The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at UI Health Care has thrived under the steady leadership of Kevin C. Doerschug, MD, MS, who has served as Medical Director for more than two decades. Now, as Doerschug transitions into a new institutional role, Desmond Barber, MD, MME, has been named the MICU’s next Medical Director.

David Stoltz, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine, announced the transition late last month, expressing both enthusiasm for Barber’s leadership and deep appreciation for Doerschug’s decades of service.

“I am confident that Desmond will do a great job in this role, and Kevin will continue to provide mentoring as this transition takes place,” Stoltz said. “The MICU is a better place because of Kevin’s leadership and service; most importantly, our patients have benefitted from this long-term commitment.”

Barber is no stranger to leadership at Iowa. After completing his internal medicine residency, he served as Chief Resident. While pursuing his fellowship training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, he also earned a Master’s in Medical Education from the Carver College of Medicine. Barber then accepted a faculty appointment in the division, which benefited from his clinical expertise and the commitment to education he demonstrated during his training.

Barber has spent significant time learning, providing care, and teaching in the MICU. His connection to the unit and investment in its growth deepened as did his relationship with Doerschug.

[Read more about an innovative approach to teaching intubation designed by Doerschug and Barber.]

Barber started working with Doerschug more than seven years ago when he was a first-year resident. The pair has collaborated in multiple capacities since, including co-facilitating simulation trainings for learners across the critical care field locally and at a national level.

“Going from being a resident, to a fellow, to faculty, the MICU has always had a special place in my heart,” said Barber. “Over the years, seeing Dr. Doerschug and the great work he’s done advocating for our patients, our providers, and our ancillary staff has made him a great role model for me. I would like to emulate that in the work I do as Medical Director.”

The legacy Barber references spans more than 20 years of leadership that prioritized the safe and compassionate care of critically ill patients. Doerschug emphasizes that this focus requires a leader to foster collaboration among physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other allied health practitioners.

As Barber takes on the role of MICU Medical Director, Doerschug will transition into a new position: Associate Chief Quality Officer for Critical and Emergency Care. He is confident the MICU will continue to excel under Barber’s direction.

“I have no doubt that the unit will be in a great position with Barber’s leadership,” he said. “His clinical and interpersonal skills will help guide MICU to bigger and greater things immediately.”

Although Barber is eager to take on the role, he is quick to credit the colleagues who have supported him throughout his training and early faculty career.

“I’m junior faculty taking on a more senior role, and I in no way think I’m special,” Barber said. “The only thing that made me comfortable accepting the role are the talented and supportive colleagues I’m surrounded by both in my division and in the MICU that I can always lean on and ask for advice.”

With Barber at the helm, the MICU enters a new chapter of continued collaboration and deep commitment to excellent patient care. And Doerschug’s decades of service have created a strong foundation upon which Barber can further advance the unit.