Two GRHS doctors get leadership nods

WEST BURLINGTON – Great River Health, for the second year in a row, had two physicians named to the Five Iowa Physicians to Watch list by The Iowa Medical Society’s Leadership Development Committee.  In addition, Dr. Craig Bottke was recognized with a COPIC Humanitarian Award for his contributions to the community.
Clyde Grady, MD, Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington, has been with the health system for over two years, establishing himself as a top physician in Iowa by making the Five Iowa Physicians to Watch List.  He specializes in Obesity Medicine and has been instrumental in expanding the Operation Transformation program started by Dr. Michael AbouAssaly.  Dr. Grady has also served as a physician lead on the Epic electronic medical record conversion project currently underway at the health system.  His nomination noted, “Dr. Grady’s dedication to innovative care delivery, collaborative leadership, and creative problem-solving has made a lasting impact on Great River Health and the patients we serve.”
In a few short years at Great River Health, Zeina Hajar, MD, Infectious Disease-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington, has transformed infectious disease management in the region, and earning her spot on the Five Iowa Physicians to Watch list.  Bringing her knowledge and expertise to rural Iowa, she developed an Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) care plan to benefit patients with bone and joint infections.  She leads the health system in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, keeping our patients and employees safe from disease.  “Dr. Hajar is dedicated to advancing infectious disease care in rural Iowa through her innovative programs, collaborative approach, and patient-centered commitment.” 
Our COPIC Humanitarian recipient, Dr. Craig Bottke, came to the area as the first fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeon in southeast Iowa.  He and his wife quickly became involved in the community while building a successful orthopedic practice.  Dr. Bottke recently joined forces with a fellow physician, Dr. Rachel Oliverio, Wound Care, to recognize a need for a free clinic in Burlington and quickly set to work to make it a reality. His involvement has spanned every stage of the process.  He helped shape the original vision, the partnership with Free Clinics of Iowa, found clinic space, navigated legal and regulatory requirements, led fundraising efforts, and recruited over 40 volunteers.  He even took a trailer to Des Moines and back to pick up a load of the equipment needed to open the clinic.
His nomination stated, “This work directly reflects the heart of the COPIC Humanitarian Award: improving access to care, strengthening communities, and serving those most in need through selfless volunteerism. He serves quietly and selflessly, without expectation of recognition or reward. He consistently goes beyond the scope of his professional duties to help those in need, guided by compassion, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.”
Award Details
Five Physicians to Watch award winners were selected based on contributions to leadership, impact and influence, innovation and creativity, community impact, and potential for future success. 
Rounding out the list were Marco Hefti, MD, Pathology, UI Healthcare; Michael Strong, MD, Psychiatry, UI Healthcare; and Andrew Vanderheyden, MD, Market Chief Medical Officer, UnityPoint Health, Dubuque.
The COPIC Humanitarian Award was created to recognize physicians who make a lasting difference — moments defined not by recognition or compensation, but by compassion, service, and a deep commitment to others. From caring for underserved patients to stepping forward where gaps exist in rural healthcare, these people quietly change their lives. 
The Iowa Medical Society will host its annual President’s Dinner on Friday, April 17, in Iowa City, where the award recipients will be honored.