Nominated by his peers for his leadership, innovations, mentorship, and service to the state of Iowa, Marco Hefti, MD has been recognized as one of the Five Iowa Physicians to Watch in 2026 by the Iowa Medical Society during their annual President’s Dinner on April 17, 2026 in Iowa City.

Dr. Hefti’s work centers on human brain tissue and stem cell-based investigation of neurological diseases and serves as the medical director for the Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory (INRL). In collaboration with the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner and Iowa Donor Network, the INRL recently received a $7 million federal contract through the National Institutes of Health to join the NeuroBioBank network, marking the INRL as the only bank location in the Midwest.

Dr. Hefti also leads innovative research on the role of tau protein in human brain development and disease, focusing on mechanisms that cannot be modeled in animals. His research uses human tissue and stem cell-derived neuronal systems to study neurodevelopmental injury, epilepsy, autism, and neurodegeneration.

Dr. Hefti’s contributions to research training have led to trainees successfully completing their PhD work and receiving both a Supervisor of the Year award and a Career Impact Award. Beyond formal mentorship, he provides scientific and technical support to investigators across the institution who rely on INRL resources, expanding his influence on the scientific community.

Outside of his academic and research roles, Dr. Hefti serves as a consulting neuropathologist for the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, contributing expert evaluation in medicolegal death investigations and supporting statewide public health and forensic processes.

About the Award

Created in 2025, the Five Iowa Physicians to Watch Award winners are selected by the Iowa Medical Society from peer nominations based on their contributions to leadership, impact and influence, innovation and creativity, community impact, and potential for future success.