In Memory of 1970 Class Members
James R. Burks, MD Dr. Ivan C. Choi Richard W. Claussen, MD Dr. H. Jane A. Firth Joseph R. Gard, MD Patrick H. Kain, MD Michael L. Long, MD Daniel J. Murphy, MD John J. Murphy III, MD Dr. Laurence H. Norby Thomas J. Payne, MD Glen N. Peterson, MD Peter R. Vande Haar, MD Vernon P. Varner, MD, JD Mike O. Welton, MD Dr. Donald I. Wikstrom Thomas L. Yazman, MD
NICK ANTON, 70MD Santa Rosa, CA Retired, 2009 Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona Residency Specialty: Internal Medicine Practice Specialty: General Internal Medicine Briefly describe your historic professional appointments: Practiced General Internal Medicine in Santa Rosa, California, from 1975 to 2009 with a medical school classmate, George Bisbee. During my years of practice, I served as chief of medicine at Santa Rosa Memorial (SRMH) and Brookwood Hospitals. I was chief of staff at SRMH and served on the board of trustees at SRMH for nine years, serving as chairman of the board for one year. In addition, I was part of a small group of physicians that founded the first IPA in Sonoma County (Redwood Empire Medical Group) and served as president of that organization for five years. Since retirement, with a group of three other physicians, I started a Sonoma County chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program and served as its president from 2012 to 2014. Currently, along with others, I give presentations to community groups (Rotary, Lions Clubs and other organizations and groups) on health policy the ACA and improved expanded Medicare-for-all.
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What advice would you give a UI Carver College of Medicine student preparing to graduate? Medicine is a wonderful and very special profession. As an MD you will be sharing with your patients their most private thoughts and trust. Your responsibility is first to your patients but also to society. Take an active role in expanding our healthcare system so everyone has access to affordable and equitable health care. What are you current activities and interests? Working for universal healthcare, golf, tennis, and grandchildren (7). Previously, Marcia and I have traveled to Peru (volunteer), Tanzania, Vietnam, New Zealand, Canada, and Europe.
RON BOHNENKAMP, 70MD Solon, IA Retired, 2008
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: USAF Hospital/Sacramento Medical Center Residency Specialty: Pediatrics Practice Specialty: General Pediatrics Briefly describe your professional history, appointments (i.e. hospital, administration, academic, government), and significant accomplishments: I started a career with the US Air Force, initially as a general medical officer after a rotating internship at the University of Oklahoma hospitals. Initially, I served at USAF Hospital at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. I completed a Pediatric residency at USAF Hospital at Travis AFB, California. I was then a base pediatrician at USAF Hospital at Nellis AFB, Nevada. After separation from the USAF, I started a private practice in Roseville, California. Later, I re-enlisted with the USAF and was a base pediatrician at USAF hospitals in Phoenix, Arizona. After a couple of years, I joined a multi-specialty clinic in Elmhurst, Illinois. I retired from practice after a very rewarding pediatric career. My career was general pediatrics with the supervision of nurse practitioners, medical students from local teaching hospitals. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest.
Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine. Dr. Elmer L. DeGowin. He taught me the basic skills I needed to have a successful career in medicine. He was my instructor in physical diagnosis. Every time I admitted a patient and dictated a history and physical, I used the critical skills I learned from him and his brief course I had in medical school. I carried a bedside diagnostic examination book in my small black bag. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? The numerous extracurricular activities at the local hangouts. Homecoming activities and parades. Attending football and basketball games. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? I live at a lakeside area with numerous outdoor activities. I make frequent visits to the Chicagoland area to visit my adult children and grandchildren. I am a member of the parish in Solon and associated with misc. church activities. I enjoy reading and listening to audio books, especially related to history. I enjoy yearly travel activities with family members to sites in the USA.
General pediatrics with an interest in infectious disease.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
CARL BURKLAND, 70MD New Prague, MN
Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: “One of my favorite medical school memories was my first day as a medical student going onto Dr. Rubin Flocks’ urology rotation for the required four weeks. Dr. Flocks walked into the room, stopped, turned and promptly sternly addressed our group of green medical students stating: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I can make any of you a great doctor. You only have to give me your time.” I have echoed this heartfelt statement to my patients, colleagues, politicians and friends numerous times to indicate how important it is for physicians’ limited time and energy to be spent thinking about patient clinical issues and not be squandered away on the ever increasing, mandated, administrative bureaucracy in medicine. Without this time, I believe that physicians, no matter how brilliant, cannot deliver the best possible care to their patients. No one can serve two masters well. In Dr. Rubin Flocks’ biography in Urologic Collections, it stated that “Dr. Flocks worked unselfishly day and night, instilling in his residents the need to give lavishly of their time and energy. He once reflected philosophically that his father would not have understood the need for such dedication, but Dr. Flocks knew it was the lifeblood of his work.”
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Most memorable professor and why? I believe that Dr. Rubin Flocks would have expressed his angst over this unnecessary loss of time which could inevitably lead to deterioration in the best possible clinical outcomes occurring in the patient physician relationship. And further, this loss of valuable patient time could seriously jeopardize the key communication of that sense of caring that all physicians want to impart and relay to their patients which sense of caring patients need to receive and feel from their treating physicians. Again, I will always remember that Dr. Rubin Flocks was lionized for his total commitment and service to his patients, colleagues and the medical profession. And, I believe he would have contested any assault on his colleagues’ time, much less his time, by outside influences who really were incapable of appreciating the crucial importance of having patient decision-making time.
TED W. ELLER, 70MD Winnetka, IL Retired, 2012 Children: 1
Graduate Medical Education Internship: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI Residency Institution: Northwestern Residency Specialty: Neurosurgery Fellowship: Visiting Fellow, Mayo Clinic 1978 Fellowship Subspecialty: Neurovascular Practice Specialty: Vascular and Stereotactic Briefly describe your professional history, appointments: Associate Professor, Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Medical School Attending Neurosurgeon, Evanston Hospital; Chief 20002003 and 2010- 2012 Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest. Co-Director and Founder of Movement Disorders Clinic Evanston Hospital, 1995 Director of Neurovascular Surgery, Evanston Hospital What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? Editorial Board: Neurosurgery Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: Rotation under Dr. Adolph Sahs. That was the turning point in my career. I then arranged to spend an elective month on Neurosurgery. Dr. George Perret was astonished. It seems no medical students had rotated on his service, ever. Though he had a reputation as having a somewhat forbidding personality, he was very kind to me and made sure I attended all of his private clinics. I was lucky as he assigned me to be the Chief Resident’s first assistant. That as Dr. Denny McDonald, who was a joy to work with.
