What is a vasectomy? A vasectomy is a safe, effective form of male birth control. It’s a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from mixing with semen. During your vasectomy, a urologist will cut and seal the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm cells from the testicles. Without sperm cells in the semen, fertilization cannot occur. Why choose a vasectomy? Many men choose…

Providing comfort during life’s most difficult moments requires not only skill but also compassion. For Alaina Zachary, BSN, RN, CEN, that compassion shined through when caring for a patient who was near their end of life in the Emergency Department (ED) at UI Health Care Medical Center - University Campus. After the patient had returned to the ED following treatment, Zachary stepped in to ease…

Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who loves staying active, injuries can throw a wrench in your plans. Former athlete and respected orthopedic surgeon Brian Wolf, MD, MS, understands these challenges firsthand. Now the director of University of Iowa Sports Medicine and head team physician for UI Athletics, Wolf brings his extensive experience with knee,…

Kinslee Mack’s fifth birthday was an especially big one for the Marion, Iowa girl. Kinslee was born with two rare congenital disorders, including TBCD, an ultra-rare genetic disorder that affects the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. There are fewer than 50 cases in the world. Patients diagnosed with TBCD – tubulin folding cofactor D – typically have a lifespan of three to five…

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reaffirms that the tiniest pediatric patients are in the best hands at University of Iowa Health Care. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital is one of the first to receive a new, national designation from the AAP recognizing those with the highest levels of neonatal care. The AAP's Neonatal Excellence Program…

Your heart has an electrical system that tells it when to beat, but sometimes, those signals don’t work correctly. When that happens, your heartbeat can feel off—like a skipped beat, a flutter, or a racing heart. "Many people experience occasional heart palpitations, but persistent irregular heartbeats could be a sign of something more serious. If you notice changes, don’t ignore them—talk to a…

Every year, the Great Iowa Nurses program recognizes nurses across the state who go above and beyond every day to provide safe, compassionate care for their patients and share their knowledge and leadership with their communities. We are proud to announce that 24 UI Health Care nurses were named among this year’s distinguished group.

Many leaders draw inspiration for their leadership philosophies from renowned business trailblazers or management training programs. For Tacia Bullard, MSN, RN, CNL, however, her leadership journey has been shaped by mentors who guided her and the extraordinary passion she observes in the nursing profession every day. "What motivates me every day is knowing that we’re part of something bigger…

When it opens this spring, University of Iowa Health Care’s North Liberty campus will offer a wide range of advanced diagnostic imaging services—giving patients more options, and greater convenience, when it comes to getting a scan for diagnostic or treatment-related purposes. Any UI Health Care patient may choose to schedule imaging at the North Liberty location. “Our mission includes supporting…

A technology meant to enhance patient safety for newborns is launching at University of Iowa Health Care’s downtown campus. UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown recently integrated CertaScan technology into its neonatal care services. This advanced technology allows for the digital scanning of newborn footprints, providing a precise and permanent record that can be used for identification…