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Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, Vallery Griffis, and Marygrace Elson, MD, honored at IMS President’s Reception
For immediate release: April 22, 2024 DES MOINES — The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) proudly announces the recipients of its esteemed awards for 2024, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to public health and the field of healthcare. Urban Bicycle Food Ministry: Washington Freeman Peck Award The Iowa Medical Society presented the 2024 Washington Freeman Peck Award to Urban Bicycle Food Ministry for its remarkable dedication to public health in the greater Des Moines area. The award, given annually, acknowledges lay organizations for their outstanding contributions to the well-being of the community. Urban Bicycle Food Ministry has been significant in preparing and delivering food and hundreds of personal items to those in need, showcasing a steadfast commitment to the betterment of public health. Vallery Griffis at Corinthian Free Clinic: John F. Sanford Award Vallery Griffis, Clinic Administrator at Corinthian Free Clinic, was selected as the recipient of the 2024 John F. Sanford Award. This honor, bestowed annually, celebrates lay individuals who have made remarkable contributions to public health or healthcare. The IMS Board of Directors commends Vallery Griffis for her dedication to the Corinthian Free Clinic, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the care team operates at their full capacity. Her commitment to supporting minority health initiatives within the clinic and the community has significantly impacted public health. Dr. Marygrace Elson: Merit Award Marygrace Elson, MD, was honored with the prestigious 2024 Merit Award, one of the highest accolades bestowed by IMS. This annual award…
Iowa Medical Society Applauds Expansion of Iowa’s Physician Workforce Pipeline
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 – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) applauds Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa’s teaching hospitals, and…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Launches Statewide Iowa Health Care Job Board to Support Workforce Recruitment Efforts
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…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Applauds Governor Reynolds’ Signature on Landmark Insurance Reform Legislation
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…
Read More2026–2027 IMS Board of Directors Announced
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…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Applauds Passage of Physician Licensure Reform Bill
Iowa Medical Society Applauds Passage of Physician Licensure Reform Bill DES MOINES, Iowa – 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…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Foundation Announces 2026 Global Health Scholars
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…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society Announces Two Leadership Additions
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…
Read MoreTwo physicians elected to serve as Iowa delegates to the
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…
Read MoreFour physicians join the Iowa Medical Society Foundation Board of Directors
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…
Read MoreHealthcare Workforce Summit Report Identifies Three Themes for Helping Solve Iowa’s Healthcare Labor Shortage Crisis
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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