Hospital opens new center for patient pain management

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics opened a new Center for Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesia in late February, 2003. The center is the first of its kind to incorporate the treatment of patients with chronic and acute postoperative pain, and the performance of regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques in a single clinic. The center is located on the fifth level of the John Pappajohn Pavilion.

Wal-Mart, Sam's Club support children's health

Sales associates and managers of regional Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores have now raised more than $4.5 million since 1988 to support University of Iowa Children's Hospital through the Children's Miracle Network. In 2002 alone, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores in Iowa donated $601,248.15 to Children's Miracle Network. "The history of Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs is as wonderful as it is impressive," said Lisa Baum-Waters, director of Children's Miracle Network. "Over the years they have assisted us in raising funds for the procedure lab in Pediatric Cardiology, and now they have worked two years to raise over $l million for the renovation of the second floor inpatient unit." Iowa Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores are currently raising funds for a special in-hospital guest house. The facility will house the families of pediatric patients during their stay at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. For more information about Children's Miracle Network, contact Lisa Baum-Waters online by going to www.uihealthcare.com/children and clicking on Children's Miracle Network, or call 319-335-8447.

Family donates farm for deafness research at University of Iowa

A Johnson County, Iowa family has donated the proceeds from the sale of their 235-acre Clinton County farm to deafness research at the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. John and Allie Dane's gift will support research by Bruce Gantz, M.D., a leader in stimulating auditory nerve growth and improving hearing through ear implant surgery. The Danes have five children; four of them experience some hearing loss because of auditory nerve problems.

Harper to lead UI Center for Disabilities

Dennis Harper, Ph.D., a specialist in pediatric psychology, has been named director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities and clinical director of the Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The Division of Developmental Disabilities serves infants, children, and young adults with particularly complex physical, intellectual, learning adjustment, and medical disorders, such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or spina bifida.

Iowa Medical Society tabs Charles Helms as president-elect

Charles M. Helms, M.D., Ph.D., has been chosen president-elect of the Iowa Medical Society. Helms, a professor of internal medicine in the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and chief of staff at UI Hospitals and Clinics, will begin a term as the Society's president in April 2004. The Society is a professional association that represents Iowa medical and osteopathic doctors.

Hall of Fame adds former director John W. Colloton

John W. Colloton, former director of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, was inducted into Modern Healthcare magazine's Health Care Hall of Fame in March, 2003. Colloton was cited for helping turn UI Hospitals and Clinics into a world-class teaching institution during his 23-year career as director.