NICU ‘Center of Excellence’
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University of Iowa Children's Hospital has been designated a member of the United Resource Networks Neonatal Centers of Excellence network. The designation reflects national recognition of the neonatology care it provides, said Michael Artman, MD, physician-in-chief at UI Children's Hospital. Centers of Excellence criteria include:

• Numbers of procedures performed and associated outcomes
• Team stability with strong back-up
• Technological advances
• Commitment to excellence through collaboration with related programs

Green light for ‘blue light’ therapy
The use of photodynamic, or “blue-light,” therapy at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is helping dermatologists ward off skin cancer in patients with actinic (or solar) keratoses. These scaly bumps appear primarily in sun-exposed areas on the face, ears, head, lips, and back of the hands and forearms. Without treatment, these lesions run a small risk of evolving into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma; moreover, the lifetime risk of squamous cell carcinoma in someone with these lesions has been estimated to be six to 10 percent, says Vincent Liu, MD. For information, call UI Health Access toll-free and ask for the Department of Dermatology, or call 319-356-7546.

A familiar ring: UI Children’s Hospital
University of Iowa Children’s Hospital is now the official name of the children’s hospital associated with UI Hospitals and Clinics. The previous name—Children’s Hospital of Iowa—gave way to the new name on April 16, 2007. The change occurred when marketing surveys showed that most Iowans thought the official name already was UI Children’s Hospital, says Michael Artman, MD, the hospital’s physician-in-chief. “We carefully considered that survey feedback and decided the new version will more clearly demonstrate that our hospital is part of The University of Iowa,” he said.

Encouraging news
More Iowans with cancer are living longer, thanks in part to new screening techniques and treatment methods. The inspiring news—as well as predictions on the number of likely deaths from cancer during 2007—are included in Cancer in Iowa: 2007, a report released by the State Health Registry of Iowa, based at The University of Iowa. To view the report, click the “Publications” link at www.public-health.uiowa.edu/shri/, or call 319-335-8609 and request a copy.