Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Robert Rakel, MD, discusses his role in helping establish the Department of Family Practice at the University of Iowa. Rakel was hired in 1971 and served as the head of the department for 15 years. He is also a published author who has written or edited more than fifty books, including the first edition of the textbook "Family Practice." Published in 1973, this was one of the first textbooks covering what was then a new specialty. Rakel is also interested in the history of medicine and founded the University of Iowa History of Medicine society in 1972. He currently resides at Oaknoll retirement community in Iowa City.
Jeffrey D. Quinlan, MD, FAAFP, the current chair and departmental executive officer of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, hosted this discussion.
Chat from the Old Cap is a series of virtual engagement sessions featuring Iowa alumni and friends sharing stories from their careers, backgrounds, and the university that unites us.
To sign-up for more upcoming events for Hawkeyes, visit foriowa.org/events.
Robert Rakel, MD, discusses his role in helping establish the Department of Family Practice at the University of Iowa. Rakel was hired in 1971 and served as the head of the department for 15 years. He is also a published author who has written or edited more than fifty books, including the first edition of the textbook "Family Practice." Published in 1973, this was one of the first textbooks covering what was then a new specialty. Rakel is also interested in the history of medicine and founded the University of Iowa History of Medicine society in 1972. He currently resides at Oaknoll retirement community in Iowa City.
Jeffrey D. Quinlan, MD, FAAFP, the current chair and departmental executive officer of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, hosted this discussion.
Chat from the Old Cap is a series of virtual engagement sessions featuring Iowa alumni and friends sharing stories from their careers, backgrounds, and the university that unites us.
To sign-up for more upcoming events for Hawkeyes, visit foriowa.org/events.
