Iowa Urology chief resident physician Joanna A. Orzel, MD, is the 2025 recipient of the John D. Silbar Award, presented annually by the North Central Section of the American Urological Association to a resident who demonstrates outstanding clinical ability, high ethical and moral standards, compassion for patients, and outstanding bedside manner.

Chad R. Tracy, MD, director of the University of Iowa Department of Urology Residency Program, says Dr. Orzel is a standout physician who brings a thoughtful approach to everything she does.

"Joanna is not just clinically and ethically exceptional," Dr. Tracy says, "she is deeply human. I’ve watched her mentor medical students with kindness, lead wellness initiatives with humility, and stay late to help a co-resident finish cases. She brings people together, and she is someone others want to work alongside."

Dr. Orzel will begin a fellowship in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery at the University of Michigan in 2026.

She received the Silbar Award during the 99th Annual Meeting of the North Central Section of the AUA, which took place in Chicago from October 15 to 18, and she is the fourth Iowa Urology resident to receive the honor. Previous awardees include Drs. Henry M. Rosevear (2012), Matthew A. Uhlman (2015), and Laura A. Bertrand (2016).