Newsroom
David Muller, MD, Recipient of 2024 Physician Humanitarian Award
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2024
DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) and COPIC are delighted to announce Cedar Rapids-based ophthalmologist David Muller, MD, as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 IMS/COPIC Physician Humanitarian Award. This prestigious award is bestowed annually to honor physicians in Iowa who exemplify outstanding volunteer medical services and contribute to their communities through principles centered on human dignity, social justice, and compassion.
Dr. Muller, a member of the Iowa Eye Center in Cedar Rapids, has been an exemplary volunteer at the Community Health Free Clinic (CHFC) since December 2006. Currently serving as the Vice President on the Clinic’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors, Dr. Muller's dedication to service, embodiment of the clinic's mission, and commitment to the needs of others make him a standout candidate for this award.
Muller said he is thrilled CHFC will be receiving these funds. “Community Health Free Clinic is an amazing organization which helps provide much needed healthcare to thousands of Eastern Iowans each year who would not otherwise be able to afford it,” Muller said. “It is an honor and a privilege for me to be associated with them and to help out in the small ways I am able to.”
A long-standing member of CHFC's Board of Directors, Dr. Muller has been a driving force behind the success of the clinic, which provides free medical, dental, vision, and prescription services for uninsured and underinsured patients. Dr. Muller has been instrumental in the Clinic's ability to provide over 3,760 eye care services to the community since the establishment of its Eye Clinic in 2008.
“I feel very honored to have been chosen for this award and am humbled to be recognized in this way,” Muller said. “I extend my thanks to both IMS and COPIC.”
The IMS/COPIC Physician Humanitarian Award includes a $10,000 donation from COPIC, designated by the recipient to a healthcare-related 501(c)(3) organization within their community.
The award was presented at the President's Reception April 19 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, preceding the installation of new IMS President Christina Taylor, MD.
About us
The Iowa Medical Society, established in 1850, is the largest and oldest statewide professional association for Iowa physicians representing more than 6,000 members. Our 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. Visit iowamedical.org for more information.
About COPIC
COPIC’s mission is to improve medicine in the communities we serve. We are a leading provider of medical liability insurance that goes beyond basic coverage to offer educational resources, expert guidance, and proven programs designed to address health care risks and support better outcomes. Founded by physicians, COPIC is backed by decades of experience and a long-term commitment to maintaining a strong, stable health care environment. COPIC is the preferred, endorsed medical professional liability insurance provider for Iowa Medical Society members.
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Iowa Medical Society brings statewide advocacy efforts to Burlington
Focus is Iowa’s physician shortage crisis
For Immediate Release: March 4, 2024
DES MOINES, IA – Iowa is currently facing a physician crisis like never before. Iowa is ranked 45th in the nation for patient to physician ratios per 100,000 population. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in 2021 there was a shortage of about 46,000 doctors in the U.S. By 2034, that number is expected to climb as high as 124,000; up to 48,000 of these will be primary care physicians.
This creates significant challenges to providing quality healthcare for patients, large amounts of stress, and greater workloads resulting in burnout. To listen, gather insights, and address the physician shortage crisis and other state healthcare priorities, the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) will be in Burlington for a series of meetings with members, non-members, and the community on Tuesday, March 26.
“The support and involvement of communities like Burlington are vital to progress. Together with our great universities and healthcare partners, we can come up with real solutions to this alarming workforce crisis,” said Jessica Zuzga-Reed, DO and IMS President. “Iowans, in all corners of the state, deserve access to quality healthcare — we are in jeopardy of losing that right now.”
Addressing the crisis
On behalf of more than 6,000 Iowa physicians, residents and medical students, IMS is leading a statewide effort to expand the physician workforce. To aid in the recruitment and retention of physicians, IMS supports:
- An increase from $2.5 million to $ 4 million for full funding of the Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program.
- Policy efforts to implement the Iowa Rural Healthcare Workforce Strategic Action Plan.
- An increase in funding for additional positions within existing residency and fellowship programs.
- Seeking opportunities for new residency and fellowship programs for Iowa’s most in-need specialties.
- Pursuing tax credit incentives for preceptors and new physicians beginning their practice in Iowa.
In 2023, Iowa had a 75% adequacy rate for healthcare workforce supply versus demand. This rate is estimated to fall to 71% in 2036 based on projections made by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. Indicative of the crisis in Iowa, this data exemplifies why IMS is so dedicated to alleviating the issue.
In partnership with the Iowa Pharmacy Association, Iowa Hospital Association, and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, IMS will host two workforce town halls at the Burlington Public Library.
Workforce Town Halls
- Tuesday, March 26 – 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
- Burlington Public Library
- 210 Court Street
- Burlington, IA 52601
Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, direct care workers, public health personnel, all healthcare professionals, as well as administrators, community organizations, local business, patients and families, and community members are all invited to join one of the town hall meetings to discuss healthcare workforce issues and how the community can work together to solve them.
About us
The Iowa Medical Society, established in 1850, is the largest and oldest, statewide professional association for allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians, representing more than 6,000 members. We work 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.
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Sara Opie
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