This list is not a comprehensive list of all UI Health Care retirements. People on this list have notified UI Health Care Human Resources of their retirement, and they have given approval to be listed here. In order by retirement date.
Name |
Job Title |
Department |
Years with UI Health Care |
Retirement Date |
What is something you will always remember about working at UI Health Care? |
| Smith, Robin | Staff Nurse | LL2 Imaging and Procedure | 20 | 9/13/2022 | “I have worked in a few different settings and the Children’s Hospital is by far the best place of employment. I have always been surrounded by such an amazing group of fellow employees who support each other even on difficult days. I will miss them all immensely.” |
| Olson, Rick | Clinical Professor | Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences | 20 | 9/1/2022 | “The people who work here and the patients we serve. I have been both a physician and a patient at UI Health Care and I have always been impressed with the little things so many different people do and say that show respect and kindness.” |
| Strabala, Doreen | Clerk IV | Engineering Services | 48+ | 8/19/2022 | “Being able to make a difference in the 2 departments I worked for, EVS-Housekeeping(27 years-Custodian & Supervisor) and ES-Engineering Services(almost 22 years-159 Service Center Dispatcher). I have met so many wonderful people and will cherish my memories of working at UIHC. It’s almost like I’m packing up and moving ‘away from home’!” |
| Kahler, LaVonne | Secretary III | Pediatrics | 43 | 7/15/2022 | “Working in Pediatrics for the last 43 years has been great. I worked in General Pediatrics for 21 years and the Center for Disabilities and Development for 22 years. I have met so many great people and made life-long friends. One thing I will always remember is the variety of things I did in my job. No 2 days were ever the same and never a dull moment. I will miss everyone. There are so many hard-working and talented people here. Keep up the good work!” |
| Steele, Julie | Research Support Coordinator | Medicine Administration | 39 | 7/8/2022 | “Working at the UI Health Care/College of Medicine has given me the opportunity to meet hundreds of people from all over the world. I learned so much just working with different cultures, getting to see photos of their children and families, their pets, their travels and learn more about science from experts in the field!” |
| LaBore, Jean | Staff nurse | Emergency Department | 16 | 7/1/2022 | “I have worked in a private hospital setting before coming to the University 16 years ago. I love the teaching hospital model as we are all part of the team and everyone’s opinions are respected and constructively altered if need be. I have worked Critical Care and Emergency most of the 54 years I’ve been doing this. Have also sprinkled in Ortho for five years-Love those Ortho docs, Surgical floor, and also an OB-GYN clinic. I have to say Critically ill patients are probably my favorite as they make you look at the patient as a whole and not just a system. I have always loved what I do so therefore did it for a long time. It’s been great working with team mates who definitely work as a team and open to learning. The University and Suresh were especially helpful during the stressful time of the Pandemic with open communication. Thank you to all I have come in contact with over the years for teaching me!!” |
| Kuperman, Samuel | Professor | Psychiatry | 39 | 7/1/2022 | “I have had held many positions within the overall Department of Psychiatry, the Division of Child Psychiatry, the Carver College of Medicine and UIHC. I have met wonderful colleagues/friends both within this institution and across the nation as part of my research efforts. I am especially proud of the many residents I have I recruited and taught and the compassionate care our division provides to our patients. I am honored and humiliated by the many grateful messages from my patients and their families and their desire that I not retire. I believe we make a difference and help our patients to do better.” |
| Bartruff, Lisa | Nurse Practitioner | NICU | 40 | 6/21/2022 | “It’s been like having a second family. I grew up here from age 19. I’ve been able to watch the NICU grow from a small unit that one father described as being like M*A*S*H to a large world renowned center. I’ve been able to get to know people from many cultures and work with brilliant people every day. It’s been a great run and I’m so thankful.” |
| Roe, Janet | Technical Director | Radiology | 31 | 6/10/2022 | “So lucky to have worked with so many talented people. The technologists and front line staff in Radiology have been a daily inspiration to me for the way they connect with patients and support each other. It’s really been a privilege to work in here.” |
