Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is proud to announce that Dr. Douglas McLaws, a longtime physician and beloved community leader, has been named a 2025 Hospital Hero by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA).
The IHA Hospital Hero Award honors individuals who have acted courageously in a crisis or served selflessly throughout their careers. For more than two decades, Dr. McLaws has embodied both qualities, providing exceptional medical care while serving as a mentor, role model, and community advocate in Manning and beyond.
“This honor is one of the highest recognitions given in Iowa healthcare. Out of thousands of healthcare professionals across the state, only a select few are chosen each year, and Dr. McLaws is one of them,” said MRHC CEO Shannon Black. “This award is a reflection of Dr. McLaws’ dedication and compassion. We are honored to see him recognized for what our patients, staff, and community have known for years. He is truly one of a kind.”
A Physician, Mentor, and Friend
Since joining MRHC more than 20 years ago, Dr. McLaws has delivered generations of babies, cared for patients from infancy to old age, and forged deep, personal connections with families. He sees each patient not just as a chart but as an individual with a story, a family, and a future. Dr. McLaws is admired for his medical expertise and his humor, humility, and ability to lift spirits during difficult days.
His influence extends far beyond the exam room. Patients describe him as a confidant and a steady hand in times of crisis. One family recalls their baby being delivered safely in the hospital parking lot thanks to Dr. McLaws’ calm expertise:
“What could have been a terrifying experience turned into a moment of calm and care, all thanks to Dr. McLaws and the incredible team at MRHC. It’s not every day you find a doctor with the skill, heart, and quick thinking to handle something so unexpected with such grace.”
Another patient reflected on his lifelong care and compassion:
“He always takes time to talk to you about your concerns, providing insightful advice. I have also witnessed his service to the community as a mentor to youth and even on the sidelines of high school football games, ready to help in an instant. He is truly deserving of this award.”
Leading With Heart, On and Off the Clock
In addition to his medical service, Dr. McLaws is deeply invested in youth development and community growth. Together with his wife, Tiffany, he has spent countless hours mentoring young people through the Boy Scouts of America. His leadership has helped dozens of young men achieve an Eagle Scout rank, with many crediting him as the steady influence that guided them through challenges and self-doubt.
His colleague and former patient, now a nurse practitioner at MRHC, credits Dr. McLaws with shaping both her personal and professional journey:
“From a young age, I knew I was interested in healthcare, but it was Dr. McLaws who showed me what it truly meant to be a compassionate, humble, and community-focused provider. Working alongside him has been one of the greatest honors of my career.”
Dr. McLaws also supports arts, culture, and education in Manning, recognizing that community well-being includes not just physical health, but also emotional, social, and creative health. Whether it’s supporting school events, encouraging fine arts programs, or simply cheering from the stands, he is a visible and active presence in town.
For someone who never planned to stay in Manning, Dr. McLaws has become an irreplaceable part of the community’s story. His decades of care, mentorship, and service have left an impact on generations of patients and families.
“Dr. McLaws makes you want to be better, both as a professional and a person,” said one colleague. “He has brought comfort, laughter, and healing to hundreds, if not thousands, of lives, and he has done it all without ever asking for recognition.”
Dr. McLaws will be recognized for his decades of service and contributions at the MRHC Legacy Gala on Friday, November 14th at the Manning Hausbarn Konferenz Center. The community is invited to attend the Gala and can purchase tickets by visiting mrhcia.com/legacy-gala. He will also be honored during the Iowa Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 8th, in Des Moines.
