The Iowa City Heart Center and the University of Iowa’s Heart and Vascular Center have partnered in a deal that makes Iowa City Heart Center’s cardiologists and employees members of the university system.

The move includes noninvasive cardiologist Linda Lee, MD; electrophysiologist Rick Hopson, MD; interventional cardiologist Nick Walker, MD; and interventional cardiologist Kimberly Delcour, DO; two nurse practitioners; and more than 20 medical support and administrative staff. The primary location for the practice will be at Iowa River Landing, with outreach clinics in Dubuque, Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, Fairfield and Washington, Iowa.

The four cardiologists also will see patients at the main University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics campus in Iowa City. The system includes a 730-bed hospital and employs more than 1,600 physicians, residents and fellows.

The deal is expected to give Iowa City Heart Center’s patients greater access to services at the academic center. They plan to retain their name for now.