Pella native returns to Iowa to care for patients with cancer
For Justin Buzick, MD, the decision to practice cancer care in Iowa wasn’t just a career move — it was a homecoming rooted in purpose.
Buzick is one of the newest physicians at Mission Cancer + Blood, a part of UI Health Care. He grew up in Pella, Iowa, and has long recognized the importance of rural health care.
“It’s always been important to me that states with more rural populations have access to care and homegrown providers,” says Buzick.
That belief quietly shaped his path, even as he ventured beyond Iowa for medical training in North Dakota.
After returning to Iowa to complete fellowships in hematology and medical oncology, and hospice and palliative medicine at UI Health Care, Buzick’s job search led him to Mission.
“Mission really stood out with its strong outreach network and a clear dedication to reaching patients across Iowa,” says Buzick. “I knew I wanted a community-based practice, and Mission fit that vision well.”
Still, Buzick had other job options. Oncologists are in high demand across the country. Ultimately, he decided to join Mission after learning the practice planned to join UI Health Care.
“Early on I was looking at a mix of both private practices and more institutionally backed groups,” says Buzick. “There are definitely aspects of true private practice that are appealing, but having the support of a larger institution started to feel more important. Mission is interesting in that it had been a private practice for 40 years but became a part of UI Health Care at the end of 2024. Overall, having that institutional support helps the practice run more smoothly and benefits both providers and patients.”
Now part of Mission, Buzick has found a workplace that aligns with his values.
“Autonomy, collegiality, and whole-person care are the top qualities I look for,” he says. “At Mission, there’s a real emphasis on relationships — between staff, providers, and patients. That extends beyond our doors, too. We work hard to maintain strong partnerships with other practices and specialties.”