What will your legacy be?
Jessica Zuzga-Reed, DO | IMS past-president
How will I leave my legacy? That is a question I’ve considered from time to time as I interact with patients and consider my impact on the community I serve.
For physicians, our work is our passion and service is our calling. Because of that, we are excited to announce that in conjunction with the 175th Anniversary of the Iowa Medical Society, the Iowa Medical Society Foundation (IMSF) is officially launching the IMSF 1850 Legacy Society.
A Lasting Impact on Physicians
The Legacy Society is a way for physicians to continue to make an impact in the future without having to tap into their assets today. It is a vehicle to receive planned gifts from donors to support the Foundation's mission and programs and a way for physicians to make a lasting impact and honor their legacy.
How To Participate?
It's Easy to participate. Gifts to the Legacy Society can be received by simply designating IMSF as one of your beneficiaries via:
- 401K and IRA retirement accounts
- Life insurance policies
- Charitable remainder trusts
- Donor advised funds
- Last will and testament
A Tradition of Giving
From its beginning, the Foundation has been the beneficiary of planned giving. In 1932, a gift from the estate of Henry Albert was designated in a trust to support public health in Iowa. The initial gift of $1,000 now generates an annual contribution in the range of $22,000 - $30,000 to the IMS Foundation.
Recognition and Exclusive Opportunities
Members of the 1850 Legacy Society will receive:
- Annual recognition in Iowa Medicine magazine
- A dedicated page on the IMS website
- Featured Stories highlighting select members
- Exclusive invitations to a private annual dinner with medical students who have benefited from their generosity
Supporting the Future of Medicine
Gifts to the 1850 Legacy Society will directly support
- Medical student scholarships
- Student leadership development programs
- Global Health Studies Clinic experiences
From providing white coats to medical students as they begin their journey, to sponsoring students attending meetings of the AMA – IMSF supports our students every step of the way and encourages them to engage in the House of Medicine.
Beyond Medical School: A Lifelong Impact
After students graduate and begin their careers, Legacy Society gifts will continue to support physicians and the medical community through:
- Public health initiatives
- Continuing medical education
- Professional development programs
- Leadership opportunities
Transforming Lives: A Scholar's Perspective
Your participation as an 1850 Legacy Society member can open the eyes and transform the life of a medical student, as it did for Raka Chindavong, who recently shared this note with us:
“The IMSF scholarship allowed me to participate with a clinical experience in Thailand that helped me to develop my appreciation for the cultural dimensions of patient care and strengthened my commitment to delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive medical care in my future career.”
Join the 1850 Legacy Society Today!
As you consider your legacy, I hope you consider becoming a Charter Member of the 1850 Legacy Society by visiting iowamedical.org/legacy society.
By following the example of Henry Albert, you can continue to make an impact long after you complete your work in the practice of medicine.
Want to learn more?
Email schurchill@iowamedical.org
