2008 Woodie Awards
UIHC stays on cutting edge
Zhi Xiong - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 6/15/07 Section: Metro
O-arm, Intralase, surgical robot, and photodynamic therapy may sound sci-fi, but they are all part of the UI Hospitals and Clinics' updated medical techniques. With new equipment and treatment methods in several departments including ophthalmology and dermatology, the UIHC strives to remain at the forefront of medical technology.
But spending millions to keep up with technological advances brings more than new toys and tools for physicians and researchers - it is considered a necessary investment to generate revenue while keeping the hospital competitive both locally and nationally.
"We have to remain a center of distinction," said Mark Iannettoni, a UI cardiothoracic-surgery professor who co-chairs the hospital's Capital Allocations Committee. "The biggest reason to try technology that may or may not be cost effective is for the benefit of the patient, as well as to stay well ahead of the curve."
With a budget of $90 million, the UIHC uses a majority of it to sustain ongoing projects. Among the roughly 900 requests submitted by various departments, priority goes to items necessary for such things as safety and compliance, and maintenance. Ideally, half of the remaining $25 million would be used to acquire new technology, Iannettoni said.
"This is what I get paid to do," said Kenneth Goins, a UI clinical associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, referring to the use of the recently updated Intralase program for LASIK surgery and corneal transplants. "They're counting on me to know the latest technology."
Goins is one of 10 surgeons around the nation who currently use Intralase-Enabled Keratoplasty, which makes better-fitting cuts in the corneal flap and shortens healing time for the patient. The laser was initially purchased by the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, which provides the donor for corneal transplants.
Vincent Liu, a UI clinical assistant professor of dermatology, said the benefit for potential patients is one of the greatest factors in purchasing new equipment.
But spending millions to keep up with technological advances brings more than new toys and tools for physicians and researchers - it is considered a necessary investment to generate revenue while keeping the hospital competitive both locally and nationally.
"We have to remain a center of distinction," said Mark Iannettoni, a UI cardiothoracic-surgery professor who co-chairs the hospital's Capital Allocations Committee. "The biggest reason to try technology that may or may not be cost effective is for the benefit of the patient, as well as to stay well ahead of the curve."
With a budget of $90 million, the UIHC uses a majority of it to sustain ongoing projects. Among the roughly 900 requests submitted by various departments, priority goes to items necessary for such things as safety and compliance, and maintenance. Ideally, half of the remaining $25 million would be used to acquire new technology, Iannettoni said.
"This is what I get paid to do," said Kenneth Goins, a UI clinical associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, referring to the use of the recently updated Intralase program for LASIK surgery and corneal transplants. "They're counting on me to know the latest technology."
Goins is one of 10 surgeons around the nation who currently use Intralase-Enabled Keratoplasty, which makes better-fitting cuts in the corneal flap and shortens healing time for the patient. The laser was initially purchased by the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, which provides the donor for corneal transplants.
Vincent Liu, a UI clinical assistant professor of dermatology, said the benefit for potential patients is one of the greatest factors in purchasing new equipment.
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