DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) received the 2026 Profiles of Excellence Awards honor in the Advocacy category from the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) for Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Advancement), a statewide initiative focused on strengthening Iowa's physician workforce and improving access to care. The award was presented during AAMSE's annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky on July 17.

"I am proud of our IMS staff and physician leaders. We are grateful for this national recognition of our collaborative efforts," said IMS President Lillian Erdahl, MD. "While we have made meaningful progress, we know our work is not finished. I hope this award inspires physicians, health care leaders, policymakers, and partners across Iowa to keep working together to strengthen our physician workforce and improve access to care for our patients."

Each year, AAMSE's nationally recognized Profiles of Excellence Awards honor outstanding programs developed by medical societies across the country that advance organized medicine and improve the lives of physicians and the patients they serve. Award recipients are selected by a panel of peer judges from AAMSE member organizations. This year, just eight organizations were recognized across six award categories, with IMS receiving one of only two Advocacy Awards. More information about the awards is available on the AAMSE Profiles of Excellence Awards.

 

About Operation I.O.W.A.

Launched in December 2024, Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Advancement) united physicians, health systems, medical schools, state agencies, legislators, and other health care leaders around practical solutions to Iowa's physician workforce challenges. Since then, the initiative has helped advance key workforce priorities by advocating for significant state investment in expanding physician residency training in Iowa, reducing physician administrative burdens, and increasing funding for the Iowa Health Care Professional Incentive Program. These are just a few examples of the initiative's broader and ongoing work to strengthen Iowa's physician workforce and improve access to care across the state.

Iowa continues to face significant physician workforce challenges, ranking 44th nationally in physicians per capita. Through Operation I.O.W.A., IMS has worked to bring organizations together around long-term, collaborative solutions that strengthen the physician pipeline and support physicians throughout every stage of their careers.

 

About 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.

 

Media Contact:

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