ACOG Mourns the Passing of Thaddeus L. Anderson, MD, FACOG

The ACOG community is deeply saddened by the death of Thaddeus "Thad" L. Anderson, MD, FACOG. Dr. Anderson, an indomitable physician and stalwart of District VI and a beloved husband, father, friend, colleague, and mentor, passed away on October 15.

For close to 30 years, Dr. Anderson served as a physician and partner at Dubuque Ob/Gyn in Iowa. Routinely on local errands—and even while traveling out of state—he was greeted by former patients and thanked for delivering their babies. Increasingly, to his delight, the babies he'd delivered grew up, and he delivered their babies.

Dr. Anderson's dedication to his work and his patients manifested on multiple fronts. Michele Anderson, his wife, recalled how much he loved being a part of ACOG and District VI in particular. In 2022, he received the Outstanding District Service Award, following more than two decades of inspired service and leadership—including as chair, vice chair, legislative chair, and treasurer. He was, in addition, the District VI McCain Fellow and the Iowa Section chair.

Dr. Anderson served on six ACOG national committees, including the Committee on Professional Liability, which he chaired, and was a participant in the ACOG Leadership Institute. He was invested in training and supporting the Iowa delegation of ACOG's Congressional Leadership Conference and mentoring Fellows who moved into District leadership. Dr. Anderson was also involved in the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the University of Iowa as an adjunct clinical professor.

Dr. Anderson was unwavering in his support for patient care, serving for 25 years on the Iowa Maternal Mortality Review Committee, including 11 years as chair. On statehouse lobby days, he was to be found in Des Moines, making the case for his patients' needs. He is remembered too as an influential and adored educator, particularly in the support he provided to obstetrics and gynecology residents seeking elective experience in community-based private practice, which extended to hosting and feeding them.

Dr. Anderson was born in Louisiana and graduated from the University of Illinois Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine. His residency training was at the University of Iowa. After four years of active duty with the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he was honorably discharged as major before going into practice in Dubuque.

Dr. Anderson was a dedicated, active father of four—his résumé could justifiably list Boy Scout leader and soccer referee—and a grateful enthusiast of travel and fine wine. As his family observed, "If Thad had written [his obituary], it would have been only five words: I lived a good life." Dr. Anderson’s thoughtful presence and voice in our community will be greatly missed.