Skip to content

Newsroom

Physician Shortage Crisis in Cedar Rapids

By micronetkgrover | May 9, 2024 | Comments Off on Physician Shortage Crisis in Cedar Rapids

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.”   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…

Sara Opie
Director of Communications & Marketing
sopie@iowamedical.org
515-710-5042

 

IMS in the News

Two physicians elected to serve as Iowa delegates to the

September 23, 2025

Two physicians elected to serve as Iowa delegates to theAmerican 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 Clinic,…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Landmark Physician Workforce Bill Sent to Governor Reynolds

May 15, 2025

Landmark Physician Workforce Bill Sent to Governor Reynolds DES MOINES, IA – Yesterday, the Iowa Legislature passed Governor Kim Reynolds’ landmark proposal to bolster the physician workforce in Iowa. House File 972 makes record-level investments in the physician workforce by increasing general medical education (GME) residency slots, strengthening maternal health…

Read More

Iowa Medical Society and partners to host statewide Healthcare Workforce Summit on May 14

May 8, 2025

Iowa Medical Society and partners to host statewide Healthcare Workforce Summit on May 14 DES MOINES – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS), in partnership with several leading healthcare organizations, will host a Healthcare Workforce Summit at the Iowa Hospital Association in Des Moines on Wednesday, May 14. This one-day event…

Read More

IMS Operation I.O.W.A. Report

January 10, 2025

IMS Operation I.O.W.A. Report In response to growing concerns from Iowa Medical Society members and policymakers of our state’s physician workforce shortage, IMS launched Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Action) – this one-day summit convened nearly 60 physicians, healthcare executives, policy experts and community leaders from across the state…

Read More

Five Iowa Physicians to Watch Award to recognize outstanding service to community and commitment to patient care

December 11, 2024

Five Iowa Physicians to Watch Award to recognize outstanding service to community and commitment to patient care   DES MOINES – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) is pleased to announce the newly created “Five Iowa Physicians to Watch” award for 2025 in honor of its upcoming 175th Anniversary as an…

Read More

Finding solutions to Iowa’s physician shortage crisis: Iowa Medical Society to convene physician and healthcare leaders from across the state to form recommendations

November 14, 2024

Finding solutions to Iowa’s physician shortage crisis: Iowa Medical Society to convene physician and healthcare leaders from across the state to form recommendations   DES MOINES, IA – Like many rural states, Iowa is facing a physician workforce shortage crisis like never before. Iowa is ranked 44th in the nation…

Read More

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…

Read More

Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, Vallery Griffis, and Marygrace Elson, MD, honored at IMS President’s Reception

May 2, 2024

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…

Read More
Scroll To Top