Wellmark names bariatric service 'Center of Excellence'

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has been identified by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a Bariatric (weight-loss) Surgery Center of Excellence for having a well-integrated program that helps promote patient safety and provides cross-functional team support to bariatric surgery patients.

"This designation helps bariatric surgery patients identify centers that have developed a program dedicated to reducing the variation in evaluation, treatment, and outcome," said Mary Davis, M.D., Wellmark's vice president and medical director for quality management.

Isaac Samuel, M.D., who directs the hospital's bariatric surgery program, noted that the service has a long history of leadership in the field. In fact, UI Hospitals and Clinics considers itself the birthplace of gastric bypass surgery because the first such procedure for a patient with severe obesity was performed by Edward Mason, M.D., in 1966.

Samuel was part of a team that first introduced Iowans to laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, gastric bypass surgery in 2000. This new approach offers patients less post-operative pain, reduced time in the hospital, earlier return to work, and substantial cosmetic benefits.

Healing garden honors organ and tissue donors

Visitors to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics can now enjoy the quiet beauty of the state's largest garden honoring organ and tissue donors. The Donor Memorial and Healing Garden, which opened in October, is conveniently located near the hospital's front entrance. It was funded by private donations from Iowa Lions Club members and fundraising efforts of the Iowa Lions Foundation. "We are deeply grateful to Iowa Lions for their support," said John Sutphin, M.D., UI professor (clinical) of ophthalmology and medical director of the Iowa Lions Eye Bank in Iowa City.

Hope Lodge to offer free housing for visitors

A statewide fundraising campaign has been launched to build the nation's 22nd Hope Lodge on a site near University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Developed by the American Cancer Society, Hope Lodges provide free, temporary housing for patients and their families seeking treatment for cancer.

Quality patient care the focus of newly formed department

The pioneering vision of Johann Ehrenhaft, M.D., a University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surgeon, has been elevated into a new Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery that combines patient-focused high-quality care with innovative technologies and techniques. The new department is headed by Mark Iannettoni, M.D. "This is a tremendous step forward with respect to educating leaders in the field of thoracic surgery, as was Dr. Ehrenhaft's original vision," Iannettoni said. "We will strive to achieve both regional and national recognition as a premier center driven by evidence-based practice."

VP and provost redefines health sciences structure

Michael Hogan, in his second year as University of Iowa executive vice president and provost, announced changes effective July 1, 2005, in his relationship with the health sciences campus. He has eliminated the position of associate provost for health sciences, citing plans for greater personal involvement with the health sciences and the Health Sciences Policy Council, comprised of the deans of the health sciences colleges, the director of UI Hospitals and Clinics, and the director of the University Hygienic Laboratory.

Always wear a helmet

A photo in the Fall 2005 PACEMAKER prompted a friendly reminder from Charles Jennissen, M.D., Children's Hospital of Iowa pediatric emergency medicine specialist. Jennissen noted that a girl on horseback was shown without a helmet. "An equestrian helmet is vital not only when riding but when working closely around horses as well," he says. "Many children are injured while performing activities such as grooming and leading."

Congratulations, winners!

Ramona Weber of Sigourney, Iowa, and Lynne Stamus of Iowa City were co-winners of PACEMAKER magazine's contest to promote the new online store, www.uihealthwear.com. Their names were drawn from more than 60 entries received.

Worth Noting

• Herman Hein, M.D., received the first University of Iowa President's Award for State Outreach and Public Engagement.
• Linda Q. Everett, R.N., Ph.D., is president-elect of the American Organization of Nurse Executives.
• Susan Langbehn, M.D., was named president of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians.
• Barbara Latenser, M.D., was named Clara L. Smith Associate Professor of Burn Treatment. Jeff Murray, M.D., and Val Sheffield, M.D., Ph.D., were elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.
• Jeffrey Segar, M.D., has been named director of the Division of Neonatology.
• Kim Sprenger, R.N., has been named international study coordinator for the first National Cancer Institute Private-Public Partnership.
• Michael Todd, M.D., a professor in anesthesia and UI staff member since 1986, has been named head of the Department of Anesthesia.
• Ronald Weigel, M.D., Ph.D., formerly with Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, has been named head of the Department of Surgery.
• Frank Zlatnik, M.D., received the Iowa Medical Society's 2005 Merit Award.