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

'C' To Believe

Friday, April 18, 2025

Carver College of Medicine Events

Hardin Open Workshops - Scopus and Web of Science promotional image

Hardin Open Workshops - Scopus and Web of Science

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Virtual
Scopus and Web of Science

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Seminar Series

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Bowen Science Building
Seminar Series
UI Carver College of Medicine Investiture promotional image

UI Carver College of Medicine Investiture

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 3:30pm
Medical Education Research Facility
Please join us as we celebrate faculty appointments in the UI Carver College of Medicine:Kathleen Sluka, to the Roy J. Carver Chair in Neuroscience IVChristopher Petkov, to the Roy J. Carver Professorship in NeuroscienceSeth Tomchik, to the Roy J. Carver Professorship in Neuroscience IVWe also will recognize the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust for establishing these prestigious positions.A reception will follow in the Jean and Renée Robillard Atrium.No RSVP is necessary. Parking is available in...

Have a general question or want to learn more?

Reach out to us and we'd be happy to assist