Most memorable professor and why? Eugene Scheldrup. On the first day of our freshman year, he suddenly stopped his introductory address to our class. He then pointed to me, asked my name, and instructed me to leave the auditorium and return properly dressed. I returned 20 minutes later with a shirt, tie, and blazer, and a red face. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? The Finkbine Quonset huts for $68/month and football Saturdays. What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? I’ve been a tour docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation since 2013. I give several downtown skyscrapers walking tours, each with a different theme/ building. All are 90 minutes to two hours in length. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? Photography: Urban and industrial landscapes are my favorites. Also enjoy photographing the Great Plains and Southwestern landscapes. Travel by car on the “blue highways.” The Chicago Architectural tours. List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities: The Architecture Foundation is a large non-profit in Chicago. The Docent Corps are volunteers.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
BILL EMARINE, 70MD San Diego, CA Retired, 2005 Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego Residency Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology Practice Specialty: Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: Treatment of vascular disease, both vascular intervention for perfusion and embolization for operative procedures or chemo or other oncologic interventions. Ultrasound and CT-guided biopsies and drainages. Vascular intervention and management of a large cohort of diabetic hemodialysis patients with A/V shunts and grafts. Image-guided obliterations of cysts with sclerosing agents. Briefly describe your historic professional appointments. • Chief Medical Officer, Medical Department, USS Dixon while on active-duty Navy • Commander, Navy Medical Corp, USNR @ honorable discharge • Staff Radiologist Kaiser Permanente Hospital and Clinics, San Diego • Interventional and Diagnostic Radiologist, Hospital-based • Member, Conservative Order of Good Government Member Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church • Member, Community Bible Study How has the UI College of Medicine contributed to your life/work? UI College of Medicine was instrumental in establishing my basic medical knowledge as a firm foundation for the achievement of my subsequent Rotating internship and Radiology residency program. The knowledge acquisition ethic I developed in undergraduate and medical school while at the UI was invaluable in the MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
subsequent successes of my professional career. For that, I am deeply indebted to the UI. Favorite memory of your time at the UI College of Medicine: The Medical campus, the friendships, and the ambiance of the whole medical school experience. Most memorable professor and why? Our anatomy professor, Dr. Sheldrup, for his most memorable comments about the human anatomy: “The sphincter and, the amazing little muscle that can actually hold a solid, a liquid, and a gas, and under certain circumstances, only let the gas pass.” (My paraphrase). He was a wonderful teacher and I will never forget him. RIP. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? The charming town of Iowa City, Lake Macbride and the spillway, the football games, Joe’s Place, The Airliner, George’s Pizza, Coralville and the Hawk, Finkbine Golf Course, and most memorable of all, meeting my wife-to-be while taking a fraternity brother to the Iowa City Airport! What advice would you give a UI Carver College of Medicine student preparing to graduate? Your dreams are achievable; if you can dream it, it is possible. Do not be afraid of failure; it’s called experience and you will be a better person for having that experience. It will strengthen your character and enlighten your path. Always remember that knowledge is wisdom applied to the real-world experience. What are your current activities and interests? Full-time retirement, reading, swimming, Lake Powell trips, RC model boats, sailboats and airplanes, woodworking, and gardening. List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities: Volunteer, RBCPC Resale Shop; electronic restoration and minor repairs.
GLENN GAILIS, 70MD Klamath Falls, OR Retired, 2014 Children: 4
Graduate Medical Education
What are you current activities and interests?
Residency Institution: University of Oregon Residency Specialty: Family Medicine Practice Specialty: Family Medicine
I like to mountain bike, exercise, hike and lift weights some. (I read a book when I retired called Younger Next Year, but so far it is not working for me.) I went and worked for a month in Nepal with my oldest daughter, Elizabeth, several years ago, and I would like to go back again sometime. Ursula and I had a trip to Iceland (I like cold and winter) and Spain some years ago, and this year after I retired we went to Washington, DC, on a trip we won. We walked about 10 miles per day and were privileged to have a personal Capitol tour by “The Capitol Historian” for several hours. It was fascinating and our guide was great. I realize more now what a complex federal government we live under.
Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: Family Medicine, including General Medicine, Pediatrics and Obstetrics since 1975 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Population approximately 18,000, but serving an area of about 40,000. Retired August 2014 at almost 71 years old. I loved my work and patients. Many of them are more like old friends. Deciding to retire was a difficult decision for me. Briefly describe your historic professional appointments. Chief of Staff at Sky Lakes Medical Center and active in our local CME programs and community wellness efforts. Favorite memory of your time at the UI College of Medicine? The continued closeness and communication with my fellow students. Many are still close friends. Favorite memory of your time at the UI College of Medicine: The Medical campus, the friendships, and the ambiance of the whole medical school experience. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? I remember walking to classes in Iowa City on a beautiful spring day after a long Iowa winter or a Fall day in football season with the colors and calmness of the Iowa River. What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? I love to be outdoors on my bike in the countryside and I also love Bluegrass music. I also have a banjo that I’ve started to pick at again since I retired.
List any current civic, community and volunteer activities? I am currently very interested in community wellness and have volunteered and participated in trying to get our small town to be designated as a “Blue Zone “ community much like several towns in Iowa. We are currently working very hard to be selected as a Blue Zone town. We are way behind the Blue Zone towns in Iowa and Minnesota. This is a very interesting concept and I feel it is the only answer to better community health. What advice would you give a UI Carver College of Medicine student preparing to graduate: Even with its problems, you are embarking on a wonderful profession. It is never dull to go to work. Medicine is very exciting and you are always a detective. Listen to your patients and spend time with them. They will usually tell you what is wrong. It seems to me that with economic pressures, requirements to see numbers of patients in a day, computers, special tests, etc., that the face-to-face history is getting neglected too much. Listen and pay attention to detail. Call your patients and follow up with them. Do CME to excite you about new things. Be careful about the “newest research or study, “ as if you wait long enough, the pendulum may change 180 degrees.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
GORDON E. GOLDSMITH, 70MD Iowa City, IA Retired, 2012
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: University of Iowa Residency Specialty: Urology Practice Specialty: Urology Briefly describe your professional history: After completion of residency, I was in private practice at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City from 1978- 2012. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest. General Urology Favorite memory of your time at the UI College of Medicine: The many friendships with other students and the moral support we gave each other. For example, after a night of studying, I would head to Joe’s for a beer and some pinball and to hang out with friends. The football games were always fun and the basketball team in our senior year went undefeated in the Big 10. I remember spending a lot of time studying but we had great fun, too. Most memorable professor and why? Rubin Flocks. He had a reputation as a fiery taskmaster who grilled students. I remember being terrified that he would call on me at my first urology conference. Interestingly, he was the speaker at our introductory meeting and graduation ceremony. He was quite kind to me as a student. I was honored to be one of his residents. He demanded that we do our best, work hard, and learn from our mistakes.
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? Joe’s Place, football and basketball games, medical fraternity parties, and many friends. What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? I have ridden RAGBRAI 35 times. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? I enjoy bicycling and cross-country skiing. I’m in a couple of book clubs. I spend a lot of time in classes at the Senior Center and through the University of Iowa’s Senior College. My sister and I own the farm where we grew up. It’s all in pollinator prairie and a beautiful escape from “civilization.” And for the last year, I’ve been perfecting the art of social isolation.