| Eisenhauer Wiese, Jean | Associate Radiology/Program Director | Radiology | 20 | 6/3/2022 | “I will always remember the people, my co-workers in Radiology, my students and everyone who crossed my path over the years. I feel lucky to have been able to interact with so many amazing, caring people!” |
| Loomer, Julie | Coding Coordinator | Professional Coding Division | 43 | “There have been many changes over the years but I will always be appreciative of the physicians and staff who have taught me so much. I am proud to have been able to work with them. I have met many people from many walks of life and as I am retiring, I realize what a valuable experience it has been. Thank you University College of Medicine and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.” | |
| Kusner, Mary Kay | Chaplain | Palliative Care | 16 | 6/1/2022 | “Working at UIHC for so long has been an interesting experience. Healthcare is in such dire straights, mostly due to reluctance for change. I hope that, at some point soon, there will be more openness to wholistic care where the whole person is served and where clinical teams go beyond the medical to humbly recognize the many diverse elements that help to instill trust in our patients and families. Part of this is respecting those who have good communication skills and can help bridge understanding. My chaplain colleagues will continue to serve in this capacity and I’m grateful that UIHC acknowledges and supports their essential role in providing the best of care.” |
| Setter, Stephanie | Instructional Service Specialist | Radiology | 34 | 5/13/2022 | “I have loved getting to know and work with so many different people from around the globe. Getting to work with such a diverse population and learn about their culture is pretty awesome! UIHC is a magnet for people to come and learn and to also teach. I have learned so much over the years from so many. Always something interesting going on here! Never has a dull day goes by. It has been an honor to be able to work with the greatest groups of students, technologists, radiologists, hospital staff and educators over the years. Grateful for every moment. Go Hawks!” |
| Marie, Linda | Nursing | Staff Nurse | 22 | 5/13/2022 | |
| Harris, Peggy | Clerk IV | Ophthalmology | 34 | 5/13/2022 | “I will never forget all of the great people I got to know and work with, who I never would have met, if I didn’t work at UIHC! I learned the true benefit and importance of teamwork. I’m thankful for my many years being part of Team Eye!” |
| Thompson, Jan | Secretary II | Pediatrics | 28 | 5/5/2022 | “I will always remember how far technology has come during my 28 years with UI Health Care. When I started we were using a typewriter and amazed with the first computer and dial-up modem! When this technology was first available, the secretary was the only person in the office who had the capability and we were limited to the amount of time we were allowed to “transmit” because it was a long-distance phone call. :)” |
| Harland, Shirley | Research Support Specialist | Psychiatry | 31+ | 5/5/2022 | “Working in the Psychiatry Department for almost 32 years gave me the opportunity to work with the most amazing patient care providers, administrative staff, researchers, and co-workers. I learned so much about mental illness along the way, have countless enjoyable memories, and established lasting friendships for years to come.” |
| Beverly | Staff Nurse | NICU | 41 | 4/2/2022 | “The ability of the medical team to work together in a crisis moment to save a baby, to stabilize a patient, to get an admission “settled in” whether it was a burn patient or a premature baby or returning from the OR. Everyone comes together and it is amazing to watch or be a part of that experience of combined effort for the common good of the patient.” |
| Pennington, Edward | Physicist | Radiation Oncology | 36 | 4/1/2022 | “I saw it coming 36 years ago, but I did not know how fast it would get here. A heartful thanks to all my colleagues and coworkers for making the old adage, ‘time flies when your having fun,’ come true. It’s been a pleasure working with so many people dedicated to their craft and doing it so well.” |
| Ponto, Laurie | Professor | Radiology | 33 | 4/1/2022 | “I have had the honor to have worked in the PET Imaging Center since its beginning in the early ’90s. It has been remarkable to see this obscure research tool grow into an essential clinical modality integral to the treatment of oncology, cardiology and neurology patients. I have had the privilege to work with world class researchers addressing a range of fascinating questions and with a remarkable team of people (e.g., technologists, nurses, chemists, engineers, research coordinators, RAs, receptionists, physicists, physicians, pharmacists) who make the magic happen every day.” |
