What is your hometown?
Iowa City
When did you join the UI faculty?
August 2002
How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?
When I was in undergraduate school as an engineer.
What interested you to pursue a career in surgery?
I was interested in pediatric surgery after I saw that service while a med student here at Univ of Iowa.
Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?
Bob Soper, Keith Gerogeson, and Ken Kimura.
How or why did you choose the UI?
I chose to join my friend Anthony Sandler as a partner.
What kinds of professional opportunities or advantages does being a faculty member at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
Ability to pursue additional academic interests.
Please describe your professional interests.
Robotic surgery, minimally invasive surgery.
What are some of your outside interests?
I am an avid Category 1 bicycle racer, the highest amateur category racer in the United States. Although not a professional (since I have a real job), I race for Priority Health, a professional team in based in Michigan. Top level amateurs are allowed to compete in most U.S. Pro races.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?
Work hard, everyone contributes.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
Resolve the Middle East conflict…don’t ask me how.
What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?
Residents’ work ethic has shifted.
What one piece of advice you would give to today's students?
Learn everything you can in residency. That's the time to see and do as much as you possibly can. You will remember it forever.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
Higher tech, less lawyers
In what ways are you engaged with the greater Iowa public (i.e. population based research, mentoring high school students, sharing your leadership/expertise with organizations or causes, speaking engagements off campus, etc.)?
I speak at numerous worldwide meetings on robotics. I also am involved in philanthropy for the Children’s Hospital by organizing bike races which generate donations.