Ramiro Ramirez - UI Healthcare: Stead Family Children's Hospital (MHA '26)

 Hi from Iowa City, Iowa! 

This summer, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to intern at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the only comprehensive children’s hospital in Iowa. From day one, I was immersed in a culture that blends strategy, mission, and heart, where every operational decision connects back to improving care for children and their families. The experience has helped me grow professionally and deepened my understanding of what it means to lead in a pediatric academic setting.

I work under Jim Leste, and at times John Heinemann, both of whom have modeled thoughtful, mission-driven leadership. Through regular meetings and project work, I’ve observed how leaders navigate complex decisions while staying grounded in service to patients, families, and care teams. Their mentorship has been honest, generous, and focused on exposing me to the real questions facing children’s hospitals today.
One of the core projects I’ve supported is the early planning of a Pediatric Heart Center, a coordinated, high-acuity cardiac program designed to expand access and serve families closer to home. I helped evaluate referral patterns, engage stakeholders, and outline space and program needs that reflect both clinical vision and operational strategy. Contributing to a project that could transform care delivery has been a huge highlight of my internship.

I also helped with the design and planning of an on-site daycare center for staff, an initiative focused on supporting retention and workforce well-being. Working across departments, I gathered operational requirements and helped shape how this service will take form.

Beyond those projects, I’ve been involved in service line planning tied to our NICU expansion, reviewed pediatric investment proposals, and supported internal reporting efforts that inform hospital-wide strategy. These experiences helped me better understand how children’s hospitals grow and deliver care, especially in a setting like Stead, where we operate with a distinct pediatric identity while being part of an academic health system.

Outside of the internship, I’ve continued supporting the Medical Organization for Latino Advancement (MOLA), a nonprofit working to improve healthcare access for Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. This summer, I developed a financial analysis to guide internal planning and quality improvement. (Our CPA confirmed the numbers were solid, a small but satisfying reminder of how far I’ve come since presenting in finance!) I also helped plan several major initiatives as the organization continues to expand its reach.

When I haven’t been working, I’ve spent time in Chicago, reconnecting with family visiting from Mexico and enjoying the city. Highlights include the Mustache Bar Crawl, evenings by the lake, and gearing up for Lollapalooza to cap off the month. I’ve also kept up with evening shifts at Culver’s, still serving butter burgers and cheese curds while a smile!

This summer has been full of growth, laughter, and connection. I’ve met so many incredible people, both through my projects and outside of work here in Iowa. I’ve also been lucky to spend real time with my family back home (though don’t tell my siblings I liked hanging out with them). As I head into my final year of grad school, I’m taking with me not only new skills, but also a deeper appreciation for the people and purpose that make this work so meaningful.