Foreward

Dear friends,

As you read this, the UI Carver College of Medicine is preparing to welcome a new dean.

This transition is an indication of the strength of UI Health Care since its reorganization a year and a half ago to more closely integrate the component entities: the College, UI Hospitals and Clinics and UI Physicians. When I assumed the role of vice president for medical affairs in January 2007, in addition to my duties as dean of the College, I wanted to ensure the smooth and expeditious transition to a fully integrated academic medical center. With that effort successfully under way, I believe the time is right to separate these two very demanding positions.

In choosing a new dean, we determined it was best to look within the organization for an established, trusted leader already familiar with the needs and priorities of the College and its research, education and clinical care missions. Our chosen candidate also needs to understand the goals of UI Health Care and be able to maintain the momentum of our quest to reach new heights of excellence.

As Medicine Iowa went to press, our search committee was nearing a final decision on a new dean, who will be introduced to you in the summer issue.

With the separation of responsibilities, I will be able to focus completely on the comprehensive planning and governance for all of UI Health Care. Of paramount importance is a renovation and expansion plan for UI Hospitals and Clinics so we can best serve the health care needs of patients and their families. Our proposal to build a children’s hospital and critical care tower, plus renovate existing facilities, was approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, in March. Soon we will begin working with planning consultants and architects to carefully determine a building strategy. We hope to begin construction in 2010.

Transition and growth are common topics for the most recent graduates of the College as they move into their residencies. Among our 137 newest alumni, roughly a quarter (36) will remain in Iowa for specialty training, with 23 of the 36 at UI Hospitals and Clinics. The rest will venture to new territories, where they may face additional challenges of learning their way around an unfamiliar community and establishing fresh connections, possibly for spouses or children too. I encourage you to consult the list of residency assignments for the 2008 class, beginning on page 20, and if you live in an area where a recent graduate will relocate, contact the Medicine Alumni Society for assistance in getting in touch with these residents. I’m sure your efforts to reach out would be greatly appreciated and help to make their transitions easier.

Jean E. Robillard, MD ('74 F pediatrics)
UI Vice President for Medical Affairs