Chair's Message

As is the case everywhere in health care, the University of Iowa Department of Urology is working diligently to tackle the challenge of meeting our patients’ needs in the wake of shortages created by COVID-19.

One way we’re increasing our productive capacity is through expansion. I’m pleased to be able to welcome new physicians, including the latest addition to our faculty, Dr. Aaron C. Smith, who joined us last summer after completing our Endourology, Robotics, and Laparoscopy Fellowship. Later this year, I’ll be sharing more news about new faculty.

We also welcomed three new resident physicians in 2022: Dr. Elise Myers, Dr. Adam Kemp, and Dr. Ben Plambeck. And later this year we’ll be announcing changes to our residency program that will add physicians to our team.

Meanwhile, as you’ll read throughout this issue of Iowa Urology, our physicians continue to maximize their impact through research, innovation, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration, as exemplified by Dr. Vignesh Packiam, who was recognized by his peers in the University of Iowa Physicians group as Best Consulting Provider for 2022, and Dr. Elizabeth Takacs, who ascended to president-elect of the North Central Section of the American Urological Association and will serve as the section’s first female president in 2023-24.

I’m also proud to note that U.S. News & World Report once again rated UI Urology as “High Performing” in its Best Hospitals rankings for 2022-23. That places us in the top 10% of all urology departments in the nation. In the next few weeks, you may receive a ballot in Doximity to participate in the next US News & World Report survey. We value our partnerships with urologists around the country, and we continue to explore new treatments and techniques that we can bring to the clinical setting for the benefit of all. If you receive a ballot, we hope you will consider the University of Department of Urology. Thank you for your consideration.

Karl J. Kreder, MD, MBA
Professor
Department Executive Officer
Rubin H. Flocks Chair