SCOTT HELMERS, 70MD West Okoboji Lake, IA Retired, 2015 Children: 5
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Broadlawns Polk County Hospital Residency Specialty: Family Medicine Briefly describe your professional history: • Family Medicine Practice, Sibley, Iowa, 1972-2009 (Practiced with William Hicks, MD, Class of 1970) • Urgent Care, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, Minnesota, 2009-2015 Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest? Geriatric Medicine What awards/honors have you received during your medical career. • Family Doctor of the Year, Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, 1988 • Physician of the Year, Iowa Health Care Association, 1992 • Outstanding Team Doctor Award, Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association, 2001 • Team Doctor of the Year, Iowa High School Athletic Association, 2005 What is one college memory or experience that sticks out? A single medical school experience I happen to remember was how I was taught to aspirate bone marrow in hematology. An out-of-class experience was in a medical fraternity my freshman year. Our group joined a sorority for a spring residence house choral competition. I helped put together a Jerome Kern medley and we were chosen as winners. What is one college memory your classmates may remember about you? There was a spring medical school celebration banquet called, as I recall, Aesculapian Frolics. The junior class
was to provide some kind of skit. It had been reputedly rather X-rated for years. Our class chose to change the course, and we took a popular musical of the time, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and modified it to “How to Succeed in Med School Without Really Trying.” We rewrote words of songs to fit medical school rather than the business world. Medical students and wives of male students performed as a chorus with even some dance routines. Our clean but satirical look at med school was extraordinarily received and was really welcomed by the faculty at that time, who had so often hesitated to bring their spouses to this event because of the skit. Did you have a favorite medical school professor? Why? Richard Caplan of Dermatology. He was not only an instructor who wanted his students to learn but he gently and thoroughly guided us. He was always, beyond that, a remarkable person and a humanist. He played piano with a musical group for Aesculapian Frolics our senior year. I sang a couple of songs with the group. He and I happened to be together a few years later at a University of Iowa medical meeting. We found a piano in an unoccupied room and did a few songs together just for us. Over your professional career were there any learning experiences you reflect on? Running a medical office is running a small business. When I started, most medical offices were simply self-owned by one of the few doctors in the practice. Now, of course, most physicians are employees of large enterprises. Basically, for 37 years I ran a small business: hiring, unfortunately firing, building an office, buying equipment, determining charges, learning codes, setting work schedules, arranging building repairs. Nowhere in school were we trained for all these. It was learning by doing, with all the mistakes that occur along the way. Some management training might have helped, but I don’t know that it should have pushed something else out of the medical school curriculum. I was sorely inadequate in the beginning. Nevertheless, my true reflection is that being my own boss was the best way for me.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
JERRY HENDEL, 70MD Fergus Fall, MN Retired, 2019 Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Broadlawns Polk County Hospital Residency Specialty: Family Medicine Practice Specialty: Family Medicine Briefly describe your historic professional appointments: 1970-71, Internship, Emmanuel Hospital, Portland, OR; 1971-73, General medical officer, Camp Pendleton, California; In 1972, I met Donna, a Navy nurse, in San Diego and we married in 1972. In 1973, after Navy, before starting Residency, Donna and I traveled in Europe for 4 months, before kids. In 1976, I joined Fergus Falls (MN) Medical Group; In 1985, I got mad at FFMG and moved to Moscow, Idaho, to join a 2-man practice with Tim Toso. This was what I called Western Medicine. Many small practices in town near the hospital. They worked pretty well together, but it was not the same as being at my large multi-specialty clinic in Fergus. I did not like this Western-style medicine. And Moscow, a desirable university town near Lake Coeur d’Alene, had too many doctors, lawyers, etc. We returned to Fergus Falls Medical Group. I retired in 2008, and then went back to work mainly as fill-in doc in 2010. Memories of Medical School: Since stepping onto campus, I liked Iowa City—a Big Ten University, Saturday football, and lots of students. It took me a few years to realize it was similar to Berkeley, Champaign, Ann Arbor, i.e., a major university town, not like a typical small-town Iowa. In medical school, I was surrounded by 100 intelligent guys. It was a very macho environment. I remember Dean Rieken on one of the first days holding up a beaker of yellow fluid and cautioning us not to jump to conclusions. He also told us that of the people sitting next to us, one would probably not be there next year, and I almost wasn’t.
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
I failed neuroanatomy and histology. Only at the University of Alabama could I make up both courses. The dean immediately found me a loan for that. I was accompanied there by Hicks and Helmers and a tall guy, Jerry??? I do remember in freshman micro lab, we had to do blood draws. Some of the most macho guys became faint. Studying, memorizing didn’t come easy for me. Rounding with the attendings was agonizing. I once produced a pleasant story of how a teenager had gotten her injury. The attending was not impressed. Fergus Falls I have enjoyed this county seat town of 13,000, knowing a large percentage of the population. One runs into the same people in different capacities. They may be patients of mine; kids may have been in a class or on a team with mine. Community members I know may sit near me at my church, or I go into their shop or office. I see them at the Y. Going to the grocery store or a big-box retailer; you always see people you can strike up a conversation with. My hobbies have been jogging, skiing, canoeing, kayaking. I kept my sailboat on Otter Tail Lake 20 miles from home—until the seagulls moved in about 15 yrs ago. I have a group of guys who have gone to the BWCAW (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) every fall for at least 25 years. People and insects are gone by then. I XC skied for years, though now I have poor balance and weak legs and can no longer do it. I’ve been a jogger most of my life but can no longer do that because of my weak legs. Spine problems mean damaged nerves to my low back, arms, and legs. I had to switch my bike to a recumbent tricycle.
NORMA HIRSCH, 70MD Des Moines, IA
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Children’s Medical Center Residency Specialty: Pediatrics Fellowship: Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Subspecialty: Neonatology Practice Specialty: Hospice Palliative Medicine Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: I initially practiced neonatology at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines (until 1994). I transitioned to hospice and palliative medicine and practiced until 2011. I still teach at Des Moines University in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Briefly describe your historic professional appointments: Director, Variety Club Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Blank Children’s Hospital, Des Moines, 1979-1994; President, Heartland Bioethics Center, Des Moines, 1996-2000; Associate Medical Director, HCI Care Services (formerly Hospice of Central Iowa), 2000-2008; Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, HCI Care Services (formerly Hospice of Central Iowa), 2008-2011; Assistant Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, 2012-2015; Interim Chair, Department of Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities & Bioethics.
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? The football stadium; it was very noisy in our apartment on Melrose Avenue on “game days.” What are you current activities and interests? In addition to teaching, I enjoy hobby farming on 130 acres near Winterset. Whenever I can get away, I travel to see my Godchildren (three) and their children (two) in Blacksburg, Virginia, and Fort Worth, Texas. I enjoy bicycling, classical music, reading for pleasure, and the piano. List any current civic, community and volunteer activities: After years of service on various community boards, most of my current volunteer activities involve my church and its ministries.
