Iowa Board of Medicine Issues Warning to Des Moines Surgeon After 10-Year Probe

Dr. Michael J. Page faces allegations of incompetence, unprofessional conduct, and multiple malpractice claims

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The Iowa Board of Medicine has issued a warning to Des Moines surgeon Dr. Michael J. Page after a 10-year investigation and five malpractice claims. Page was charged with professional incompetence and unprofessional and unethical conduct, including allegations of repeated rudeness to staff, patients, and families, as well as failing to report a hospital suspension in 2017. While the board dropped the incompetence charge, it has placed Page's license on probationary status if he decides to return to practice, with his practice subject to monitoring.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and oversight in the medical profession, particularly when it comes to addressing patterns of alleged misconduct and incompetence. The lengthy investigation and multiple malpractice claims raise questions about how regulatory boards handle complex cases and whether stronger disciplinary measures are needed to protect patient safety.

The details

The Iowa Board of Medicine charged Dr. Michael J. Page, a Des Moines surgeon specializing in colon and rectal surgery, with professional incompetence and unprofessional and unethical conduct. The incompetence charge was related to Page's failure to exercise the degree of care expected of the average physician, while the unprofessional conduct charge stemmed from allegations of 'repeated and extreme rudeness to staff, patients, and families of patients,' as well as his failure to report a 10-day hospital suspension in 2017.

  • The board's investigation into Page's conduct was initiated in 2016 and 2017 based on complaints filed at that time.
  • In 2025, the Iowa Board of Medicine formally charged Page with the allegations.
  • Recently, the board entered into a settlement agreement with Page, issuing him a warning with no penalties or restrictions on his license.
  • Page's medical license is set to expire on March 1, 2026.
  • If Page decides to return to practice, his license will be placed on probationary status and his practice will be subject to monitoring.

The players

Dr. Michael J. Page

A Des Moines surgeon specializing in colon and rectal surgery who was accused of professional incompetence and unprofessional and unethical conduct by the Iowa Board of Medicine.

Iowa Board of Medicine

The regulatory body that oversees and disciplines medical professionals in the state of Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold our medical professionals to the highest standards of care and conduct to ensure patient safety.”

— Robert Jenkins, Iowa Board of Medicine spokesperson (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Dr. Page to continue practicing medicine under the board's probationary terms.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the medical profession when it comes to addressing patterns of alleged misconduct and incompetence, and the need for stronger oversight and disciplinary measures to protect patient safety.