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: James De Andrade, MD, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor Kristina Guyton, MD, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor Kelly Ledbetter, MD, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor Natalie S. Weger, D.O., RVT, RPVI, promoted from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor Lillian M. Erdahl, MD, FACS, promoted from clinical associate professor to clinical professor