| Zarifis, Barb | Pharmacy Technician | Pharmacy | 43 | 4/1/2022 | “I will always have great memories of all the amazing people I have worked with through the years. I was always learning something new. It has been a pleasure to work at UIHC.” |
| Boaz, Wendy | CNA | Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center | 24 | 3/1/2022 | “The thing I will remember most is the Strength and Courage of the Patients coming through the Cancer Center that I got the privilege to do my part in caring for. We could All learn a lesson from them… I will also always be grateful for the side by side teamwork of my Many co-workers over the years. From the Nurse Manager, Asst. Nurse manager, Doctors, PAs, Nurses, MAs, NAs, and Clerks. It didn’t matter what role, we All pulled together as a team to care for our Patients no matter how challenging the day. I will take the memories and friendships and carry them with me always.” |
| Purdum, Neal | Administration Support | Neurology | 30 | 3/18/2022 | |
| Mayer, Brenda | Patient Access Specialist | Patient Access Center | 40 | 3/11/2022 | “I really enjoyed being part of The Heartbeats, the hospital choir of active employees and retirees. Besides providing for patients’ medical needs in my various positions, I also was able to bring a little joy to their day with our concerts.” |
| Russell, Rip | Clerk III | Radiology | 23 | 3/4/2022 | “It’s been a real pleasure to work at UIHC and the fine folks of Radiology over the past 23 years. I enjoy human interaction with staff and patients alike and, for the most part, everyone has been a real joy to work with!” |
| Nockunas Luers, Beth | PAR | Patient Financial Services | 32 | 3/4/2022 | |
| Buschelman, Barry | Medical Laboratory Scientist | Pathology | 33 | 3/4/2022 | “I have always been excited to work at a location that was interested in the three foci of the university system, namely health care, education, and research.” |
| Clark, Lisa | Family Navigator | CHSC | 15 | 3/3/2022 | “Being able to share my lived experience with the families that have special needs children and knowing they value that support.” |
| Merchant, Debra | Nursing Assistant | ISS Nursing | 16+ | 3/1/2022 | “My co-workers and the patients, ups and downs working on my unit.” |
| Born, Ella | Data Manager | Clinical Research Services | 40+ | 2/2/2022 | “I discovered my ‘calling’ here at UIHC and CCOM. I have enjoyed all 40 years I have spent in the research enterprise. I was blessed to have many dedicated supervisors and coworkers to share the experience with.” |
| Campbell, Lori | Environmental Aide | Nursing | 33+ | 2/2/2022 | “The many changes that have taken place since I first started here, and the many wonderful people that I have had the privilege to work with.” |
| Wirth, Shannon | Certified Medical Coder | HIM | 14 | 2/1/2022 | “I will always be grateful that UI Health Care saw something in a newly graduated RHIT and hired me. I had several mentors along the way and ended up having a fulfilling career as a coder. Any employee hopes to work for an organization who recognizes, rewards, and appreciates their hard work – the HIM department did that for me!” |
| Hofsommer, Winnie | Staff nurse | Nursing/ MOR Perioperative | 31 | 2/1/2022 | “I have made so many great friends over the past 31 years. There are so many hard working nurses at UIHC.” |
| Goerdt, Chris | Physician | Internal Medicine | 27 | 1/5/2022 | “The collegiality of the faculty, watching residents evolve and blossom into competent physicians, the teamwork of the clinic staff, and the gratification of caring for patients for decades.” |
| Tsalikian, Eva | Professor | Pediatrics, Endocrinology and Diabetes | 38+ | 1/3/2022 | “I am grateful for the collaboration and support I have received from the organization and specifically from all my colleagues, trainees, nurses and administrative staff. Caring for patients, conducting research and educating the next generation of physicians, pediatricians and pediatric endocrinologists, was my dream and I was able to live it at UI Health Care.” |
| Dick, Carol | NICU Discharge Coordinator | Continuity of Care | 36 | 1/3/2022 | “I will always remember the wonderful coworkers I have been blessed to work with in my 36 years here. Their compassion, skill and love of nursing will always stand out in my mind.” |
