The University of Iowa is the birthplace of obesity surgery. Dr. Edward Mason — the “Father of Bariatric Surgery”— conceived and performed the first gastric bypass at the University of Iowa in 1965. The bariatric surgery fellowship program at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics was first accredited by the Fellowship Council in 2008. In addition, the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) have repeatedly recognized UI Hospitals & Clinics as an accredited comprehensive center. Today, our growing bariatric surgery program is comprised of an interdisciplinary care team that includes a complement of surgeons, physician extenders, clinical psychologists, dieticians, program coordinator and support staff committed to comprehensive care and to maximizing the long-term health and success of each patient.
The fellowship is a one-year program combining all aspects of care for the bariatric surgery patient as well as additional insight into the academic, research, administrative and fiscal aspects of a bariatric surgery program. Historically, the program utilizes the sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-y gastric bypass in roughly equal proportions. In addition to primary weight loss operation there is exposure to revisional weight loss surgery patients from work-up to a redo procedure. There is a robust experience in advanced foregut cases including paraesophageal hernia repairs, laparoscopic Heller myotomies, POEM and cutting-edge anti-reflux procedures.
The fellow also has an opportunity to perform a variety of open and laparoscopic abdominal wall procedures including eTEP approaches. Finally, each fellow is trained in the interpretation of esophageal function testing including pH testing and esophageal manometry. On average, 70% of the case mix is bariatric surgery and 30% predominantly foregut procedures. Research within our program focuses primarily on outcomes and translational science. All fellows are encouraged to participate in research while at UI Hospitals & Clinics including protocol development, abstract submission, presenting their data and submitting manuscripts.
UI Hospitals & Clinics is located in Iowa City and draws from a population of approximately 4 million people. The facility is an 860-bed quaternary hospital that annually admits more than 35,000 patients and is the only comprehensive academic medical center in Iowa. We received over 50,000 emergency department visits; performed more than 32,800 major surgical operations; and led over 150,000 minor surgical procedures. In 2016, Forbes Magazine named UI Hospitals & Clinics as the number 1 employer in the health care industry category and we are consistently recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States because we are devoted to innovative care, excellent service, and exceptional outcomes.
Living in Iowa City, Iowa, you can be assured there is something to do for every interest - learn more about Iowa City's music, art, sports, theater, shopping, restaurants, and more. With a population of approximately 175,000 and the University of Iowa college campus, Iowa City is proud to support a diverse cultural environment to work, live, and play!