DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Medical Society has launched the Iowa White Coat Network, a new statewide mentoring program designed to connect Iowa medical students, residents, practicing physicians, and retired physicians while supporting efforts to strengthen Iowa's physician workforce.

The program grew out of Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Action), IMS's statewide physician workforce initiative. Mentorship and stronger connections across career stages were identified as opportunities to support physicians throughout their careers and help recruit and retain physicians in Iowa.

"Iowa needs more physicians, but strengthening our workforce is about more than recruitment," said IMS President Lillian Erdahl, MD. "We also need to help medical students, residents, and physicians build meaningful connections and see a future for themselves here. The Iowa White Coat Network gives physicians an opportunity to support one another and, ultimately, strengthen care for patients in Iowa."

Participants can join as a mentor, mentee, or both and are matched based on factors such as career stage, professional interests, leadership goals, geography, specialty, and practice setting. The program is designed to be flexible, with participants encouraged to connect for approximately 15 to 30 minutes per week, as time allows, virtually or in person.

The Iowa White Coat Network is one of several initiatives IMS is advancing through Operation I.O.W.A. to address Iowa's physician workforce challenges, alongside efforts to strengthen the future physician pipeline, expand physician training opportunities, and support recruitment and retention.

Learn more or join the Iowa White Coat Network

About the Iowa Medical Society
The Iowa Medical Society, established in 1850, is the largest and oldest statewide professional association for Iowa physicians, representing more than 6,000 members. Its mission is to advance the practice of medicine through advocacy, education, and engagement with physicians throughout Iowa to ensure the highest quality of care for the patients they serve. Learn more at iowamedical.org.

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Media Contact:
Josie Sylte
Director of Communications and Marketing
Iowa Medical Society
jsylte@iowamedical.org | 319-573-0604