UI Health Care vice president Denise Jamieson highlights access, research and statewide service in keynote

Dr. Denise Jamieson, vice president for medical affairs at the Roy and Lucille Carver College of Medicine and University of Iowa Health Care leader, delivered the evening's keynote, describing clinical, research and educational priorities and the system's statewide responsibilities.

Jamieson said UI Health Care's mission is to serve "3,200,000 Iowans across all 99 counties," noting the system's three pillars of clinical care, research and education. She highlighted the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center as Iowa's only National Cancer Institute‑designated comprehensive cancer center, one of 57 such centers nationally and a resource for treating rare and complex cancer cases.

On access and capacity, Jamieson acknowledged that "wait times are too long" and that hospitals are often at or near capacity; she described efforts to expand services, including a new North Liberty campus with an emergency department and inpatient beds. She illustrated clinical and research impact with patient stories and a research example of cochlear implant work led by Dr. Bruce Gantz and student Kelby (later Kelby Tlander), and noted mobile clinics and student‑run outreach programs that provide free care at 12 sites.

Jamieson also described medical education: the medical school has 153 students, about 70% of whom are Iowa residents, and cited the program's role in training future physicians for the state. She closed by emphasizing UI Health Care's long history in the community (noted as 150 years in her remarks) and the organization's commitment to collaboration as the region faces evolving health needs.

Her remarks connected UI Health Care's work to Greater Iowa City's economic and civic priorities by highlighting workforce training, community health programs and research that can support local employers and residents.