Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Todd Lawrence as Medical Director of its Emergency Department, effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Lawrence brings over two decades of experience in emergency medicine and a longstanding commitment to GCMH, where he has served patients since 2011. Most recently, he made GCMH his primary site for patient care in 2023. Dr. Lawrence succeeds Dr. Lenard Kerr, who after 18 years at GCMH, is transitioning to PRN status as he nears retirement.
“Dr. Lawrence is a highly respected physician whose expertise and compassion have earned him the trust of both his patients and colleagues,” says Dr. Eric Neverman, GCMH Chief Medical Officer.
In his role, Dr. Lawrence works alongside the Emergency Department Manager, Cam Penning, RN, providing physician leadership to the department. He oversees the development and implementation of the hospital’s trauma program, ensuring optimal care for trauma patients. He will continue providing patient care while taking on his leadership responsibilities in the department.
In addition to his work at GCMH, Dr. Lawrence provides emergency care at Allen Hospital and serves as Medical Director for Grundy County EMS. His previous leadership roles include Medical Director and ED staff physician at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.
Dr. Lawrence’s contributions to medical education and emergency response are extensive. He has served as:
- A faculty member for the Northeast Iowa Family Practice Residency Program
- Medical Director for Black Hawk County’s SART/SANE program, coordinating care for sexual assault victims
- Medical Director for Hawkeye Community College’s EMS program
In addition to his medical achievements, Dr. Lawrence is a proud U.S. Army veteran. He served as a medic with deployments to Korea, Southern Iraq, and Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War.
His excellence in clinical care has been recognized nationally with a Press Ganey Top Decile Award, placing him among the top 2% of providers based on patient satisfaction.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Lawrence into this leadership role and look forward to the continued strength he brings to our Emergency Department,” says Adam Scherling, MHA, GCMH President.
The GCMH Emergency Department is recognized for delivering timely, compassionate care close to home. Known for short wait times, outstanding patient experience, and highly trained staff, the hospital continues to be the provider of choice for emergency care in the communities we serve. With Dr. Lawrence’s leadership, GCMH is well-positioned to strengthen these priorities and provide exceptional emergency care for years to come.