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Iowa Medical Society Receives National Advocacy Award for Operation I.O.W.A. Physician workforce initiative recognized among the nation’s top medical society programs DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) received the 2026 Profiles of Excellence Awards honor in the Advocacy category from the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) for Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Advancement), a statewide initiative focused on strengthening Iowa’s physician workforce and improving access to care. The award was presented during AAMSE’s annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky on July 17. “I am proud of our IMS staff and physician leaders. We are grateful for this national recognition of our collaborative efforts,” said IMS President Lillian Erdahl, MD. “While we have made meaningful progress, we know our work is not finished. I hope this award inspires physicians, health care leaders, policymakers, and partners across Iowa to keep working together to strengthen our physician workforce and improve access to care for our patients.” Each year, AAMSE’s nationally recognized Profiles of Excellence Awards honor outstanding programs developed by medical societies across the country that advance organized medicine and improve the lives of physicians and the patients they serve. Award recipients are selected by a panel of peer judges from AAMSE member organizations. This year, just eight organizations were recognized across six award categories, with IMS receiving one of only two Advocacy Awards. More information about the awards is available on the AAMSE Profiles of Excellence Awards. About Operation I.O.W.A. Launched in December 2024, Operation I.O.W.A.…
Healthcare 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…
Read MoreLandmark Physician Workforce Bill Sent to Governor Reynolds
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 MoreIowa Medical Society and partners to host statewide Healthcare Workforce Summit on May 14
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 MoreIMS Operation I.O.W.A. Report
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 MoreFive Iowa Physicians to Watch Award to recognize outstanding service to community and commitment to patient care
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 MoreFinding solutions to Iowa’s physician shortage crisis: Iowa Medical Society to convene physician and healthcare leaders from across the state to form recommendations
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 MorePhysician 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…
Read MoreUrban 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…
Read MoreDavid 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…
Read MoreIowa 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…
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