Richard Sidwell, MD

About Richard Sidwell, MD

Richard Sidwell, MD has been with The Iowa Clinic since 2001. Upon his return to Des Moines, he wanted to be with a premier group of doctors and be in a clinic that is physician owned and led, which is why he chose The Iowa Clinic.

Trauma Surgery was Dr. Sidwell’s very first experience as a surgical resident in 1993 and right away he knew this was the field for him. He likes to care for patients from their injury and throughout their recovery. Trauma surgery allows Dr. Sidwell to be involved in the full spectrum of care of a severely injured patient, starting with their arrival in the emergency department, continuing with their hospital care — including operative and critical care — and culminating with their rehabilitation and recovery. There is nothing more rewarding than caring for a critically injured patient and seeing a successful recovery. Dr. Sidwell cares for a wide range of ages, from young children to the elderly, using his full medical skills, both operative and non-operative.

Sidwell is particularly interested in trauma education and trauma system development – especially in rural trauma due to the excess burden that is shouldered in rural environments. Dr. Sidwell has been involved with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma for 16 years. Though he has held several roles, he is currently Chief of Region 7 which includes Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas.

Away from work, Dr. Sidwell enjoys baseball (go Cubs go!), NASCAR, working outdoors, and spending time with his church. He and his wife, Lisa, have three grown children who are all college graduates.