IMS Awards
Each year, IMS recognizes physicians, laypersons, and organizations who have provided outstanding contributions to IMS, the profession of medicine, or public health by presenting the awards below. The following awards are presented annually at the President’s Reception and Awards Ceremony:
The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) is pleased to announce the newly created “Five Iowa Physicians to Watch in 2025” award in honor of its 175th Anniversary as an organization. Award recipients will be recognized Friday, May 2 at Hancher Auditorium as part of IMS’s 175th Anniversary Celebration and President’s Dinner.
Criteria
- Must be a practicing physician in the state of Iowa with a valid Iowa Medical License
- All nominees must be practicing/teaching physicians that have been in practice or teaching for at least two years
And one of the following:
Leadership
- The individual is recognized for leadership qualities, often taking a leading role in their company, organization, or field.
- This can also include managing teams, leading initiatives, or influencing industry trends.
Impact and Influence
- The nominee has made a measurable or visible impact in medicine or the medical community. This may involve breaking barriers, fostering innovation, or inspiring others through their work.
Innovation and Creativity
- The nominee is seen as a forward-thinker, contributing innovative ideas, products, or strategies that influence their industry or community.
Community Impact
- Efforts and initiatives that serve the community at large. Making positive strides for public health, or other improvements to access to care.
Potential for Future Success
- The nominee is seen as someone with a promising future, who is likely to continue contributing significantly in their career or community.
IMS is accepting nominations and self-nominations for any MD or DO worthy of consideration, membership in IMS is not a requirement. The nominees will be reviewed and awarded by IMS’ leadership development committee. To nominate a physician, please fill out this form.
Deadline
Nominations are now closed
2025 Recipients
Five physicians from across the state have been named as ones to watch by the Iowa Medical Society’s Leadership Development Committee. The committee proudly recognizes and congratulates the following individuals:
Muhammad Ajmal, MD
Interventional Cardiologist, Great River Health, West Burlington
Dr. Ajmal brings specialty cardiology skills to southeast Iowa, in a region with limited access to specialized medical care. Under his leadership, Great River Health has become a regional hub for advanced cardiovascular care. We recognize Dr. Ajmal’s expertise and innovation, which he uses to deliver world-class care in a rural part of our state.
Christopher Kim, MD
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, The Iowa Clinic, West Des Moines
Dr. Kim’s leadership in the clinic and the community means Central Iowans benefit daily from his skills as an orthopaedic surgeon. His volunteerism with local high schools and colleges after a full day of surgeries is admirable. We proudly recognize Dr. Kim for his daily contributions on the field and in the field of medicine.
Yogesh Shah, MD
Medical Director, Broadlawns Memory Center, Des Moines
When you think of memory care in Central Iowa, Dr. Shah’s efforts immediately come to mind, given his depth of knowledge on the topic. Additionally, he has been an avid leader at the state, federal, and international levels on behalf of health policy and education. We salute Dr. Shah for his unending dedication to curing Alzheimer’s.
Maria Story, MD
Nephrologist, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington
Dr. Story sets a high standard for improving rural health care by empowering her patients to monitor critical health data from the comfort of their homes. To bring access to quality health care and prevent hospitalizations and emergency room visits sets a remarkable example for us all. We commend Dr. Story for her compassionate yet innovative care.
Angie Wild, MD
University of Iowa Department of Emergency Medicine, Iowa City
As an advocate and physician, Dr. Wild lives and breathes her passion for serving others on a daily basis. She has impacted undergrads, medical students, plus early- and mid-career physician pipelines. Working for the under-served and at-risk, Dr. Wild emulates the true calling of a physician by “advocating for social, economic, educational, and political changes that ameliorate suffering and contribute to human wellbeing.”