Earlier this week, the Division of General Internal Medicine hosted an event in the Medical Alumni Auditorium to celebrate the career of the retiring Mark C. Wilson, MD, MPH. A lineup of speakers highlighted the many contributions and achievements in his decades-long career at UI Health Care, and even shared a few of their favorite “Wilson-isms.” The remarks captured Wilson’s memorable impact on residents, colleagues, and patients both here at Iowa and to medical education throughout the United States.
Justin Smock, MD
Upi Singh, MD
Jeydith Gutierrez, MD
Manish Suneja, MD
Adam Blaine, MD
Gary Rosenthal, MD (written remarks read by Smock)
Joe Szot, MD, MACP
Scott Vogelgesang, MD
Smock highlighted Wilson’s distinct passion, humility, and gregarious energy, with Guiterrez reinforcing these qualities during her remarks. She recalled a moment in which Wilson asked about Venezuela, her country of origin, during a period of turmoil and uncertainty in the nation.
“He asked about how I was doing, how my family was doing,” Gutierrez said. “I hadn’t shared many interactions with him up to this point, but he was invested and showed concern for this part of my life. And what I learned about Mark during this is that he truly cares about the people around him—everyone.”
Seated next to Wilson throughout the event was his spouse, Mary Beth Fasano, MD, MSPH, whom Rosenthal playfully described as Wilson’s “far better half” in his remarks. Wilson will join Fasano in retirement, and the two look forward to making plans on a whim and exploring new endeavors together.
Wilson closed out the hour by expressing gratitude for his time serving patients and working alongside supportive colleagues. Although he had no blueprint for his career, he said, the people around him throughout his training and faculty appointment made all the difference. Wilson made a point to include residents in this reflection, saying, “I call residents my colleagues. I’ve just fallen down and gotten up a few more times, that’s all.”
Presents rounded out the occasion, with Suneja presenting Wilson with the first gift: a handcrafted mini mantel clock, so Wilson can “remember to be on time, now.”
Wilson also received a painting of UI Health Care’s university campus from Guiterrez and Smock. The piece serves as a reminder of the lives and careers Wilson has shaped throughout his time here.
Wilson circulated the room, socializing with each division member and trainee. It was a fitting testament to his colleagues’ remarks, which captured Wilson as a sincere, sociable, and kind physician, mentor, and friend.
