Greetings, friends and colleagues.It is with pride and joy that I begin my service as director and chief executive officer... pride in having the opportunity to lead an internationally recognized health care center, and joy in associating with a dedicated team of faculty, staff, and volunteers.

As you will see on the following pages, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics’ impact on human health extends beyond state and even national boundaries. This commitment to changing medicine and changing lives was a major factor in my decision to leave the Virginia Commonwealth Health System and accept new challenges here in Iowa.

Before accepting these new responsibilities, I was especially intrigued by the opportunities for continued growth and development presented by University of Iowa Health Care, the partnership between UI Hospitals and Clinics and the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. This partnership represents a progressive model for how academic medical centers can sustain their missions of service during times of turbulent change in the health care marketplace. Together with other members of the leadership team—including the soon-to-be-named new dean of the College, along with UI Vice President of Statewide Health Services Robert Kelch, M.D., and interim UI President Willard Boyd — I am committed to supporting this partnership and its humanitarian goals.

It is gratifying to know that the quality of this great teaching hospital directly reflects the support and collaboration of our many faculty, staff, volunteers, colleagues, partners, supporters, and friends. I already have had the opportunity to meet a few of these people during my short tenure, but look forward to meeting many more in the future.

In so doing, I would be remiss in not mentioning the contributions of Ann Madden Rice, our chief financial officer. Ann’s willingness to share her leadership skills as interim director and CEO during the search process was an invaluable gift of service. She is an integral part of a great team of leaders already in place before my arrival in August.

With continued support from the many other people who care deeply about UI Hospitals and Clinics, both within the University community and beyond, I am confident we will grow and enhance our reputation for excellence in the years to come.

Donna M. Katen-Bahensky
Director and CEO
UI Hospitals and Clinics

Donna Katen-Bahensky assumed full responsibility as director and CEO of UI Hospitals and Clinics in August, 2002, after Chief Financial Officer Ann Madden Rice (right) served in an interim capacity for eight months.