What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? 2010 The Power of Her, Chrysalis Foundation; 2000 Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, Grandview College (now University); 2000 Friend of Nursing, Iowa Nurses Association; 2000 Woman of Influence, Business Record; 1994 IDPH Certificate of Appreciation; 1993 and 1983 Teacher of the Year Award, Blank Children’s Hospital; 1991 Governor’s Volunteer Award for Outstanding Service to the State of Iowa; 1983 Des Moines YWCA Women of Achievement. University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
DOUG LAUBE, 70MD Madison, WI Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: My professional interests continue to be teaching and educational development throughout the spectrum of medical education—medical school, residency and postgraduate learning. My interest in medical education was encouraged by the professional satisfaction that I experienced teaching and mentoring medical students as a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Iowa in the 1970’s. From that experience, I decided that to be more involved in education I needed formal training in educational theory, curriculum design and measurement. When I returned to Iowa City after my two-year military obligation, I enrolled in the Master’s Program in Health Education. Which awards/honors have you received during your medical career? I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed career satisfaction in a number of areas, beginning with having received a number of faculty teaching awards and recognitions from the medical students in Iowa City spanning the late ‘70s to my departure in 1993. I was selected as Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the University of Wisconsin in 1993and was able to help build the department into a respected academic unit over the course of the next 14 years. I was then elected the National President of our specialty’s largest educational and advocacy membership society, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG] and served in that capacity until 2008.
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
More recently I have been involved in women’s health care advocacy, through work done with Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health [PRCH] the Centering Healthcare Institute [CHI]; groups which promote aspects of women’s reproductive health care ranging from contraceptive equity and abortion access, to improvement in maternity care in this country. I have recently been elected as Board Chair of both of those non-profit groups. I am also proud of my development work overseas in Afghanistan and Central America, working to strengthen the resident education systems in those parts of the world. Describe a memorable professor/experience and why? The department chair both during my medical education and as a resident was William Keettel, who encouraged me to pursue a degree program in medical education. Dr. Robert Kretzschmar also encouraged my educational interests as well as my interest in contributing to ACOG. How has medicine changed or stayed the same over your professional career? The biggest change in medicine as I’ve experienced it is the development of technology, which has outstripped our ability to use it meaningfully for the majority of people. In our system, this creates further disparities; magnifying the differences between the “haves” and the “have nots.” What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? My outside interests are traveling, which I can combine with my professional interests. I enjoy spending time at lakes in Northern Minnesota when time permits, and spending time with my wife of 42 years. Seeing my grown children is a special treat, as they both live far from home—my son in Nicaragua with his wife and our first grandson (age 15 months), and my daughter, a musician who lives in California.
JAMES MATHEWS, 70MD Chicago, IL Retired, 2017
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Northwestern Medical School Residency Specialty: Internal Medicine Practice Specialty: Emergency Medicine Briefly describe your professional history, appointments: I was Chief of EM at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) from 1976 to 1998. I was Asst. Dean of Graduate Education at Northwestern Medical School from1996 to 2002. I have served on many Chicago committees and on several national committees. Currently I am still seeing patients in the ED of NMH on a part time basis. I am a Professor Emeritus within the Feinberg School of Medicine of NU.
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? We had a study group that half the time watched Batman and Laugh In. I think of that group often. Briefly describe favorite memories or experiences of your time at the UI College of Medicine? The Airliner after the Neurosurgical Anatomy final. A few of you will remember the cell of Pearl. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? We were in Croatia Fall of 2019 which everybody should do in their life. I like to fish, both salt and fresh water. List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities:
Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest:
I am a member of the Medical Committee of the Lincoln Park Zoo and am on a City Committee for drug abuse.
I have practiced Emergency Medicine since 1973. I have published a number of chapters and original articles. I have served as an expert witness many times.
List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities:
Briefly describe a profound career experience: My proudest achievement is that I started the residency in EM at NU.
I have a home in Mexico on the Pacific coast where i spend January through April. I play at golf and have traveled extensively.
Other professional achievements/experiences/honors? A fund within emergency medicine has been permanently established in my name at NU. I have also received several other honors over the years, but that is the one I am most proud of. Most memorable professor and why? This is difficult. Because of his unbelievable diagnostic skills, Billie Bean stands out.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
JOHN (J.D.) MILLER, 70MD Nicholasville, KY Retired, 2015 Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital Residency Specialty: Internal Medicine Practice Specialty: Internal Medicine, Administration Briefly describe your professional history: • 1973-2003: Practiced internal medicine in community primary care clinic in Central Appalachia • 2003-2015: VP, Medical Affairs for 10-hospital chain in Central Appalachia
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? Attending an Amish hymn sing with Dr. and Mrs. Din Wickstrom. What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? For many years, I rode a motorcycle to work. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? Gardening & chopping firewood.
Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest:
List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities:
Rural Primary Care Hospital Administration
• Serving on board of my former clinic
What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? People’s Choice primary care physician in Harlan County, Kentucky. Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine? Traveling to Des Moines on slick roads to take the State Boards! Most memorable professor and why? Fred Brunk. I worked in his research lab several summers and on Saturdays.
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
• Serving on statewide health foundation
PHIL MONROE, 70MD Spokane Valley, WA Retired, 2015 Children: 4
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, WA Residency Specialty: Family Practice Practice Specialty: Family Practice Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: I was in private practice of Family Medicine in Spokane since finishing my service in the Navy in 1975. My practice was eventually purchased by Group Health Permanente, so I finished my medical career as a salaried physician. How has the UI College of Medicine contributed to your life/work? It is only after one gets out “in the world” that we find the quality of training we received really is “first-class” and has prepared us for further development on our way to being well-rounded physicians. Favorite memory of your time at the UI College of Medicine: The camaraderie of fellow students struggling with the same stresses of studies and expectations. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? The Iowa River—beautiful and placid in the summer, bitterly cold to cross in the winter. We lived in a trailer park a few miles southeast of Iowa City, and it was nice being out in the country and still close to town.
What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? Coming to faith in Christ in 1978 really changed my worldview and my purpose for living, and hopefully, has made me a more compassionate and caring physician, husband and father. I really enjoy life and the physical ability to enjoy the beautiful Inland Northwest, including bicycling, snow skiing, windsurfing, and flying. What advice would you give a UI Carver College of Medicine student preparing to graduate? Try to go on at least one overseas medical mission, to see what medicine is like in a “third world” country. It will make you realize that we really don’t have to have all the latest technology, and can still make a difference in the world. What are your current activities and interests? I am involved in our Evangelical church (choir, praise team, elder board) and enjoy flying, windsurfing, bicycling, snow skiing, and pickleball. We do some boating in the summer and don’t have to go very far to be “out in nature” where we live. We enjoy traveling and plan to do more of it after retirement. I have gone on several short-term medical missions’ trips and may do more of that. We have hosted over 25 foreign exchange students over the years and hope to visit some of them again. My wife babysits some of our 10 grandchildren several days/week, so we attend some of their athletic events. Other information: As we get on the “backside of life’s curve,” I hope by now you have all found the true meaning of life. I know I have!
