Medical Associates Celebrates 100 Years

The History of Medical Associates

Medical Associates was founded by Doctors John Heles, Clarence Lynn, and Wayne Johnston on April 11, 1924, as Iowa’s first multispecialty group practice. It was originally named Dubuque Medical and Surgical Clinic and located at 12^th and Main Street in Dubuque. The visionary concept was that a group of physicians with various specialties could work together and provide better and more efficient healthcare. From that day forward, local families no longer faced the hardship of traveling to larger urban areas for specialty care.

Founders of Medical Associates: Dr. Clarence Lynn, Dr. John Heles, Dr. Wayne Johnston

1924

Medical Associates is founded on April 11 and becomes Iowa’s first multispecialty clinic.

1939

The Clinic facility expands after acquiring the adjoining house and second floors of both buildings on Main Street.

1940's

WWII hits home. Five thousand Dubuquers head overseas, including four Clinic doctors.

1949

Medical Associates now has nearly 20 physicians, representing these specialties: Obstetrics, ENT, Urology, Industrial Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Radiology.

1960

Medical Associates is moving forward with the changing times and has added 50 employees and additional specialties.

1970

Relocation of Medical Associates to its present day East Campus site on Langworthy Street.

1972

The Clinic has 32 doctors representing 11 specialties, 125 employees, and treats approximately 800 patients per day.

1982

Medical Associates offers the state’s first HMO plan in the area, providing Dubuque employers an affordable health plan.

1983

Medical Associates Acute Care Center, Dubuque’s first walk-in, urgent care opens.

1983

The Clinic purchases the Midwest’s first low dosage radiation mammography equipment for use in the detection of breast cancer.

1983

Medical Associates opens its first regional office in Bellevue, IA, staffed by Dr. Thomas Garland.

1988

The clinic introduces the region’s first 24-hour HELP Nurse line, improving access to care beyond regular hours.

1996

Tri-State Occupational Health, a collaboration between Medical Associates and MercyOne, opens to offer employers a comprehensive program in workplace health management and injury prevention.

1997

“Built with our Patients in Mind.” Medical Associates West Campus opens its doors in May; home to medical departments, administrative offices, facility support services, and pharmacy.

1998

Medical Associates partners with MercyOne to form Tri-State Surgery Center, located at the West Campus. The center is the region’s first freestanding facility devoted exclusively to outpatient surgery.

1999

Medical Associates performs the clinic’s first LASIK surgery.

2005

Vestibular Rehab Therapy was brought to the Medical Associates Physical Therapy Department.

2011

Medical Associates introduces PatientStation, an online patient portal and personal health record.

2016

Medical Associates performs the first Robotic-Assisted knee surgery at MercyOne.

2020

In June, MercyOne Medical Center and Medical Associates opened a state-of-the-art, fully integrated, comprehensive cancer center.

2021

Zach Keeling announced as new CEO, as John Tallent retires after a 22 year tenure.

2021

The Aesthetic Center by Medical Associates opens, offering cosmetic procedures and more.

2022

West Campus undergoes renovations to better serve our patients.

2022

Medical Associates has introduced Care Connect Advisors are dedicated to helping patients find a Primary Care Provider that aligns with their needs, scheduling appointments, and addressing billing and insurance inquiries.

2023

Medical Associates performs their 250^th successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, offered in Dubuque since 2019.

2023

The Clinic introduces the latest Mohs surgery. This procedure stands out as the most effective and precise method for removing basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinoma.

2023

The Clinic adds an Infusion Center to the West Campus, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

2024

Anesthesia Department is added to Medical Associates offering anesthesia care, pain management and critical care before, during and after surgeries and invasive procedures.

To this Date...

Medical Associates 100 Year Telegraph Herald Insert