The University of Iowa Department of Surgery faculty and staff take pride in providing leading-edge patient care, advancing the field of surgery through first-rate research, and delivering superior education and training to the next generation of surgeons.

The department’s surgeons and medical professionals address a wide variety of complex medical issues, from matching donors with recipients in the Organ Transplant Center to providing continuous care for both adult and pediatric trauma victims in one of the state’s two designated Level I Trauma Centers and a certified regional Burn Treatment Center. Specialists provide critical surgical support among comprehensive, multidisciplinary teams for the treatment of cancer, gastrointestinal and colorectal diseases, and vascular ailments, as well as advanced surgical care for the smallest pediatric patients. Skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeons manage complex reconstructive issues resulting from deformities, traumatic injuries, or cancer excision in both adult and pediatric patients, in addition to surgical and non-surgical cosmetic services for adults.

Education

Research

About Us

The department provides critical and unique resources for Iowa. 

Years ago, surgery faculty at Iowa performed the world’s first gastric-bypass surgeries for morbidly obese patients. Today, the department continues its commitment to innovative surgical procedures and techniques in all areas, such as minimally invasive and robotic surgery, while offering advanced technologies like the positive pressure isolation room and state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facility for burn patients.

Patient care in the UI Department of Surgery is informed by basic science and clinical research—translating the latest discoveries from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside as well as into every aspect of education and training. Fellows, residents, and medical students are exposed to revolutionary medicine and surgical techniques that will enhance their skills, and the department’s faculty value the opportunity to shape today’s learners into tomorrow’s best and brightest surgeons.

>41K

Department of Surgery Visits

35

consecutive years ranked as one of the best academic hospitals in the U.S.

# 1

Iowa's #1 hospital as ranked by U.S. news & world report

News

Dr. Dionne Skeete recipient of 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Carver College of Medicine Events

Quad Cities Mini Medical School – Beyond the Bump: Latest in Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Medicine promotional image

Quad Cities Mini Medical School – Beyond the Bump: Latest in Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Medicine

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 5:15pm to 7:30pm
St. Ambrose University - Rogalski Center Ball Room

Exploring how maternal, fetal, and neonatal medicine affects everyone’s health

Maternal and fetal medicine isn’t just for babies. Pregnancy and birth outcomes affect everyone’s health. Join us for an educational event to explore the latest from Iowa’s research leaders and how advancements in maternity care and neonatal medicine support critical health needs in our state.

This evening program will help you understand pre-eclampsia, fetal movement monitoring, and how the neonatal immune system...

Pain Interest Group Workshop - Walter Saide, PhD promotional image

Pain Interest Group Workshop - Walter Saide, PhD

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 9:00am to 10:00am
Medical Education Research Facility

Mutations of PRKAR1B produce robust deficits in learning, development, and nociception

Walter Saide, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar in Dr. Stefan Strack's Lab

 ACB Seminar Series - Patrick Link  promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Patrick Link

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Dr. Patrick Link, an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering will present a seminar titled "Myeloperoxidase Promotes Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting Cathepsin K to Bias the Lung Toward ECM Accumulation."

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