Dr. Vikas Dudeja, professor and chair of the University of Iowa Department of Surgery, recently welcomed academic surgery leaders from across the country to Iowa City as part of the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) Executive Retreat.

A newly renovated University of Iowa Health Care Burn Treatment Center is enhancing the Department of Surgery's ability to provide specialized care for patients across Iowa and the Midwest while advancing its missions of patient care, education and research.

Five University of Iowa Department of Surgery faculty members have been promoted in recognition of their contributions to patient care, education, research and service, effective July 1, 2026. The promoted faculty members are: Andre De Andrade, MD, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor Robert Guyton, MD, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor John Ledbetter, MD, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor Michael Weger, MD, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor Rachel Erdahl, MD, promoted from clinical associate professor to clinical professor

The Department of Surgery welcomes a new class of postgraduate year one (PGY-1) residents, bringing together a diverse group of future surgeons from medical schools across the U.S. and abroad.

Researchers from the University of Iowa Department of Surgery and the Kenny Lab were recently featured in Cancer Research for their work advancing the understanding of uveal melanoma.

Using zebrafish, UI professor Colin Kenny studies uveal melanoma to better understand how it forms and spreads — and how it can be treated. His dedication to research comes from what he calls the “sheer thrill of discovery.”

Brandon Toliver, MD, a University of Iowa surgery resident, is beginning a two-year research experience in melanoma and breast cancer to support his goal of a career in surgical oncology, citing strong mentorship and a collaborative environment as key to his training.

The University of Iowa Department of Surgery brought together faculty, trainees and researchers for the 2026 Surgical Research Day, highlighting innovative work aimed at improving patient care, advancing surgical treatments and shaping the future of medicine.