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
NICK G. NONAS, 70MD Brooklyn, NY Retired, 2018 Children: 5
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: USAF Residency Specialty: Family Medicine Fellowship Subspecialty: Allergy Practice Specialty: Allergy Briefly describe your professional history, professional appointments, and significant accomplishments: After completing a rotating internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver, I was drafted during the Viet Nam era in 1971 and served two years in the USAF as a general medical officer. At that time, I was granted the equivalent of a family medicine residency for the three years post-graduation. In addition, this qualified me for the board of the American Academy of Family Physicians by grandfather clause after five years of medical practice. I took the first board examination in 1979 and reexamined in 1986 and 1993. During my tenure in the Air Force, I also worked in the Allergy Clinic after two weeks of on-the-job training at a regional USAF hospital. This helped to fill their physician specialty shortage at the time. After separation from the military, I entered private family practice in Denver, Colorado, starting in 1973. I had also continued to perform allergy testing and immunotherapy in my family practice that caught the attention of my main ENT consultant. In 1980 he persuaded me to join him to practice ENT allergy in the office. At the same time, I had joined the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and had the equivalent of fellowship training an officer of the academy, Dr. James Willoughby, traveling to Kansas City for two weeks every month. In 1986, I left the ENT office and began solo private practice in allergy and clinical immunology which I continued until my retirement in April 2018.
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
In 1992, I passed the fellowship examinations given by the AAOA and served the academy on the teaching staff for basic and advanced courses for ENT physicians learning to add allergy practice to their offices. All in all, I had remained in private solo practice for 45 years with seven years in family medicine and 38 years in allergy and clinical immunology associated most of my career teaming with an otolaryngologist. What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? • • • • • • • • • •
Scientific and Research Papers/Presentations: Annual Scientific Meeting, AAOA, 1983-1986, 2004. AAOA Instruction Courses, 1996,1997. Inner Ear Symposium, 1993,1994. CDC National Asthma Conference, 2002. Scientific and Research Papers/Presentations: Annual Scientific Meeting, AAOA, 1983-1986, 2004. AAOA Instruction Courses, 1996,1997. Inner Ear Symposium, 1993,1994. CDC National Asthma Conference, 2002.
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? Meeting classmates downtown nightly at Joe’s, Doc’s, or Airliner after studying for beer, talk, and pinball. Medical fraternity parties at each house. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? My wife Edy and I have enjoyed travel including several riverboat trips to Europe and trips to Italy, France, Turkey, and Greece. We had a vacation home for 20 years in Keystone, Colorado, which was only 75 minutes from our home in Denver. Most of our activities were centered around that home where I did skiing in the winter and hiking in the summertime. We also enjoyed flower gardening and entertaining with neighbors from around the country. Until COVID-19 can be controlled, we will take primarily road trips and avoid airline flights.
STEVE PENKHUS, 70MD Mankato, MN Retired Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education
Most memorable professor and why?
Residency Institution: University of Colorado Residency Specialty: OBGYN Practice Specialty: OBGYN
Dr. Lewis January. He was such an accomplished, kind, humble, compassionate role model.
Briefly describe your professional history:
I enjoy traveling, collecting art, golf. Additionally, I enjoy physical competitions such as competing in triathlons, duathlons, swimming, and cycling races, and just walking on the beach.
Two years at Major Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah, in OBGYN; 40 years at OBGYN Mankato Clinic in Mankato, Minnesota. Since retiring, I have volunteered at Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic and mission volunteer with Minnesota Doctors for People for Guatemala and in Chiapas, Mexico. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest.
What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)?
List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities: Volunteer physician for Barrier Island Free Medical and Minnesota Doctors for People. Volunteer work with Johns Island Exchange Club and Charleston Symphony.
Strong interest in preventative medicine and healthy lifestyle choices. Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: Free time with good friends.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
ROLLIE PERKINS, 70MD Carbondale, IL Retired, 2017 Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Primary Care Sports Medicine Briefly describe your professional history, appointments and significant accomplishments:
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? As an undergraduate, I started most days at Joe’s Place with a cup of coffee. As a medical student, it would have to be living in married student housing in Finkbine Park.
• Chief of Sports Medicine, Southern Illinois University (SIU) • Team Physician for Intercollegiate Athletics, SIU • Clinical Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine • SIU School of Medicine, Carbondale • Medical Chief of Staff, Student Health Center, SIU from 1996-2004
What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you?
The medical care of patients (diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention) of injuries and illnesses as they related to physical and sports activity. I was also the team physician for intercollegiate athletes at Southern Illinois University, directed the Eating Disorder Outpatient program for the University, instructed Sports Medicine Fellows, Family Medicine Residents, and Athletic Training Students, and assisted in research and dissertation projects for Ph.D. students in the Department of Kinesiology.
I am a stay-at-home grandfather and pick up my grandchildren from school. I enjoy walking in the many forest areas in southern Illinois and playing guitar, but not at the same time.
Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: Being in the delivery room at the birth of my oldest son. Most memorable professor and why? Richard Caplan, MD, Department of Dermatology. I enjoyed his style of teaching in medical school. Later, I appreciated his assistance helping me work with the sport medicine specialists at the UI Carver College of Medicine when I needed guidance in developing my program at SIU.
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
I spent 4-1/2 years on a small island in the Marshall Islands called Kwajalein, practicing family medicine from 1978-1982. And it was there that I developed my interest in sports medicine. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)?
List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities: I volunteer at our local hospital.
JIM ROELOFS, 70MD Baxter, MN Retired, 2012 Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: University of Iowa Residency Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? Fellow, American College of Radiology Are there any Iowa City experiences you remember?
Employment History: I spent my career in Brainerd, Minnesota. After residency, I walked into a situation where the radiologist was retiring. The hospital just happened to hire a few core physicians from the University of Iowa right after me. So we had a good core of four people to start off with. And we eventually grew it to eight people serving five hospitals and several clinics. So it was a gratifying practice. It was an exciting time to be in radiology—CT scanning, MRI, ultrasound, so many new and exciting developments. Eventually, I ended up retiring three times. First retiring in 2003 and then worked part-time at the University of Minnesota in the radiology department. Then I did some teleradiology. I officially retired in 2012. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest:
Highlander Hotel, which was out on the interstate. A few drug companies would come to town and entertain us. It was a great time. Additionally, playing noon basketball. What are you current activities and interests? Travel, Bicycling, Pheasant hunting Other information: I have visited and worked with our good friend and classmate Dan Murphy in East Timor. He lived on Social Security and ran a free clinic for the poor called Bairo Pite Clinic in Dili, East Timor. In 2013, during a trip to East Timor, we were able to supply his clinic with a portable ultrasound machine. We were able to train a female physician to do ultrasound. It was a great experience with a good friend.
