Foreward

Partnerships are part of what makes the UI Carver College of Medicine successful. Whether we’re teaming up with donors, outside organizations, or hospitals and clinics in Iowa, it’s clear that it takes constant collaboration to continue to achieve our goals and thrive as a medical school and hospital.

Last summer, a UI-initiated task force composed of health care leaders, medical educators and hospital executives from around the state came together to examine issues related to Iowa’s physician workforce. The project (see story on page two) was a result of growing discussions at the national level regarding physician shortages in some regions of the U.S. and in specialty areas.

To complete their charge, the task force examined data from a one-of-a-kind database that was developed by the College’s Office of Statewide Clinical Education Programs. This special database has more than 30 years of data concerning the physician population in Iowa, and contains actual, not estimated, physician-supply figures and available practice opportunities.

After identifying, ranking and analyzing data from medical specialties that were perceived to be in greatest need, the group found that the supply of doctors has increased by more than 50 percent over the past 25 years, though the state’s population has remained stable, and is expected to continue. Relocation rather than retirement is the main reason for physician attrition.

While the University will continue to work with the state’s leaders to develop strategies to keep the physicians who graduate from the College in the state, the medical class size will increase from 142 students to 148 this fall, providing more opportunities for students to pursue medical education and training in Iowa.

We’re also making efforts to reach out to young people who may one day choose to attend medical school. The University of Iowa Children’s Hospital has entered a special partnership with the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) in Des Moines to present “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body,” a traveling exhibit to be hosted by SCI from Sept. 29, 2007 through Jan. 6, 2008. We are excited and proud to be a part of this fun and unique learning opportunity. (Additional information about the exhibit begins on page eight.)

In addition to the exhibit, the College will sponsor the film, “The Human Body,” to be shown at the SCI Blank IMAX Dome Theater, which features stunning photography and innovative computer graphics to depict biological processes in amazing detail.

We find partnerships such as these, although they are quite different, very valuable as they allow the College to learn more about the challenges we may face, as well as enjoy the wonderful opportunities they create. The knowledge we gain from these experiences provides the stimulus for growth and change that benefits our students, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni and others around the state.

Jean E. Robillard, MD ('74 F pediatrics)

Dean, UI Carver College of Medicine

UI Vice President for Medical Affairs