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

Carver College of Medicine Events

Molecular Medicine Interdisciplinary Program Thesis Defense Seminar: Kai Vorhies promotional image

Molecular Medicine Interdisciplinary Program Thesis Defense Seminar: Kai Vorhies

Friday, April 18, 2025 10:30am
Medical Education Research Facility
Kai Vorhies is a PhD candidate in the Biomedical Science (Molecular Medicine) Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. His research has been conducted in Dr. Matt Potthoff's laboratory.If you are unable to attend in person, please consider showing your support via Zoom.Join Zoom Meetinghttps://uiowa.zoom.us/j/92085651469Meeting ID: 920 8565 1469
Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Program Thesis Defense Seminar: Maya Evans promotional image

Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Program Thesis Defense Seminar: Maya Evans

Friday, April 18, 2025 2:30pm
Medical Education Research Facility
Maya Evans is PhD candidate in the Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. She is a part of Dr. Hanna Stevens's laboratory. If you cannot attend in person, please consider attending via zoom: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/91541797824
Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Seminar, Elizabeth Wasmuth, PhD promotional image

Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Seminar, Elizabeth Wasmuth, PhD

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Have a general question or want to learn more?

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