Arnold named Director of Emergency Response Team

UI Health Care’s supportive culture drew Nicholas Arnold, MD, back to Iowa after completing fellowship training elsewhere—a return that ultimately positioned him for hospital leadership. The Emergency Response Team recently named Arnold as its new Medical Director, marking the latest instance of a former chief resident stepping into a leadership role overseeing one of UI Health Care’s most critical programs.  

Arnold first trained at UI Health Care during his Internal Medicine residency, where he later served as chief resident in 2020-2021. This experience continues to shape his approach to leadership today, particularly because it occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic as unprecedented clinical and operational challenges emerged. 

“Serving as chief resident during COVID meant working very closely with hospital leadership and seeing how much thought went into resident well-being,” Arnold said. “That experience shaped how I approach leadership now—making sure the people doing the work feel supported.”  

Returning to UI Health Care as a faculty member, and now as a leader, has brought a new set of dynamics. Arnold acknowledged that stepping into a leadership role alongside colleagues who once served as mentors requires thoughtful collaboration. He sees this continuity as a strength that reinforces trust and encourages growth.  

Arnold is eager to build on the foundation established by his predecessor, Paul Nassar, MD, MPH and the Emergency Response Team’s ongoing efforts. Earlier this year, the Code Blue team earned silver recognition from the American Heart Association for excellence in CPR quality through its adherence to the organization’s Get With The Guidelines–Resuscitation program.  

“Paul built a team that is deeply committed to Get With The Guidelines, and I’m excited to keep that momentum going,” Arnold said. “My focus is on continuing to grow the program—improving how quickly patients reach the ICU and expanding the team so we can provide even stronger support, especially at night.”  

Arnold also sees opportunity to integrate innovation into emergency response workflows. He pointed to the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool to improve patient triage and support quick decision-making during critical events. 

Approaching this transition with both humility and humor, Arnold mentions that his current priority is to “survive and learn.” From there, he plans to continue expanding the advanced practice provider (APP) team alongside the team’s APP lead, Jessie Upah, ARNP. He emphasized his deep appreciation for the APPs who make up the Emergency Response Team, crediting their expertise and collaboration as integral to the program’s success.  

With Arnold stepping into the role of Medical Director, the Emergency Response Team enters its next chapter with a focus on continuity, innovation, and sustained excellence in lifesaving care. And Arnold looks forward to fostering the same collaborative culture that inspired his return to UI Health Care—now, as program leadership.