A tradition of community service-2006 Heart & Hand Awards

We are proud to highlight the activities of 3 individuals who were nominated from our department:

Individual Nominees

John Canady
Since 1991, Dr. Canady has shared his gifts as a cleft lip and palate surgeon with the world through his participation in medical missions to the children of underdeveloped countries such as the Philippines, El Salvador, and Guatemala.  He is currently associated with Rotaplast International, a part of Rotary International.  Last year he led the Iowa MOST (Miles of Smiles Team) to Guatemala where he and his team performed 43 surgeries in five days.  Not only does Dr. Canady lead the team in surgeries, he works with and trains local physicians to carry on with the cleft surgeries with the correct surgical techniques after his medical mission there is complete.  It is estimated (conservatively) that, since 1991, Dr. Canady has improved the lives of 750 children with his talent and his concern and love for people everywhere.

Richard Smith
When one of his daughters was diagnosed with MPGN II, a rare, life-threatening disease that destroys kidneys and primarily afflicts children, Dr. Smith focused his research to find an effective treatment.  In the course of his research, Dr. Smith and his wife, Lynn, founded “Kidneeds” in 1997 to advance the understanding and awareness of this disease and to raise funding for continued research.  More than 1 million dollars have been raised, chiefly through individual and community events such as the “Chili Dog Fair” in Iowa City.  Dr. Smith’s concern and compassion for others reaches far beyond his interest in medicine.  Between 1993 and 2003, he coached two boys’ hockey teams.  He is an active fundraiser and laborer for Habitat for Humanity.  Dr. Smith has made three trips in support of the Appalachian Service Project which assists Appalachians with needed home repair and construction.  But that’s not all … when Dr. Smith is not conducting research, raising money for research, or repairing and building houses, he volunteers at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic!

Patricia Wehrle, RN, Operating Room
Pat has made more than a dozen mission trips to developing countries volunteering her time as part of the surgical team that repairs children’s cleft palates and lips as part of Operation Smile.  She leads by example overcoming obstacles while the team is delivering medical care under difficult circumstances.  Pat allows nothing to interfere or stop her mission work - even making a trip in a full knee mobilizer!  As part of her volunteer service, Pat has developed educational programs to encourage others to provide care to the underprivileged.