The Hospital and Health Systems Leadership Lecture honors the vital role of hospitals and health systems in protecting and improving population health. Launched in 2025, the annual lecture series was created through the generosity of alumni and supporters of the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Background

Hospitals and health systems provide critical services to patients and families at every stage of life and are vital community resources for improving population health. In addition, they are central components in one of the most complex sectors of American society. Leaders of these systems must be conversant with current developments in health policy, advances in medical science, emerging diseases, ethics, employee health and wellness, mission-driven business practices, and more.

Through an annual lectureship, the University of Iowa College of Public Health acknowledges the role of hospital and health system leadership in successfully navigating the ever-changing landscape of American health care. A campus visit and presentation by an eminent leader in the U.S. health sector will highlight the broad range of contemporary issues facing hospitals and health systems, advance understanding of hospitals’ role in promoting community health and well-being, and provide students, faculty, staff, and alumni with first-hand knowledge and perspectives on this dynamic field.

Criteria for Lectureship Selection

• Outstanding leadership and recognized expertise in the health care industry, particularly in roles leading hospitals or health systems whether at the local, state, regional, national, or international level.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the University of Iowa College of Public Health, their own health care organizations, and leading professional associations in the field. 
• Demonstrated commitment to community-level engagement to address health challenges facing people from vulnerable population groups, including socioeconomic disadvantaged populations, those living with disabilities, youth, elderly, people with pre-existing conditions, etc.
• Over time, the lecture series will reflect a variety of leadership perspectives on the evolving challenges facing hospitals and health systems, including policy innovation, initiatives to address quality, access, and cost, and other emerging issues. Invited lecturers will represent a diversity of leadership experiences, missions, geographic regions, and funding models.  

Nominations for the 2026 Lecturer

The University of Iowa College of Public Health invites nominations for the 2026 Hospital and Health Systems Leadership Lecture. To make a nomination, submit the following information via email to Ryan Bell:

• Nominee’s name
• Nominee’s current professional position
• A brief biographical summary (maximum 200 words) describing the nominee’s major accomplishments, contributions to hospital and health systems leadership, and specific area(s) of impact or interest