Linda Peng, MD
Why Iowa Vascular?
Having completed medical school at Iowa, I was already familiar with the department and thoroughly enjoyed my time on the vascular surgery rotation. The faculty and senior residents were exceptional mentors who went above and beyond to support my interest in vascular surgery, even when I wasn't initially certain surgery was the right path for me. I wanted to train at a program with a large catchment area, high case volume, and a broad range of complex vascular procedures, and Iowa offered all of that.
What has been your favorite part of the residency experience so far?
I've enjoyed building closer relationships with my patients and, of course, spending more time in the operating room. I've also made great friends within my resident cohort. Working alongside my peers is incredibly rewarding, especially during the long days when teamwork matters most.
If someone asked why they should choose Iowa, what would you tell them?
Iowa City is a wonderful and easy place to live. The cost of living is affordable, traffic is minimal, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities in the area. Most importantly, the faculty and senior residents are deeply invested in your well-being and professional development. They will support you while continually challenging you to grow as a vascular surgeon.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your personal life?
My partner and I have two cats, Anjou Pear and Bartlett Pear. We gave them "pear" names because they came as a bonded pair, a bit of a bad pun. Outside of work, I enjoy making and listening to music, baking, playing card games, watching movies, writing fiction, and going on very slow jogs around the neighborhood.
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Fanru Shen, MBBS
Medical School: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Why Iowa Vascular?
I was drawn to vascular surgery because of its unique combination of complex open surgery, innovative endovascular therapies, and longitudinal patient care. The field’s constant evolution and emphasis on technical excellence make it both intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding. The University of Iowa stood out to me for its outstanding operative experience, high clinical volume, supportive faculty, and collaborative training environment.
What has been your favorite part of the residency experience so far?
My training has given me the opportunity to care for patients with advanced vascular disease through a multidisciplinary approach while developing a broad range of operative skills. Working alongside supportive faculty and colleagues in a high-volume environment has been especially rewarding and has strengthened my passion for vascular surgery.
If someone asked why they should choose Iowa, what would you tell them?
Iowa offers exceptional operative experience, a high clinical volume, and exposure to a wide variety of complex vascular cases. Combined with supportive faculty and a collaborative training environment, it provides an outstanding place to develop both technically and professionally.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your personal life?
I was born and raised in Shanghai, China, and earned my medical degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with my dog. My research interests focus on aortic disease and the application of artificial intelligence to improve clinical decision-making, quality improvement, and patient care.
Salim Habib, MD
Why Iowa Vascular?
I wanted rigorous training across the full spectrum of vascular disease. During my interview, I was struck by the early responsibility, graduated autonomy, approachable faculty, and strong mentorship. The high expectations were balanced by a genuinely supportive, open-door culture that felt like a family.
What has been your favorite part of the residency experience so far?
The people. Residency is demanding, but my co-residents, faculty, nurses, and staff have made Iowa feel like a second family. I feel supported, challenged, and fortunate to work with people I genuinely enjoy being around.
If someone asked why they should choose Iowa, what would you tell them?
Iowa provides strong vascular training with meaningful responsibility early on while still offering the support and mentorship needed to grow. Iowa City is also an easy place to live, with an affordable cost of living, convenient amenities, and very little time spent commuting.
Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
Ryan Watts, DO, MS
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Iowa Vascular?
I chose Iowa because of the program's strong breadth of cases, which provides excellent training in both endovascular and open vascular surgery. The variety and complexity of cases ensure residents develop the skills needed to care for the full spectrum of vascular disease.
What has been your favorite part of the residency experience so far?
Expanding my operative skills and gaining experience across a wide range of vascular procedures.
If someone asked why they should choose Iowa, what would you tell them?
For anyone looking for strong open vascular surgery training, Iowa is an outstanding choice. In a time when many programs face challenges maintaining sufficient open case volume, Iowa continues to provide excellent exposure to both open and endovascular procedures.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your personal life?
Outside of work, I'm a car enthusiast and the proud parent of two huskies and a mini pig.
Phani Chevuru, MD
Why Iowa Vascular?
I chose Iowa because of the exceptional training opportunities and the people. The program provides outstanding operative experience in a supportive environment.
What has been your favorite part of the residency experience so far?
Participating in complex open aortic cases has been a highlight. Another memorable experience was flying out to procure donor lungs and then scrubbing into the transplant surgery the same day.
If someone asked why they should choose Iowa, what would you tell them?
Iowa offers great training, strong operative experience, and a supportive group of residents and faculty.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your personal life?
Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, playing tennis, and taking road trips. A fun fact about me is that although people often assume I'm from out of state, I've completed all of my training in Iowa.
Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Mohamad Chahrour, MD
Medical School: American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
Why Iowa Vascular?
I chose Iowa for the wide variety of cases, the strong balance between open and endovascular surgery, and the approachable faculty and staff. Iowa City is also a great place to live, offering a welcoming community, convenience, and an affordable cost of living.
What has been your favorite part of the residency experience so far?
The VA experience has been one of the highlights of my training. The autonomy in the operating room has helped me grow tremendously as a surgeon. It has also been incredibly rewarding to see how our work can make a meaningful difference in our patients' quality of life.
If someone asked why they should choose Iowa, what would you tell them?
Iowa provides the case volume, variety, autonomy, and mentorship needed to become a well-rounded vascular surgeon. Residents graduate confident, prepared to practice independently, and supported by a team that genuinely wants them to succeed.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your personal life?
These days, I'm usually either at the hospital doing surgery or at home changing diapers, and I wouldn't have it any other way.