The University of Iowa today announced that Jean E. Robillard, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, plans to step down from his leadership role overseeing UI Health Care—which comprises the Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and University of Iowa Physicians. A pediatric nephrologist by training, Robillard will remain on the faculty of the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics. A search for his successor will commence immediately, with Robillard continuing as vice president and dean until a new leader is named.

“The opportunity to lead UI Health Care has been the absolute high point of my career,” Robillard says. “It is truly an honor and privilege to work with so many superbly talented and committed individuals who have helped make our academic medical center one of the best in the country today. I am proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to the bright future that is ahead for this great organization.”

Robillard first became the dean of the Carver College of Medicine in 2003 and was named vice president for medical affairs in 2007 with a mandate to integrate the college, the hospitals and clinics system, and the faculty practice plan into a more responsive and unified academic medical center. In the decade since, UI Health Care has enjoyed unprecedented growth and earned a strong national reputation. Robillard also served as the university’s interim president following the retirement of Sally Mason in 2015.

Robillard is widely credited with creating an environment that has allowed the many talented individuals at every level of UI Health Care to succeed.

“From the distinguished biomedical investigators pioneering new discoveries, to the creative educators setting new standards of excellence in preparing the next generation of clinicians and scientists, to the world-class health care providers caring for patients, UI Health Care has, quite simply, thrived under Jean’s leadership,” says University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld. “He leaves a strong legacy that will have a lasting impact on the institution and on the health care landscape of this state for generations to come.”

Under Robillard’s leadership, UI Health Care has achieved a long list of accomplishments, setting the stage for continued success:

• The establishment of an ultramodern biomedical research facility, the 256,000-square-foot Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, which fosters high-risk, high-reward science. Opened in 2014, PBDB is home to a number of key research programs, including the newly created Iowa Neuroscience Institute, which promises to establish Iowa as a leading center for excellence in the neurosciences.
• A major expansion of the clinical enterprise, including a major ambulatory care clinic in neighboring Coralville’s Iowa River Landing development, the establishment of several UI QuickCare walk-in clinic sites located throughout the community, and a long-term master plan for the main hospital campus’ future
• Development of the new UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, which is scheduled to open to patients in December 2016 and envisioned as a kid-friendly, state-of-the-art children’s hospital at the heart of a comprehensive children’s health system for Iowa
• Creation of the UI Health Alliance, a partnership among four of Iowa’s premier health care organizations, comprising more than 3,000 providers and 18 hospitals throughout the state
• Record fundraising for the hospital and the college, surpassing the goal set for the University of Iowa’s current “For Iowa. Forever More.” campaign, with more than $750 million raised
• An innovative $100 million investment in the college’s research enterprise to recruit new faculty and support existing faculty in advancing vital research programs, with a special focus on new and emerging fields

Robillard is the immediate past chair of the Association of Academic Health Centers Board of Directors. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and, in 2006, served as chair of the board of directors for the American Board of Pediatrics.