Dr. Eck, Dr. Brubacher, Dr. Starr, Abby, and Ashley. I feel like I have the best support coming from all of you. Today I can confidently say that I have found a new family here in Kansas, and it is thanks to them that I feel empowered and supported. I genuinely feel that the community here is super special. Everyone I have met is wonderful, very collaborative, and always willing to help. The program truly advocates for us as residents with Dr. Eck and the Associated Program Directors going the extra mile for residents.
This is an exceptional program because of its leadership, focus on learning and resident wellness. I hope that you can be part of this amazing team next year!
Gus De Aguiar Andrade, Class of 2027
When I came to Kansas in 2011 as a foreign exchange student, I fell in love with this state. I also fell in love with this beautiful woman that is now my wife (after 11 years of long-distance). Since I always wanted to be a doctor, I had to figure out back then where to do my residency in the United States. The answer couldn’t be easier. KU 100%. Not just to stay close to my wife’s family (big Jayhawks fans), but also to forever stay in this state full of warm people.
I am from Brazil and I have to admit that I feel at home here. And impressively, the people here at KU are probably the best people in this whole state! Everybody is so nice so that really tells a lot.
KU is not just one of the best Hospitals within hundreds of miles of radius, but it ls also one of the best in the world and is always ranking high nationally.
The first time you step foot inside of this place you are just like WOW! THIS IS AWESOME!
After one month of residency, I still can’t believe this great achievement. Every time I step my right foot first in these buildings, I feel proud to be a part of all of this. Trust me, every time you’re driving around Kansas City highways and see the majestic Cambridge tower shining bright blue at sunset you’ll feel proud too.
The people around me make me feel supported and ready to tackle any hardships that come my way for the next three years. I don’t know if I will be a hospitalist or do a fellowship. I just know that KU will continue to make me the great doctor that this community deserves.
Lucy Dale, Class of 2027
Hi, I’m Lucy! I was born and raised in Blackpool, a small seaside town in England. Applying for residency as an international can seem daunting; you want to ensure you get the best medical training, but you also want to feel like you fit in.
When I interviewed at KU, I was shocked at how friendly everyone was. No matter who you are or where you come from, the team treats every individual with kindness and respect. Even if you arrive without knowing anyone, you'll quickly find a new family here.
I have been at KU for just under a month. So far, the experience has been incredible. I have made so many good friends, thanks to the numerous social events and the welcoming community.
At KU, we have the privilege of working alongside some of the best academics in the country who are dedicated to guiding and supporting us through our training. We also have daily noon conferences (often with free food!!) where we get teaching on a variety of key topics. I think this is so important because it helps to refresh and accumulate new knowledge.
KU is a program that emphasises mentorship and regular feedback. You will get regular feedback from attending a through performance evaluation forms. This helps you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. I really value this because it allows me to plan for the next week in terms of how I can become better as a physician and ultimately serve my patients.
Overall, KU has proven to be the most perfect start for residency. I feel so happy in myself and cannot wait to continue this journey!!!
Darian Dozier, Class of 2027
As a Kansas City native, KU is preceded by its reputation for excellent care and a warm, welcoming environment. Both of my brothers were born at KU, they took care of my grandmother in her final days, and they found and treated cancer in my god mother, twice. KU holds a warm space in my heart personally, but also, professionally. As an aspiring medical student, I'd hoped for years to train at KU. However, learning medicine in a different part of the country, I think, helped put into perspective just how much I connected with the mission and values of the University of Kansas. The devotion to inclusive and holistic care means the most to me. As I was researching programs, what stuck out to me was the plethora of specialty clinics and departments that existed to reach patients in the furthest niches. KU's mission to have diverse staff was also appealing to me, and how upfront they were about their efforts to improve representation across their programs. It's clear that KU understands diverse and culturally competent care leads to better health outcomes, especially for patients from minority and low SES backgrounds - the majority of KU's service area. These are just a few of the factors that helped make KU the clear choice by the time ranking came around, but most importantly, KU is very family oriented. My family lives in KC, making connecting with friends and family easy for me. However, for my colleagues who come from far and wide, KU has created a very welcoming, family like environment that supports residents through the ups and downs of their lives. The work is hard, but the environment is so supportive! I love Kansas City, and I'm so happy to be able to serve a city that has given me so many memories.
Dalton Hermanson, Class of 2028
Hello, I’m Dalton Hermanson, a new intern here at KU Medical Center.
I knew from an early age that the Midwest was my home. I was raised in Sedalia, Missouri, about an hour and a half from Kansas City. I attended medical school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Entering application season, I was recently engaged, and my fiancé at the time (now beautiful wife) had a couple of years left in medical school at UMKC. I knew I wanted to stay as close to her as possible, but I hadn’t really considered KU as a real option, largely because I didn’t know much about the hospital system or their residency program. It wasn’t until I did a sub-internship at KU with the internal medicine department that I knew KU would be a great fit for my training. During this rotation, I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with several attending hospitalists. These encounters were unique from other sub-internships that I participated in. Instead of being “just another medical student,” I felt valued and appreciated. I felt like the attending were truly pushing me to be like an intern, while also supporting me and taking the extra time to teach me. They also always went the extra mile to invest themselves in getting to know me as a person, which was unique for most large academic centers.
