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IMS Awards

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Each year, IMS recognizes physicians, non-physicians, 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:

Announcing the 2026 IMS Award Winners

Five Physicians to Watch Award

  • Clyde Grady, MD, FAAFP
  • Zeina Hajar, MD
  • Marco Hefti, MD
  • Michael Strong, MD
  • Andrew Vanderheyden, MD

Iowa Medical Society/ Copic Physician Humanitarian Award - Craig Bottke, MD, Great River Health

This year's awardee is Craig Bottke, MD. He has worked to establish Burlington's first free clinic, City Hope Community Clinic over the past 18 months.

Merit Award - Marta Van Beek, MD, MPH, University of Iowa Health Care

This year’s recipient is Marta Van Beek, MD, MPH. Dr. Van Beek is a dedicated physician who serves her patients, IMS, and the physician community and sits on the American Medical Association Board of Trustees.

John F. Sanford Award - Lance Clemsen, LISW, University of Iowa Health Care

Lance Clemsen, LISW, is this year's recipient. He received this award for the work at the University of Iowa Health Care Department of Emergency Medicine.

Washington Freeman Peck Award - Coralville Community Food Pantry

This year's awardee is the Coralville Community Food Pantry. The food pantry earned this recognition for its efforts to fight hunger in eastern Iowa.

Nominations are closed for 2026. IMS will be accepting nominations for 2027 for any MD or DO worthy of consideration starting November 2026. Membership in IMS is not a requirement. The nominees will be reviewed and awarded by IMS’ leadership development committee.

Five Iowa Physicians to Watch

Created in 2025 for the 175 year anniversary of the Iowa Medical Society, the “Five Iowa Physicians to Watch" award recognizes 5 outstanding Iowa physicians nominated by their peers.

Award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 President's Dinner.

2026 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:

Clyde Grady, MD, FAAFP

Family Medicine, Great River Health, West Burlington

Dr. Grady recognizes the needs of those around him. During a time of major change, he ensured accessible, open dialogue. He is dedicated to innovative care delivery and helps patients develop sustainable habits in nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellness. We recognize Dr. Grady's expertise and innovation in family medicine that have made a lasting impact on Great River Health and the patients it serves.

Zeina Hajar, MD

Infectious Disease Physician, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington

When you think of infectious disease care in rural Iowa, Dr. Hajar's efforts in southeast Iowa come to mind. She developed an Outpatient Parental Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) care plan to benefit patients with bone and joint infections. She also dedicates her time to innovative programs, collaborative approaches, and patient-centered commitments. We proudly recognize Dr. Hajar for her contributions to advancing infectious disease care in rural Iowa.

Marco Hefti, MD

Associate Professor of Pathology, UI Health Care, Iowa City 

Dr. Hefti's leadership and innovation have a measurable impact on advancing research on the human brain in Iowa and beyond. As the lead neuropathologist for the Iowa Brain Bank, he has positioned Iowa as the only Midwest site that is a national contributor to neuroscience research. He also brings innovation into his research and service to the state as a consulting neuropathologist for the state medical examiner. We salute Dr. Hefti for his dedication to advancing human brain research.

Michael Strong, MD

Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UI Health Care, Iowa City 

Dr. Strong sets a high standard for strengthening clinical operations and broadening access to quality psychiatric services. He emphasizes the need to address Iowa's mental health workforce shortage and supports providers and physicians through engagement and advocacy. We commend Dr. Strong for his genuine commitment to improving access and ensuring continuity of care across Iowa.

Andrew Vanderheyden, MD

Market Chief Medical Officer, UnityPoint Health, Dubuque 

As a forward-thinking strategist and clinical leader, Dr. Vanderheyden is committed to elevating patient care for the Dubuque community. His leadership has made a lasting impact by advancing creativity, modernizing systems, and strengthening culture. He shapes system-level solutions through a proactive approach to identifying gaps in care. We are proud to recognize Dr. Vanderheyden's commitment to Iowa.

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.

Nominations are closed for 2026. IMS will be accepting nominations for 2027 for any MD or DO worthy of consideration starting November 2026. Membership in IMS is not a requirement. The nominees will be reviewed and awarded by IMS’ leadership development committee.

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