MercyOne and the Iowa Clinic are partnering to ensure gynecologic oncology care in Central Iowa as surgical services transition to MercyOne facilities. Beginning Feb. 16, Dr. Kevin Kremer, the region’s only gynecologic oncology physician, will provide surgical and inpatient care at MercyOne while continuing outpatient services at the Iowa Clinic’s West Des Moines campus. Gynecologic cancers remain a significant health concern in Iowa, which has one of the highest overall cancer incidence rates in the country and ovarian cancer incidence and mortality in the state rank among the highest nationally. The partnership builds on the ongoing collaboration between MercyOne and the Iowa Clinic, including a collaboration last fall to expand medical and radiation oncology services. “This is an exciting expansion of a proven working relationship,” Kurt Andersen, MercyOne president, central division, said in a prepared statement. “MercyOne and the Iowa Clinic share a vision of growing comprehensive cancer care for our Des Moines area communities.”