Who We Are: About IMS

The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) is the statewide professional association for Iowa allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians. Established in 1850, IMS represents 6,000 Iowa physicians, residents and medical students. We help professionals develop their skills and further their careers by providing access to unique and relevant content and exclusive member services. IMS also works to protect the health of Iowans through a variety of projects and activities at the state and national levels. Today, IMS exists to assure the highest quality healthcare in Iowa through our role as physician and patient advocate.

 
Our headquarters is located at 515 E. Locust Street, Suite 400, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 and our telephone number is (515) 223-1401. The vision statement, core purpose and core values form the foundation for IMS activities and programs. These are the principles of IMS, no matter what happens in the health care delivery system. Our independent non-profit association was created to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of our profession. Our strategic plan calls for continued work in the areas of advocacy, communications, expertise, and engagement. 

Core Purpose:

To assure the highest quality health care in Iowa through our role as physician and patient advocate.

To become the source of leadership and the preeminent voice of quality health care for Iowans. IMS will have unquestioned political strength. IMS will be the unquestioned voice for all physicians and patients. Every Iowa physician will feel an individual connection to the IMS. IMS will be a source of medical advocacy for public health, patients and physicians. IMS will be an organization of highly trained and skilled medical professionals.

Core Values:

The care of patients is the foundation of our profession. The physician-patient partnership is unique and essential for high-quality care. Freedom to practice the art and science of medicine professionally is essential.

Policies:

The IMS values informed decision-making. Our current policies are published in our Policy Compendium. Multiple vehicles have been established for gathering input from member physicians in creating new policy. These include:

• Policy Forum
• Standing and ad hoc committees
• Task forces
• Member surveys
• Secure online community discussions
• Facilitated forums and regional round table discussions
• Inter-specialty councils