Private practice in Diagnostic Radiology. Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiology, University of Minnesota. Briefly describe your historic professional appointments: Past-President, Minnesota Radiological Society
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
WILLIAM ROBB III, 70MD Winnetka, IL Currently practicing Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: University of Iowa Residency Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery Practice Specialty: Adult Reconstructive Knee Surgery Briefly describe your professional history: Clinical practice in adult reconstructive knee surgery at NorthShore University Health System in the North Shore of Chicago from 1975-present. Currently, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. Served three terms on the board of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and as President of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, as well as the Illinois Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: Knee Arthroplasty and Surgical Patient Safety What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? Outstanding Resident Research Award, University of Iowa Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and AAOS William W. Tipton Leadership Award
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: Clinical surgical rotations in orthopedic surgery Most memorable professor and why? Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, a true scholar, wonderful teacher, patron of the arts, gentle with and dedicated to patients. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? Football weekends and University of Iowa Museum of Art. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? Travel, golf, art, family.
CRAIG R. SAUNDERS, 70MD Basking Ridge, NJ
Graduate Medical Education
Most memorable professor and why?
Residency Institution: University of Iowa Residency Specialty: General Surgery Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic Fellowship Subspecialty: CT Surgery Practice Specialty: CT Surgery
Without a doubt, Dr. Sidney Ziffren, Chairman of Surgery. He once stuck his bent, mallet-tipped index finger in my chest, cocked his head to the side, and said, “I don’t care what you think! You do what you’re told!” My life was much easier after that.
Briefly describe your professional history • 1980-1993: Private Practice, California Cardiac Surgeons Medical Group • 1993-1998: Head, Section of Affiliate Programs and Attending Surgeon, Cleveland Clinic • 1998-2010: Chairman, Cardiothoracic Surgery, RWJ Barnabas Health, Livingston, New Jersey Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest. Acquired and Congenital Adult Cardiac Disease Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: The first day of my junior year, the morning of my first clinical rotation, I put on a white shirt and tie, enthusiastically slipped on my new white coat, took my new little black bag in my hand, and proudly walked down the hall following the numbered doors to the assigned room. Realizing the momentousness of the occasion and that I was embarking on a whole new life, I paused, took a deep breath, turned the doorknob, and walked into a broom closet. I had the right room number but the wrong wing of this gigantic hospital.
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? I think mostly about friends who are no longer with us. How young, eager, and naive we were, even in the turbulent times of the late sixties. I marvel at the privilege we had to be immersed in the rigors of academic life. I still yearn for the good times we had with friends and coworkers, recalling our victories and lamenting our failures as we celebrated the end of a hard week with a beer and greasy burger at Joe’s or The Airliner. What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? I published a book, “Blessed, I’m So Damned Grateful” which is a historical memoir about my father. I plan on continuing writing as I refocus my life, concentrating on Iowa history in a creative non-fiction genre. Currently, I write a column for our local newspaper in cooperation with the Iowa History Project at Simpson College entitled “Our Iowa Heritage”.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1970
MICHAEL WILLIAMSON, 70MD Belleair, FL Retired, 2014 Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Mayo Clinic Residency Specialty: Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship: Mayo Clinic Fellowship Subspecialty: Invasive Cardiology Practice Specialty: Interventional Cardiology
Hospitals (about 1200-bed system). • Outstanding Teaching Awards. • Fellow, 8 different organizations • Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiology. • Excellence in Medicine Award, Morton Plant Hospital, 2003 (given to an individual physician only once). • Project Grace, Distinguished Person of the Year, 2004
Briefly describe your professional history
Favorite memory or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine:
• Morton Plant Hospital, 1977-2009. Office only, 2009-2014. • Director, MPH Cardiac Cath Lab, 1998-2009. • Managing Partner & President, Clearwater Cardiovascular & Interventional Consultants, 21-member group, 1992-2009. • Board of Trustees, Morton Plant Hospital, 2002-2010. • Board of Trustees, Baycare Health System, 2004-2018. • Clinical Assistant Professor, University of South Florida, 2004-2014. • Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases & Interventional Cardiology. Following two years in the Air Force and training, I co-founded Clearwater Cardiovascular Consultants in Clearwater, Florida. The group grew to 22 cardiologists by my retirement. We initiated every new form of invasive cardiology on the West Coast of Florida. I did clinical cardiology but mostly invasive cardiology. I was the President and Managing Partner from 1992 until my partial retirement in 2009. The Group was very active in clinical research. I was the Director of the Cath Lab at Morton Plant Hospital. I served on the Board of MPH for nine years and on the Board of BayCare Health Systems for 12 years. I was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida. I retired completely in 2014. What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? • Outstanding Physician Award for Morton Plant-Mease
MD Class of 1970
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
At the time of graduation, I had planned to return to Rubin Flocks, MD, urology residency, but the Barry Program and two years in the USAF (1971-1973) made me change my mind. Most memorable professor and why? Probably Rubin Flocks, MD. There were few people in medicine at that time who commanded the respect and influence that he did. He had given me a residency position my senior year and had it not been for Viet Nam and two years in the Air Force, I would have done that residency, but after an internship and two years in the AF, I decided I would rather be a cardiologist. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? I grew up in Iowa City, so my memories are numerous. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? I play a lot of Contract Bridge, ride a bike, shoot handguns and skeet, read and cook a little. My wife and I have traveled extensively in the past. List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities: Previously, as noted, I served on Boards of Hospital System and BayCare System (@ 34% of the beds in 3.5 million Tampa Bay Area). I saw many of the indigent patients from the Clearwater Free Clinic who had cardiovascular problems.
