At University of Iowa Health Care, the holidays are not the only thing worth celebrating this winter. The Iowa City VA Health Care System and Division of Nephrology recently recognized the retirement of Brad Dixon, MD, professor in Nephrology, through two different events. And kicking off the week leading into the holidays, the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology paused to celebrate the career of Caryn Berkowitz, MD, clinical professor, who also retires ahead of the new year.
Colleagues and members of the Nephrology team stopped by the Internal Medicine library to congratulate Dixon, enjoy some refreshments, and hear remarks from Justin Smock, MD, Interim Director of the Division of General Internal Medicine. Although Dixon and division members joked that Smock would deliver a “roast” of the longtime faculty member, Smock instead reflected on Dixon’s contributions to the Iowa City VA Healthcare System (ICVAHS), where Dixon served as Chief of Medical Service. As ICVAHS Deputy Chief of Medical Service, Smock thanked Dixon for his mentorship, outspoken engagement, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
The Division of Nephrology celebrated Dixon’s retirement once more on Jan. 8 with a gathering in the Colloton Pavilion, giving colleagues an opportunity to celebrate him among the division he helped shape. During the event, colleagues offered remarks reflecting on Dixon’s leadership, mentorship, and impact on trainees and patients alike. The division also presented him with a painting from a local artist and a photo book commemorating moments from his time at UI Health Care.
Like Dixon, Berkowitz had many colleagues gather in a room reserved for the celebration of her career. Tucked away in the Digestive Health center, the division set out platters of meat, cheese, and vegetables alongside a cake heralding Berkowitz’s upcoming retirement—a frosted announcement that remained intact for most of the event, save for the final letter of the faculty member’s surname.
Food, fittingly, played a central role in Berkowitz’s career. She served as Director of the Advanced Nutrition Service, leading highly specialized care for patients who require nutrition outside the oral route. Reflecting on her path, Berkowitz has said, “You ask why I pick this area of medicine, but actually, I think that this area of medicine picked me.”
Both celebrations were made complete with group photos. While no picture could fully capture the lasting impact these faculty members have made, their influence will carry on through the colleagues they have mentored and the patients whose lives they’ve helped improve. Congratulations on your outstanding careers, Dr. Dixon and Dr. Berkowitz!