The University of Iowa Department of Surgery gathered at the beginning of September for its annual State of the Department Town Hall, where Chair Dr. Vikas Dudeja reflected on the department's accomplishments over the past year and outlined a vision for continued growth in patient care, research, and education.
Our mission remains clear," Dudeja said. "To provide exceptional care for patients, advance scientific discovery, and educate the next generation of surgical leaders.
Expanding Access to Surgical Care
The Department of Surgery experienced significant growth in clinical activity during fiscal year 2026, serving more patients than ever before. Total patient volume increased by more than 22%, new patient visits grew by 13%, and operating room case volume increased nearly 8% compared to the previous year.
The department's impact extended across Iowa and the surrounding region, with patients traveling from nearly every county in the state to receive specialized surgical care.
Several initiatives also expanded access to care, including the completion of renovations to the Burn Treatment Center and the continued growth of surgical services at UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown. The department is also pursuing additional opportunities to expand access across the state, including planned surgical oncology outreach clinics at Mission Cancer + Blood in Waukee and the future Jefferson Street Clinic location.
Building Momentum in Research
Research continued to be a major area of growth for the department. During fiscal year 2026, proposal submissions increased by more than 155% and grant awards rose by more than 60%, while the total value of awarded funding surpassed $5.6 million. Department faculty produced 142 publications during calendar year 2025.
Several faculty members secured major research awards during the year, including federal funding from the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense.
Among the year's highlights was the renewal of the National Cancer Institute-funded T32 Surgical Oncology Research Training Program led by Dr. Ronald Weigel and collaborators. The five-year training grant will support the development of future surgeon-scientists through dedicated research fellowships.
The department also celebrated continued support for the University of Iowa's Neuroendocrine Tumor SPORE Program, led by co-principal investigators Dr. James Howe, Dr. Dawn Quelle, and Dr. Yusuf Menda. The nationally recognized program brings together more than 20 faculty members focused on translating discoveries into new treatments for neuroendocrine tumors.
Additional research achievements included major grant awards received by Dr. Colin Kenny, Dr. Ingrid Lizarraga, and resident surgeon-scientist Dr. Andy Tran.
Excellence in Education
Excellence in Education
The department continues to strengthen its educational mission through the efforts of faculty, residents, fellows, and professional staff across its training programs. During the town hall, leaders recognized the contributions of residency and fellowship program directors, coordinators, and educators who support learners at every stage of training.
The annual Department of Surgery Research Day also showcased scholarly achievements from residents, medical students, postdoctoral scholars, and research trainees, highlighting the department's commitment to fostering the next generation of academic surgeons and scientists.
Celebrating Faculty and Trainee Achievements
Faculty, residents, and research trainees received recognition for numerous accomplishments during the past year, including national awards, leadership appointments, teaching honors, and academic promotions.
Highlights included:
- Dr. Peter Nau receiving the 2026 ACS-SSAT Health Policy Scholarship.
- Dr. Ingrid Lizarraga earning the American College of Surgeons/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism Award.
- Dr. Lillian Erdahl being named president of the Iowa Medical Society.
- Dr. Kelly Ledbetter serving as president of the Iowa Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Dr. Nicholson receiving the University of Iowa UIP Clinician of the Year Award.
The department also welcomed new faculty members, residents, advanced practice providers, and staff who are helping support continued growth across its missions of patient care, education, and research.
Looking Ahead
While celebrating a successful year, Dudeja emphasized that the department's greatest achievements are still ahead. Building upon recent growth, the Department of Surgery will continue focusing on expanding access to care, strengthening research programs, supporting trainee development, and fostering collaboration across all areas of the department.
"The progress we've made is a reflection of our people," Dudeja said. "Together, we are advancing surgical care, discovery, and education for Iowa and beyond."
