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Physician Shortage Crisis in Cedar Rapids

May 9, 2024

For immediate release: May 9, 2024 DES MOINES, IA – Iowa is currently facing a physician workforce shortage crisis and is ranked 45th in the nation for patient-to-physician ratios per 100,000 population. To address the shortage and other state healthcare priorities, the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) will be in Cedar Rapids to meet with the healthcare community to discuss these pressing issues on Wednesday, May 22.   “Communities like Cedar Rapids are essential to the progress of addressing Iowa’s physician shortage. With the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine so close by, we must focus on retaining graduates through strategic residency placements,” said Alison Lynch, MD, and IMS president-elect. “Collaboration with universities and healthcare partners is key. Every Iowan deserves access to healthcare, and we’re committed to making that possible by increasing the number of physicians practicing here.” Ā  Medical students choosing Iowa One shining example is Alexandra Sharp, MD candidate, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine (soon to be graduate) who begins her OB/GYN residency in Iowa City this summer. “The faculty and residents were welcoming and supportive and I felt like this was the place for me,” Sharp said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the providers I have worked with and received incredible training at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.” Sharp said she felt at home in the obstetrics and gynecology department and recognizes the “opportunity to improve the health and wellness of women throughout the state.” According to the…

Josie Sylte
Director of Communications & Marketing
jsylte@iowamedical.org

 

IMS in the News

Iowa Medical Society Applauds Expansion of Iowa’s Physician Workforce Pipeline

June 23, 2026

Iowa Medical Society Applauds Expansion of Iowa’s Physician Workforce Pipeline Graduate Medical Education expansion will help strengthen physician training opportunities and improve access to care across Iowa. DES MOINES, Iowa –Ā The Iowa Medical Society (IMS)Ā applauds Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa’s teaching hospitals, and…

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Iowa Medical Society Launches Statewide Iowa Health Care Job Board to Support Workforce Recruitment Efforts

June 4, 2026

Iowa Medical Society Launches Statewide Iowa Health Care Job Board to Support Workforce Recruitment Efforts New platform connects Iowa health care employers with physicians and health care professionals statewide DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) has launched the Iowa Health Care Job Board, a new statewide workforce…

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Iowa Medical Society Applauds Governor Reynolds’ Signature on Landmark Insurance Reform Legislation

May 13, 2026

Iowa Medical Society Applauds Governor Reynolds’ Signature on Landmark Insurance Reform Legislation DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society today applauded the signature of Gov. Kim Reynolds on House File 2635 during a bill signing ceremony at Monroe County Hospital & Clinics, advancing significant reforms to prior authorization and…

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2026–2027 IMS Board of Directors Announced

April 23, 2026

2026-2027 IMS Board of Directors Announced Election process brings new physician leaders to the board to guide strategy, strengthen patient care and address the state’s physician shortage crisis DES MOINES, Iowa – Lillian Erdahl, MD of Iowa City has been installed as president of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS), leading…

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Iowa Medical Society Applauds Passage of Physician Licensure Reform Bill

April 9, 2026

Iowa Medical Society Applauds Passage of Physician Licensure Reform Bill DES MOINES,Ā IowaĀ – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) today announced that its priority physician licensure reform bill has passed the Iowa Legislature and now awaits the governor’s signature, marking a significant step forward in reducing administrative burdens on physicians and strengthening…

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Iowa Medical Society Foundation Announces 2026 Global Health Scholars

April 2, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Iowa Medical Society Foundation Announces 2026 Global Health Scholars Nineteen medical students in Iowa selected to strengthen physician pipeline DES MOINES, Iowa – April 2, 2026 – The Iowa Medical Society Foundation (IMSF) has selected 19 outstanding medical students as recipients of the 2026 IMSF Global Health…

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Iowa Medical Society Announces Two Leadership Additions

January 27, 2026

Iowa Medical Society Announces Two Leadership Additions DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) is pleased to announce two leadership additions to kick off 2026, strengthening the organization’s communications, policy, and advocacy efforts on behalf of Iowa physicians and the patients they serve. Josie Sylte has been named…

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Two physicians elected to serve as Iowa delegates to the

September 23, 2025

Two physicians elected to serve as Iowa delegates to the American Medical Association for 2026 term DES MOINES, IA – Two physician members from the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) were recently elected to serve as delegates to the American Medical Association (AMA). They are: Tyler Olson, MD – The Iowa…

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Four physicians join the Iowa Medical Society Foundation Board of Directors

September 23, 2025

Four physicians join the Iowa Medical Society Foundation Board of Directors DES MOINES, IA – Four physicians from around the state have joined the Iowa Medical Society Foundation (IMSF) Board of Directors. They are: Mikayla Brockmeyer, DO – UnityPoint Health Resident, Des Moines Kim Kenne, MD – University of Iowa…

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Healthcare Workforce Summit Report Identifies Three Themes for Helping Solve Iowa’s Healthcare Labor Shortage Crisis

July 21, 2025

Healthcare Workforce Summit Report Identifies Three Themes for Helping Solve Iowa’s Healthcare Labor Shortage Crisis DES MOINES – The Iowa Medical Society released the Healthcare Workforce report which captures three overarching themes to solving the labor shortage in Iowa. Participants from the May 14 Healthcare Workforce Summit meeting earlier this…

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