Advancing Cancer Care: Iowa’s New Visionary Leader Takes Charge
When faced with a cancer diagnosis, patients often grapple with numerous concerns: Which treatment should I pursue? Where can I locate the necessary expertise? Are there any emerging treatment options? Mark Burkard, MD, PhD, is determined to ensure that Iowans have these questions answered right in their own state.
Since assuming his role as director of the University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2024, Burkard has been committed to a broader vision. He leverages his proficiency in precision oncology and breast cancer research, along with his experience in managing statewide initiatives, to revolutionize cancer care. His unwavering goal: defeat cancer.
This mission has gained increased urgency as Iowa’s cancer rates have surged, ranking the state among the highest nationwide. For Burkard, this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a pressing challenge. “As cancer becomes more complicated and specialized, it’s critical we have deep expertise in the state and dedicated methods of sharing knowledge,” Burkard emphasizes.
Before joining the University of Iowa Health Care, Burkard dedicated 16 years to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, he excelled as a physician-scientist and a leader in precision oncology, spearheading a statewide initiative to integrate genetic information into research and patient care. His work included managing clinical trials focused on rare genetic findings and partnering with health systems to connect them with patients.
Now, at Holden, Burkard draws from those experiences to spearhead comprehensive cancer initiatives in Iowa, encompassing prevention, screening, treatment, research, and education. He is actively promoting efforts to broaden statewide access, ensuring patients receive care locally when possible and facilitating prompt access to specialists as needed.
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