 Alumni
Interviews:
Kyle Uittenbogaard, M.D.
A reality check on med-school stress
"The UI Carver College of Medicine is a great
school because there are faculty and residents interested in teaching
and the administration truly cares about the students. There are
such good programs at the UI because of the tie between the medical
school, hospital and research. They all work together."
Being a true Hawkeye fan and raised in the corn state, fourth-year UI Carver College
of Medicine student, Kyle Uittenbogaard, knew the University of Iowa was the
place for him.
"I came to the UI for my undergraduate education because
I wanted to attend a Big Ten school. I liked Iowa City, and I knew
there were lots of opportunities
here. It just felt good to be here."
It felt so good that he decided to stay and receive his medical
education here as well. Uittenbogaard believes the UI is such a
great medical school because
of the collaboration of teaching, research and patient care.
"The UI Carver College of Medicine is a great school because there are faculty
and residents interested in teaching and the administration truly cares about
the students. There are such good programs at the UI because of the tie between
the medical school, hospital and research. They all work together."
Students are another aspect that makes the UI Carver College
of Medicine unique. Uittenbogaard believes it's the non-competitive atmosphere that makes students
so successful.
"The admissions department does a great job of selecting quality students
for the College, and the environment is such that students can achieve a great
deal of success. The laid back atmosphere, non-competition, no letter grades
and group work ethic is what makes the College and its student so strong."
While UI medical students are successful in their academic careers,
their money situation is tight. Graduation brings about thousands
of dollars
of debt, and
Uittenbogaard believes that alumni can ease some of the financial
burden of medical students by funding scholarships and as well
as act as mentors.
"Medical students don't have time for jobs because of our heavy class
and rotation schedules. Alumni are aware of what it takes to attend medical school,
both the class load and huge debts to pay off. They need to think about things
they wanted in medical school and couldn't have and be excited about giving
back to the University of Iowa, both financially and as mentors."
Financial worries can cause stress for any student. Adding a
spouse and family can also be stressful for students, especially
those
attending medical school.
Recently married, Uittenbogaard said he likes having someone there
to
come home to at night, although he admits, it can be stressful
at times.
"Any marriage or relationship can be stressful at times when two people
are busy. However, I think being married my first two years of medical school
would have been more stressful because of the homework and studying that needs
to be done at night. Although I'm on rotation right now, I still get to
see my wife every night. It's nice to have someone to come home to." For
more information:
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