In Memory of 1971 Class Members
Thomas M. Altemeier, MD
Joe A. Robinette, MD
Robert F. Dornon, MD
Douglas D. Salmon, MD
Peter E. Ferguson, MD
Dr. Thomas W. Samuels
Michael W. Hill, MD
James L. Skarda, MD
William L. Jackson, Jr., MD
Dr. Lynn A. Smaha
Nathan Josephson, MD
Robert Stafford, MD
George F. Key, MD
Philip J. Sullivan, MD
Martin L. Key, MD
Silvija Taylor, MD
Daniel R. Lacey, MD
John R. Van Tuyl, MD
Edward C. Laird, MD
Timothy L. Weissinger, MD
Stanley I. Levine, MD Jerry L. Lewis, MD John D. Loren, MD John F. Machen, MD Frederick N. Meyer, MD Stephen E. Osburn, MD Lee H. Prewitt, Jr., MD A. J. Rice, MD Robert J. Roberts, MD
CHARLIE DRISCOLL, 71MD Lynchburg, VA Retired, 2012 Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution: Ball Memorial Hospital Residency Specialty: Family Medicine Fellowship: Geriatrics Fellowship Subspecialty: Geriatrics Practice Specialty: Family Medicine/Geriatrics Briefly describe your historic professional appointments: Faculty U of I College of Medicine, Dept. Family Medicine 1978-1994, Professor and Head of Dept. of Family Medicine 1986-1994. Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, U of Virginia, 1999-2012; Now Emeritus Professor of UVA. Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth U, 2005-2012; now Emeritus Assoc. Prof. VCU. President Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, 1986-87. American Board of Family Medicine Test Item Writing Panel 1979-1986. Member of National Board of Directors, American Academy of Family Physicians, 1997-2000. Member of ACGME Residency Review Committee 2001-2007, Chair of ACGME RRC 2004-2007. What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? Ball State Teachers College, Outstanding Alumni Award, 1981. Teacher of the Year Award for Sophomore Class, U of I College of Medicine, 1984, 1985, 1987 (Nominated 8 times). 1987 U of I Dad of the Year. Alpha Omega Alpha, election 1991. Publications Award for Editorial Excellence, American Academy of Family Physicians, 1997. Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, Gold Level Recognition Award, 2005. Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, Zervanos National Outstanding Program Director, 2008 Favorite memory of your time at the UI College of Medicine: My student days in the College of Medicine. There was a
MD Class of 1971
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
ton of personal and professional growth. It was also a time that I worked with awe alongside some of the “giants of medicine” such as Drs. Ponsetti, Van Allen, Bean, Lawrence and others. I was young, idealistic and growing up as a doctor in their shadow. Most memorable professor and why? There were many excellent ones, but I would single out Dr. Richard Caplan who mentored me as a student and later as a faculty. He was instrumental in bringing me from clinical practice to the academic environment in 1978. He developed in me an appreciation for scholarship and research. Dr. Caplan also encouraged my strong interest in the humanities in medicine and we co-taught a class for medical students together. He has been a wise advisor and life-long friend to me; we still keep in touch though miles apart. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? I grew up in Iowa City, so my memories are numerous. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? As an undergrad, I was in the Hawkeye Marching Band and though the teams were not so special, the camaraderie of that group of men (they were all male then) was very special to me. Our percussion teacher, Tom Davis, was an outstanding person and role model for me. I walked the campus then, but in medical school I was married and drove back and forth from Bon Aire Court. I can remember the demonstrations against the Vietnam war in Iowa City and finding traffic blocked late one night while trying to return home from a hospital ER shift I had worked. What advice would you give a UI Carver College of Medicine student preparing to graduate? Medicine can steal all of your time and spirit if you let it. Find time to actively pursue your personal interests, spiritual life, and family relationships throughout your career. Doing some woodworking in your shop or taking time in the garden brings peace and balance into your life.
ROBERT HILL, 71MD Kaneohe, HI Retired, 2012 Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution- Residency: Tripler Army Medical, Center(Anatomic and Clinical Pathology) Practice: Surgical and clinical Pathology Briefly describe your professional history: • Chief of Clinical Pathology Madigan Army Medical Center 1979-1982 • Chief Clinical Pathology Tripler Army Medical Center 1982-1987 • Chief Department of Pathology and Residency program director Tripler Army Medical Center 1987-1997 • Pathologist Clinical Labs of Hawaii (multiple hospitals) 1997-2012 What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? My chief interests are hiking, backpacking, botany (rare Hawaiian plants and birds(98% of native plants here are endemic), snorkeling, and my favorite areas other than Hawaii are Borneo, New Zealand and Australia, especially Tasmania.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1971
JOHN R. IMIG, 71MD Boulder, CO Retired, 2017 Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Residency institution- University of Colorado Residency specialty- Obstetrics and Gynecology Practice specialty- Obstetrics and Gynecology
performed the post-mortem exam on John F. Kennedy on the day of his assassination. At a ‘smoker” attended by medical students one evening he recounted the events of the day in gruesome detail, as well as answering questions in detail. Describe a memorable professor/experience and why?
Briefly describe your professional history: After finishing my OB/ GYN residency, I served 2 years in the US Army medical corps as an OB/ GYN Physician with the rank of Major and was head of the department at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, I received a commendation medal there. I then entered private practice at The Boulder Medical Center. Eventually being appointed President of the medical staff of Boulder Community Hospital and Boulder Memorial Hospital. I was elected a director on the Board of Directors at the Boulder Medical Center and later, Board President and Medical Director. I was also elected to the Board of Directors of Boulder Community Hospital and President of the Board of the Boulder Peoples” Clinic. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: I was the English language editor of a Gynecology surgical textbook published in Vienna, Austria. In addition to a busy OB/GYN practice, I was active in community medical issues. What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? Election to numerous Boards of Directors Describe one memorable moment or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: Dr. Earl Rose was a University of Iowa pathologist who MD Class of 1971
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Daily rounds with IM professor Dr. Ernie Thielen, an internist and professor reviewed patients with Residents and medical students He discussed the medical and social issues with wisdom and respect for all present. These sessions became the methodology for my practice and plans of management for my patients over the years. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? Beer at the Airliner! What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? That I grew up in Iowa City and my father was a physiologist at Iowa. On the day of his funeral the flag was flown at half mast over the Old Capitol. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? Hiking and skiing, having served over 20 years on the Loveland Ski Patrol. List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities: After many years of volunteer activity, I enjoy walking the beautiful trails of Boulder.
JIM KORB, 71MD Santa Monica, CA Currently practicing Children: 3
Graduate Medical Education Residency institution: La County USC Residency specialty: internal medicine Practice specialty: internal Medicine Briefly describe your professional history, appointments: • 1974- Kaiser West Los Angeles- General Internist. • 1974-1984- USC- clinical faculty of USC. • 1984-2011- I started the Addiction Medicine program at Kaiser West LA and practiced 1/2 time in addiction and 1/2 time in general internal Medicine. • 2011-present clinical faculty UCLA teaching 2nd-year medical students. Continuing half time internal medicine. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: I helped develop a program to equilibrate primary care panels that is still used today in Kaiser Southern California. I have been on Southern Cal committee to chose an electronic medical record for Kaiser and I was the lead physician implementing EPIC at Kaiser West LA in 2006.
What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? My wife, Regina Pally, MD, is a psychiatrist who has written several books on Neuroscience and recently on Reflective Parenting and we went to China in 2019 to help promote her last book that had just been translated to Chinese. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? Reading and Yoga are main hobbies - I used to be a marathon runner and ran a number sub 3 hours. I still enjoy running, but not long distance. List any current civic, community, or volunteer activities: I teach 2nd year Doctoring program at UCLA the last 10 years.
Describe one memorable moment or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: The bitter cold of walking to class across the Iowa River in the winter. What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? While in medical school, I was a member of the medical fraternity, Nu Sigma Nu. Additionally, I joined University of Iowa sailing club.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1971
ED MILLUNCHICK, 71MD Chicago, IL Currently practicing Children: 7
Graduate Medical Education Residency Institution- Oakland Children’s Residency Specialty- Pediatrics Fellowship- Walter Reed Medical Center Fellowship Subspecialty- Pediatric Infectious Disease Practice Specialty- Med Management Briefly describe your professional history, appointments • 25 years in the US Navy • 2 years Associate Professor Pediatric Emergency Medicine • 25 years as a Medical Director Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: Immunologic aspects of Pediatric Infectious disease Describe one memorable moment or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: Walking to class across the river and meeting my first wife. What is something your classmates might find unique/ interesting about you? My current job doing radiology advanced imaging utilization management for 20 years. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? My 27 grandkids from all over the world: Israel, London, Atlanta, and Chicago.
