Future Doctors
Inspire the next generation of Iowa physicians.
Every physician has a story that could inspire a future doctor. Through Future Doctors, the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) makes it easy for physicians to visit local high schools, share their journeys into medicine, and encourage students to explore a rewarding career as a physician.
Whether you're returning to your alma mater or connecting with a school in your community, your experience could help a student see a future in medicine.
Everything You Need to Get Started
IMS has developed a free, ready-to-use toolkit to help physicians organize and deliver an engaging high school classroom presentation with minimal preparation.
This turn-key toolkit includes:
- A customizable classroom presentation designed for approximately 20 minutes
- A sample email to connect with local schools
- Planning and preparation checklists
- Suggested talking points and interactive activities
- Tips for answering student questions and following up after your visit
No teaching experience is needed. Just bring your story and your passion for medicine.
How to Participate
- Connect with a high school
- Reach out to your alma mater, a school in your community, or a teacher or school counselor you know. Use the sample outreach email provided in the toolkit.
- Prepare your presentation
- Download the customizable slides and add your personal experiences, including why you chose medicine and what you enjoy most about practicing.
- Inspire future physicians
- Visit the classroom, share your story, and help students understand the pathway to becoming a physician.
- Share your experience with IMS
- Complete a brief feedback form so we can track the program's reach and continue improving it.
Physicians Inspiring Students Across Iowa
Future Doctors of Iowa was piloted in 2026 through classroom visits by IMS physician leaders in Waukee, West Burlington, Sioux City, and Cedar Rapids.
These visits helped shape the toolkit and demonstrated how sharing a physician's personal journey can introduce students to the possibilities of a career in medicine.
Future Doctors of Iowa In Action
Part of Operation I.O.W.A.
Future Doctors advances recommendations from Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Action), IMS's statewide initiative to address Iowa's physician workforce shortage.
By introducing students to medicine early and connecting them with practicing physicians, we're helping build a stronger physician workforce for Iowa's future. Every single one of us can play a role in the future of access to care in Iowa.
Questions or Need Assistance?
Interested in participating but not sure where to start? IMS can help you learn more about the program and available resources.
Contact Seth Brown, JD.
Help inspire Iowa's next generation of physicians. Download the toolkit and get started today.