Last month at the meeting of the Iowa Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), David Stoltz, MD, PhD, was presented with the chapter’s Hero of Hope Award. This annual recognition honors individuals who support the organization’s missions with exemplary dedication.

Stoltz is the director of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine, and in addition to the care and treatment of individuals with cystic fibrosis, he has spent his research career at Iowa studying the pathogenesis of CF and related lung airway diseases.

In presenting Stoltz with this award, Iowa CFF Chapter Executive Director Kelsey Chaves White made the following remarks:

Dr. David A. Stoltz is a nationally respected physician-scientist and one of the leading forces behind cystic fibrosis research at the University of Iowa. Dr. Stoltz’s research program has significantly advanced our understanding of CF-related airway disease. He leads major NIH-funded projects and directs the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Research Development Program, where his team uses innovative CF pig models to study lung disease.

But beyond the titles and the science, what truly defines David is the kind of person he is. David is always willing to help in any way he can–whether it’s with his patients, in the lab, or by speaking at our CF Foundation events. Even with a schedule packed beyond belief, he continues to show up for this community with enthusiasm, humility, and a smile.

Through our partnership I have witnessed how David consistently lifts up his team. He removes ego from work, focusing instead on science, the excitement of discovery, and the shared vision of moving CF research forward. His leadership not only advances the field but inspires everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

We are incredibly grateful to have David in our corner. His tireless dedication, his unwavering support of our families, and his commitment to improving the quality of life for people living with CF, reminds us that progress starts with the curiosity and support in the lab. He is not just a leader in research–he is a champion for this community.

Stoltz reflected on what receiving this award means to him and UI’s partnership with CFF. He said, “Receiving the Hero of Hope Award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was a very unexpected honor. I am deeply grateful to an organization that has set the gold standard for patient advocacy, research, and the relentless pursuit of a cure. Of course, this award really represents the work of a large team of people committed to making the lives of people with CF better and the incredible mentors I have had along the way.”