MD Class of 1971
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
JAMES OLSON, 71MD Seattle, WA Retired, 2012 Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education Family practice and Geriatrics Briefly describe your professional history & highlights: Group Health Permanente for 40 years. Over my career, I had the opportunity to take care of three generations of families and individuals and to know most all of them well. For a number of years I served as a University of Washington clinical professor. Additionally, I had the opportunity to start a volunteer project in Veracruz and Xalapa Mexico. What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? Being chosen as the President of the Washington Academy of Family Physicians. Upon my retirement, I was honored to have over 400 of my patients attend the ceremony. Describe one memorable moment or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: The college of medicine was an excellent education, many friends, the chance to learn and mature in a caring and friendly environment. However, I do remember the time I fell asleep before Nicholas Halmi’s class. I can still hear him saying, “Mr. Olson, I have heard of people falling asleep in my class, but to presuppose it is unheard of.”
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? Joe’s bar, the reservoir, Black Angel Cemetery, Nicholas Halmi, my dear friends Wilks, Dick, Chuck, Lace, Minnesota, and Skuder. I also enjoyed the proximity to athletics facilities being able to pop over to the football field or watch Iowa Basketball coach Ralph Miller chain-smoking on the sidelines of men’s basketball practice. He handled each player uniquely and differently. It was quite amazing to watch. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? Nature conserving, going out to our cottage on, Hood Canal. I like to fly fish. I am a baseball nut, a Mariners fan. I am very interested in Native American art and history, evidently, I am able to stay busy. Advice to medical students today: Remember the patient above all else. However, a lot of medicine is play-acting. You have to be the type of physician the patent wants you to be. Do they want you to be straightforward and smart or do you need to make recommendations on their behalf? Every patient requires a unique and tailored approach to their needs.
Describe a memorable professor/experience and why? Dr. Bell in pediatrics, his mind was like a computer. We would try to find the most difficult cases on the ward and his mind just operated with unparalleled processing power.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1971
J. MICHAEL POWERS, 71MD Phoenix, AZ Partially retired Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education
Describe a memorable professor/ experience and why?
Residency Institution- U of Iowa Residency Specialty- Neurology Practice Specialty- Adult neurology with an interest in neuro-ophthalmology
Jun Kimura, Neurology/employed me in his EMG lab and introduced me to clinical neurology and EMG beginning the summer after my first year in medical school.
Briefly describe your professional history: • 40+ years in private practice • Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine, teaching neurology residents at Barrow Neurological Institute neuro-ophthalmology • President- Arizona Medical Association • Chief of Staff St. Luke’s Health System, Phoenix Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees St. Luke’s Health System • Board member and chair of St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, a conversion foundation. • Several published papers on neurological topics and health care policy issues. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: I had an adult neurology clinical practice with an emphasis on neuro-ophthalmology. I had a large practice with patients with multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and other conditions with neuro-ophthalmology presentation. I enjoyed diagnostic challenges. What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? A Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, Attending Physician of the Year at Barrow twice, Best Doctors in America and Top Docs in Phoenix area. Describe one memorable moment or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: I spent time in the neurology department whenever possible and appreciated the support and encouragement of the professors and the residents.
MD Class of 1971
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Iowa City?
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in
Most of the time was spent at the medical school/hospital or home studying. I enjoyed going to the art museum for a complete change of pace. What is something your classmates might find unique/interesting about you? For many years I have taken one week off a month to pursue outdoor activities. We have a cabin outside of Young, AZ and a small beach house on the upper Sea of Cortez near Puerto Penasco, Sonora, MX. I installed the solar electric system in both locations. I am chairman of the board of directors of Bird Technologies Group, Solon/Cleveland, OH, a company founded by my wife’s father. We produce radiofrequency power measurement, signal boosters and RF analyzers used in radio, TV, public safety, military and other commercial applications. Our equipment is utilized in such diverse areas as semiconductor chip manufacture, and military and public safety communication systems and signal analysis. We are the gold standard for precise RF power measurement. This is intellectually stimulating and occupies what would otherwise be free time. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? I have found solace and serenity in the natural world: hiking and backpacking and river running in Arizona and Utah. Spending time at our cabin in a remote area in Arizona where a day spent with a chainsaw and ax can relieve any stress. Or time at the beach on the Sea of Cortez listening to the rhythm of the waves and perhaps bringing in a fish for dinner. Hunting and gathering at its best. I have enjoyed photography and have been helped by my daughter who is much better than I at the mechanics of getting the image as well as the post processing.
CHARLES ROLAND, 71MD Del Car, CA Currently practicing Children: 1
Graduate Medical Education Residency institution: USC Residency specialty: U of Wisconsin Fellowship: UCSD Fellowship subspecialty: Knee fellowship Practice specialty: Orthopedic surgery Briefly describe your professional history: Director of the San Diego knee clinic. Briefly describe your clinical and research area(s) of interest: Knee pathology & Arthroscopic treatment of degenerative conditions.
What people or places do you remember the most about your days in Iowa City? The medical fraternity on Iowa street. What is something your classmates might find uniquely interesting about you? Still working. What are your current activities and interests (hobbies, travels, etc.)? Work, family, and travel. I also enjoy mentoring pre-med students.
What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? Associate clinical professor UCSD Describe one memorable moment or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: Interaction with world-famous Orthopaedic surgeons. Additionally, Iowa medical school was the best program matriculated. Describe a memorable professor/experience and why? Adrian Flatt- Professor in the Orthopedic surgery department. He started the first academic hand clinic in the United States.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine MD Class of 1971
MARVIN SWANSON, 71MD Aurora, CO Retired, 2018 Children: 2
Graduate Medical Education
Describe a memorable professor/experience and why?
Residency Institution- University of Colorado Residency Specialty- Obstetrics and Gynecology Fellowship- University of Louisville Fellowship Subspecialty- Reproductive Endocrinology Practice Specialty-OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology
Dr. Rose professor of forensic pathology. He was the Dallas County medical examiner during the Kennedy assassination.
Briefly describe your professional history: After active duty, I spent time in Colorado, Cambridge, England, Louisville, Ames, and Aurora. I have been faculty director of the University of Louisville in-vitro fertilization program and executive medical director for the Osteo Relief Institute among many other career highlights. What awards/honors have you received during your medical career? I was awarded the Bronze Star for service with the USAF while serving as a flight medical officer in Guam during the Vietnam conflict. Describe one memorable moment or experience of your time at the UI College of Medicine: I remember medical school was pretty regimented. However, I made great friends at the Phi Rho Sigma fraternity house, a few of which I still ski with in Colorado.
MD Class of 1971
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Other information you wish to share? Our daughter, Elizabeth, is an assistant principal at the American School of Warsaw. Our son, Derek, who is an Iowa law grad is in private practice in Richmond, Virginia. He played sousaphone in the Hawkeye Marching Band for three years as an undergraduate. We attended many games during those years.
Additional stories from the classes of 1970 and 1971 may be found here: Class Calls 1970 and 1971
IOWA MEDICINE
BIENNIAL REUNION SEPTEMBER 16 - 18, 2021
@IOWAMED
medicine.uiowa.edu/alumni