We Stand Together

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges in planning, preparation, and response. And it continues to disrupt “business as usual” for medical professionals and health care systems across the nation and around the world.

Here at Iowa, events have occurred rapidly since the first COVID-19 cases in the state were reported March 8. Since late January, we’ve been communicating and collaborating across our academic medical center and with many partners and constituents: local, county, and state public health officials; university leaders and the Board of Regents; and colleagues and experts at institutions around the country and world. 

Our hospital leaders and clinical care staff have taken bold and necessary steps to prepare for a surge in COVID-19 cases while ensuring the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff. Our research administrators and investigators have done a great job maintaining programs while scaling back research activities to the barest minimum levels. And our collegiate leaders have been outstanding in guiding the transition to virtual instruction for our students across the health sciences campus. 

The following timeline provides just a snapshot of what we’ve experienced here at Iowa. For those of you working outside the UI, you’ve no doubt faced similar challenges, uncertainties, and difficult decisions. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our UI Health Care employees. Collaboration truly is a hallmark of this university and our academic health system, and I continue to be impressed by our people, who remain willing and eager to find solutions and get things done. Our COVID-19 efforts have shone a light on UI Health Care heroes—including many alumni who serve as leaders and valuable contributors in our health system. Seeing firsthand the commitment of our alumni working for UI Health Care makes me feel confident in our alumni around the country and throughout the world.

Challenges still lie ahead, but let’s continue working together to do what’s best for our institutions, our professions, and the communities we serve.

Brooks Jackson, MD, MBA
University of Iowa Vice President for Medical Affairs
& the Tyrone D. Artz Dean, Carver College of Medicine