Patient Stories

‘Grateful and blessed family’ credits IVF team

The Rich family
“From time to time, I hear a story of a couple who were able to have a baby because of the work of Dr. Van Voorhis,” says Elizabeth Rich. “Every time, it takes me back to our story and I feel so grateful.”

Jonathan’s meniscus transplant story

Whether he’s on a bike ride or just walking to class at Southeastern Community College each day, Jonathan Gavin appreciates the precious gift that allows him to do those things pain-free.

Expert spine care helped Gretchen get back to RAGBRAI

After Gretchen McLain suffered a devastating spine fracture, she made it her mission to complete RAGBRAI the following year. With a year of rehab, learning how to walk again, and plenty of training, McLain reached her goal.

Fast cardiology scheduling leads to quick diagnosis and treatment

Curt Roesler
With shortness of breath and periodic chest pain, this Iowa City man wasn't ready to wait three months to see his cardiologist. He called the UI Heart and Vascular Center and was seen the next day.

Robotic surgery now an option for myasthenia patients needing thymectomy

Brooklyn Wexell speaks with her physician
Brooklyn Wexell, a 23-year-old teacher from Cambridge, Illinois, didn’t want to have surgery. But when Evgeny Arshava, MD, FACS, a cardiothoracic surgeon at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, told her he could perform the potentially life-changing surgery through very small incisions in her chest using a robot – which would minimize both pain levels and scarring – she changed her mind.

First in Iowa to implant third-generation heart device

heart patient in clinic with doctor
Using a recently approved update to a device called a MitraClip, surgeons at University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center repaired the heart of an 82 year old who was a poor candidate for traditional repair of a leaky mitral valve.

Giving Kiersten hip care to keep an active life

Sprinter in starting blocks
External Source: 
UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
“I told Dr. Willey I had a goal to get back to dance, do track, and play softball. He was great to me. He told me if I followed his orders, I would get back and do those.”

Shilo’s thyroid cancer surgery story

Shilo Dahlgren as an inpatient
"I just knew in my heart this was where I was supposed to be by the way she explained things and reassured me."

Bill's liver was failing due to hepatitis C

Bill Klahn with his 2016 Transplant Games medal
Bill's liver was failing due to hepatitis C and liver cancer. After awaiting a liver donation for quite some time, Bill received a liver transplant that changed his life.

Terrell is making the most of his gift of life

Terrell Jordan Sr. playing basketball
One morning Terrell began to feel sick. He visited the emergency room to find out that he was having a heart attack. After being diagnosed with myocarditis, he was placed on the transplant list. After a few weeks, he was told they had a heart for him and Terrell underwent a life-changing surgery.

Pages