| Miller, Arlene | Secretary II | Internal Medicine | 16 | 1/1/2o22 | “I loved my job, and the wonderful people I worked with. I started out at the Resident halls for 12 years, the main library for over 4 years, Center of Conference for over 3 years and then to the hospital. I was asked to help out in Pulmonary department half days for a couple of months and when it was over it was for 2 and half years. The time went so fast and what a wonderful group of people that I work for. Internal Medicine has a lot of wonderful people and I will miss them, and the thing I won’t miss is my alarm going off and coming to work in the winter.” |
| Nagle, Michelle | Staff Nurse | Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center | 30 | 12/31/2021 | “The joy of helping people.” |
| Ford, Jancye | Coding Representative | Health Information Management | 33 | 12/30/2021 | “My job was forever changing through the years to stay on top of rules and regulations and to work among the best!” |
| Spurgeon, Deb | CPhT | Pharmacy | 31 | 12/10/2021 | “My co-workers” |
| Reisen, Ann | Senior Imager | Radiology | 41 | 13/3/2021 | “I will always remember the patients I had the opportunity to care for. Without them there would not have been a job. I will always have extreme gratitude for the amazing staff members within the Department. The knowledge and innovation and leadership to keep us afloat during the tough times in the 1980’s and 90’s. We all need to remember what we do makes a difference regardless of our title. It’s been a second family.” |
| Wilson, Ronda | Staff Nurse | Quality Improvement Program | 41 | 12/3/2021 | “All the wonderful, talented and committed professionals that I have met on this journey. I am proud to have worked side by side with you, especially in the last 2 years, where we continue to be challenged to give quality care of our patients.” |
| Kalvig, Norman | Clinical Lab Technical Specialist | Pathology | 34 | 12/1/2021 | “As an ‘Adjunct Lecturer’ for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program. I taught High complexity testing principles to Lab Tech students for the program for many years.” |
| Escobedo, Randy | Hospital Mortician | Pathology-Decedent Care Center | 24+ | 12/1/2021 | |
| Weber, Jane | Staff Nurse | Clinical Research Unit, ICTS | 42 | 12/1/2021 | “What I will remember is the changes in science and treatments over the last 42 years. As a research nurse in the Clinical Research Unit for the past 28 years I have been apart of these changes, many of our research protocols have become standard of care treatments and have truly improved and changed peoples lives.” |
words cannot express the feelings I have had working at uihc on mother baby. I have had so many wonderful patients to care for and my staff just wonderful. they all will stay in my heart always. everyone here from linen to dietary, bio, css, peds cardiology, doctors I have met so many great people and that I will cherish always. my bosses I thank you for this wonderful opportunity to work here. take care everyone and I promise to check in on you.:)
I started my nursing career in 1974 starting with nursing assistance as I was working on my Practical Nursing Degree. After graduating my first job was on the Otolaryngology on 2 Boyd Tower which was the only private rooms at that time. I learned so much and returned in 1998 working as an Occupational Health Nurse in Employee Health and finishing my nursing with Orthopedic Department. I have meet wonderful staff and learned much from my peers and physician. I will truly miss my peers and the patients I have worked with over the 18 1/2 years.
I have enjoyed working with the Ophthalmology department in Oculoplastics for 19 years – my staff physicians, fellows, residents, secretaries, techs, nurses, billers, schedulers, triage support staff, supervisors, front desk support staff, library support staff, administrative staff, and I could go on & on! I especially loved helping the patients feel like this big hospital really cared about them personally! It has been a very fulfilling career for me and I will miss all of you! Thank you for the last 19 years!
A Poem Honoring Ernie’s Retirement
by Michael Chan
Food and Nutrition Services
August 2020
Ernie Ernie
What a memory
Keeping watch for our safety
Over 30 years as your duty
Respectful, honest and friendly
You will be in our sweet memory
I have had an outstanding career here at UIHC spanning just over 42 years. The changes in health care and its delivery have been amazing – computers, PCA pumps, EPIC, etc. Parting is definitely bittersweet. I wish I could personally thank all the wonderful people that I have met here at UIHC – you have made working here an incredible journey. And I wish everyone the very best as they live out their careers. Thank you all for the care and kindness you extend to our patients, families and each other! Stay safe, stay strong, and always remain true to your friends and colleagues.