Several University of Iowa Department of Surgery providers have been recognized with 2026 Patient's Choice Awards, earning placement among the top 10% of providers nationally for patient experience based on patient survey feedback. The awards recognize providers who consistently demonstrate excellence in communication, patient-centered care, and the overall patient experience.

Recognition is based on patient responses that evaluate provider communication, including listening to patient concerns, explaining conditions and treatment options, involving patients in decisions about their care, and creating a positive care experience.

Top 10% Outpatient Providers

The following Department of Surgery providers were recognized among the nation's top 10% of outpatient providers:

Adam-Anece-Edit-full.jpg

Anece Adam

Dr. Keith Portrait

Jerrod Keith

Sherman-Scott-1.jpg

Scott Sherman

BESLER,DIANA MARIE

Diana Besler

Allison Lorenzen, MD

Allison Lorenzen

Jessica K. Smith, MD, MPH, FACS, FASMBS

Jessica Smith

Alan Reed, MD, MBA

James Howe

Paul C. Pierson, DO, division director of General Surgery at Medical Center Downtown

Paul Pierson

Ann Struve

Ann Struve

Dr. Jennifer Hrabe

Jennifer Hrabe

Isaac Samuel

Isaac Samuel

Steven Udelhofen, DO

Steven Udelhofen

Top 10% Inpatient Providers

The following Department of Surgery providers were recognized among the nation's top 10% of inpatient providers:

Hassan Aziz, MD

Hassan Aziz

Daniel A. Katz, MD

Daniel Katz

Alan Hemming

Alan Hemming

Shilyansky~Joel

Joel Shilyansky

Dr. Jennifer Hrabe

Jennifer Hrabe

Anece Adam is a burn ARNP who received Patient’s Choice Award for the second year in a row.  Each year, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) recognizes providers as Patient’s Choice Awardees for their excellence in patient experience. The awardees are selected based on patient responses. Only UIHC providers with an aggregate score in the top 10% nationally were recognized.  L-R: Kip Pederson, Samuel Jones, MD; Anece Adam, ARNP; Eugene Chu, MD

Notably, Jennifer Hrabe was recognized in both the outpatient and inpatient categories, highlighting a commitment to exceptional patient care across multiple settings. 

These recognitions reflect the Department of Surgery's dedication to providing outstanding care while fostering meaningful relationships with patients and families. Through clear communication, compassion, and a focus on the patient experience, these providers help advance the department's mission of delivering exceptional surgical care.

Congratulations to all of this year's recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued commitment to improving the lives of patients across Iowa and beyond.