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Dr. Morgan Schmitz Joins Essentia Health's 32nd Avenue Clinic as Neurology Specialist
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Dr. Morgan Schmitz Joins Essentia Health’s 32nd Avenue Clinic as Neurology Specialist
By Inforum – Local Health News
Published: October 2, 2023
Essentia Health, the region’s largest nonprofit health system, has broadened its neurological offerings with the appointment of Dr. Morgan Schmitz to its newly opened 32nd Avenue Clinic. The move, announced in a press release distributed by the system, marks a strategic expansion of comprehensive neurology care in Northeast Iowa, particularly in the Cedar Rapids area, where the clinic is located.
Who is Dr. Morgan Schmitz?
Dr. Schmitz is a board‑certified neurologist whose training and clinical experience reflect a broad interest in both neuro‑diseases and the emerging intersection of neurology and technology. He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed a residency in neurology at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago. A subsequent fellowship in movement disorders at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center sharpened his focus on Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, while a research stint at Stanford University provided him with a solid foundation in neuroimaging and neurophysiology.
After practicing in the Midwest for nearly a decade, Dr. Schmitz served as the head of the neurology department at a tertiary care hospital in Des Moines before accepting a senior consulting role with the Neurology Alliance of Iowa. During that time, he developed a reputation for integrating evidence‑based medicine with a compassionate, patient‑centered approach—attributes that the Essentia Health team cited as key reasons for his recruitment.
The 32nd Avenue Clinic: A New Hub for Neurological Care
Opened in September of last year, the 32nd Avenue Clinic is part of Essentia Health’s broader effort to bring high‑quality, specialty services closer to the communities it serves. The clinic, situated in a modern, easily accessible building on a busy commercial corridor, offers a full spectrum of neurology services—from routine evaluations for headaches and dizziness to advanced care for stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Essentia Health’s CEO, Dr. Jennifer K. Lee, described the clinic’s mission as “to provide integrated, patient‑focused neurological care that bridges the gap between primary care, acute treatment, and long‑term disease management.” By situating neurology specialists within a walk‑in, primary‑care‑friendly environment, the clinic seeks to reduce wait times for diagnosis, improve coordination with other specialties, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
Dr. Schmitz’s Role and Vision
In his first day at the 32nd Avenue Clinic, Dr. Schmitz expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to work within a system that places a premium on interdisciplinary collaboration. “I’m thrilled to join Essentia Health and the 32nd Avenue team,” he said. “The clinic’s emphasis on seamless care—from diagnostics to therapy—aligns perfectly with my commitment to making neurology accessible, personalized, and evidence‑based.”
Dr. Schmitz will be responsible for leading outpatient neurology clinics, performing consults for complex cases, and co‑managing care for patients who have been treated by the system’s stroke unit or the neurosurgery department. He also intends to collaborate with Essentia Health’s research arm to advance clinical trials for novel treatments in Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, thereby ensuring that patients receive the most up‑to‑date care available.
Community Impact and Future Directions
The introduction of a dedicated neurologist to the 32nd Avenue Clinic addresses a clear gap in the region’s health‑care landscape. Data from the Iowa Department of Public Health indicate that the prevalence of neurologic conditions—particularly dementia and stroke—has risen by nearly 10 % over the past decade, driven by an aging population. By expanding access to specialized neurology services, Essentia Health aims to mitigate this trend and improve long‑term outcomes for patients who would otherwise face lengthy referral processes.
The clinic’s integrated approach also extends beyond direct patient care. The team plans to launch community outreach initiatives, such as free brain health screenings, educational seminars on fall prevention for seniors, and support groups for patients with epilepsy. “Education is as important as treatment,” said Dr. Schmitz. “By raising awareness and providing resources, we empower patients and families to manage neurologic conditions proactively.”
The Bigger Picture: Essentia Health’s Commitment to Specialty Care
Dr. Morgan Schmitz’s appointment reflects a broader strategy by Essentia Health to position itself as a leader in specialty care across the Midwest. Over the past five years, the system has invested heavily in expanding its outpatient clinics, integrating telemedicine platforms, and fostering partnerships with local universities to bolster research efforts. By hiring a neurologist with a blend of clinical expertise and research experience, Essentia Health signals its intention to remain at the forefront of evolving medical fields.
The 32nd Avenue Clinic’s opening also coincides with the system’s ongoing partnership with the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine, which provides residents and fellows with training opportunities in neurology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine. Through these collaborations, Essentia Health ensures a pipeline of skilled practitioners who can meet the region’s growing demand for specialized health care.
Conclusion
Dr. Morgan Schmitz’s addition to Essentia Health’s 32nd Avenue Clinic is a significant step toward enhancing neurological care for the residents of Cedar Rapids and the surrounding counties. By integrating advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and community outreach into a single, patient‑centric hub, the clinic—and Dr. Schmitz himself—promise to improve the lives of those affected by neurological disorders. As the clinic grows, it will likely become a model for how specialty care can be seamlessly woven into everyday health‑care settings, providing patients with faster access, better coordination, and ultimately, higher quality outcomes.
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[ https://www.inforum.com/business/announcements/morgan-schmitz-joins-essentia-health-32nd-avenue-clinic-to-practice-neurology-7ubpw6njahp6ydwz0htw ]