Throughout the interview trail, I constantly found myself reflecting on this KU experience for comparison. I came to realize that the level of support and accountability found here was unmatched by many of the other programs that I interacted with. As I learned more about the benefits, resident support services, and internal medicine program leadership here at KU, my decision to come here was further solidified. (The free coffee is also a big perk!) The other huge perk of KU that I noticed early on in my application process, was the trend of keeping KU residents for their sub-specialty fellowship positions. This is a huge sign that a program is respected and established. It truly demonstrates the “one big family" mindset that the program talks about during the interview trail; it’s real!
Now, after 1 month of being an intern, I can say that I have been able to experience this firsthand. From the patient seniors on my early rotations, to the extremely helpful “intern bootcamp” series of noon conferences organized by the chiefs. I constantly find myself feeling supported and encouraged. The kindness from both those affiliated with our program, and all the hospital employees alike, is rejuvenating after a long workday or exhausting week.
As an intern who wants to practice rural medicine, I have been supported since the first day I stepped foot on campus as a fourth-year medical student. I never feel like I’m on an island, and the specialists and internists here at KU are unmatched researchers, teachers, and mentors. There is no better place to train than right here at KU Medical Center! (As a lifelong Mizzou fan, it pains me but this it’s the truth).
Ben Jones, Class of 2028
Why KU? I grew up in the Cincinnati area, but Kansas City has always been a special place for my family. My father grew up in KC and a few decades later, it became home for me and both of my brothers. The simple answer is, I chose KU Medical Center for residency because of the tremendous experience I had as a medical student here at KU.
I went to the University of Missouri on a pre-medicine track alongside my twin brother, Andrew. When it became time for us to apply to medical school, we quickly realized that KU Medical Center and the greater KU community were special (even as Tigers). My older brother had also recently moved his family to Kansas City. KU Medical Center gave the three of us the opportunity to pursue our dreams together in the same city. While a medical student at KU, I was able to flourish in my research and advocacy interests, all while receiving a great medical education that prepared me for the next step. I was instantly blown away by how friendly people were at KU Medical Center. Whether it be deans, attendings, residents, or other students, there is a top-to-bottom culture of kindness and teamwork. I also have extremely fond memories of my internal medicine rotation as a medical student at KU. The faculty and residents were all extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and hardworking. Many of those same residents and faculty are still friendly faces as I begin my residency, always more than willing to offer a helping hand.
When applying for residency, it became clear that the values I cherished were all here at KU Internal Medicine: a family atmosphere, a program that allows you to flourish in your passions, and a group of individuals all working towards a common goal of excellent patient-centered care. Additionally, I appreciated the schedule flexibility, longitudinal mentorship with faculty, and a program that truly balances work and wellness. I truly believe that KU Internal Medicine is the perfect blend of training at a large academic center combined with the benefits of a tight-knit family atmosphere. KU Medical Center has given me lifelong friends and mentors, and I am incredibly excited to continue my journey here.
Mrigya Sharma, Class of 2028
Hi! I’m Mrigya and I’m an International Medical Graduate from India. I come from a family of doctors and am a fifth-generation doctor myself.
So why did I want to be at KU?
When considering options for residency, I wanted to be at a place that had academic prowess, where I could make meaningful contributions to medicine through research, and where I could grow as a clinician, while helping communities that needed it the most. And KU was the place to be for that. Sitting in the heart of the United States, KU caters to not just cookie-cutter conditions but also conditions unheard of, from areas where access to healthcare is scarce.
The more I researched, the more I was impressed by the number of physicians KU retained from training till retirement. To me, that spoke volumes about the organization. After spending time at the hospital, I discovered so much more about KU. What struck a chord with me was how the program cares for residents, not just in words, but in the small (and big) things they do. I remember hesitatingly sending an email to my chiefs in the 1st week of residency, when I felt a bit lost and immediately receiving a call from Will, one of our Chiefs, within just 2 minutes! From arranging cabs for us when we feel too exhausted, to regular burnout checks, no one is left behind.
The program ensures outstanding exposure for every resident that trains here. We have clinic weeks every 4th week, which allows us to focus our entire attention on either inpatient or outpatient rotations, in addition to the monthly ‘golden weekend’ that we all so love. Our clinic weeks also include super-specialty clinics for lipids, allergy, geriatrics, etc, which have improved the way I practice medicine. Training at the VA affords us autonomy, while the main campus ensures special attention to us with fellows and attendings walking us through super-specialty rotations.
What has won my respect for the institution is the overall gentle, warm, and encouraging approach. I still remember feeling so nervous after my first week rotating here, looking back at all the things I could have done differently. But at every stage, the people around me gave me grace when I couldn’t do that for myself. Judging others, singling out trainees, or harshly criticizing – that's not the KU style. To be patient, forgiving, and supportive without compromising honesty– that’s more like them. Clinical rotations are a game-changer. Had it not been for the amazing faculty and residents I got a chance to work with and their constructive feedback, I could never have made it here.
I once came here as an observer and fell in love with KU. As someone who’s very close to family, if being thousands of miles away from home hasn’t made me homesick yet, I don’t think there’s a bigger testament to how amazing this program is.