JOURNAL OF THE IOWA MEDICAL SOCIETY | WINTER 2024-2025
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IMS Mission:
To advance the practice of medicine through advocacy, education, and engagement with physicians throughout Iowa to ensure the highest quality of care for the patients they serve.
IMS Vision:
To be the leading voice in medicine to make Iowa a premier destination for physicians to live, work, and serve their communities.
Contact Us:
Iowa Medicine
515 E. Locust St., Ste. 400 Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515.223.1401
IMS President: Christina Taylor, MD
IMS CEO: Steven W. Churchill, MNA
Executive Editor: Sara Opie
Managing Editor: Sydney Maras, MA
To Advertise:
Contact Heather Lee Phone: 515.421.4776
Email: hlee@iowamedical.org
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Iowa Medicine, Journal of the Iowa Medical Society (ISSN 0746-8709), is published quarterly by the Iowa Medical Society, 515 E. Locust St., Ste. 400, Des Moines, IA 50309.
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Copyright 2024-2025
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WHERE VISION MEETS ACTION:
TAKING THE LEAD TO ADDRESS IOWA’S PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE CRISIS
ACHRISTINA TAYLOR, MD President, Iowa Medical Society
s I serve as president of the Iowa Medical Society this year, I am continually inspired by our members and team who live up to our IMS vision to make Iowa a premier destination for physicians to live, work, and serve their communities. This vision not only unites us but also provides hope for the future of our profession and the well-being of the patients we serve.
Over the past few months, IMS has embarked on an ambitious journey, visiting communities across the state as part of our IMS Blitzes. In both urban and rural settings, we’ve engaged with members and healthcare leaders, listening to their concerns and ideas. Across the board, two themes have emerged loud and clear: the growing physician workforce crisis and the pressing need to reduce administrative burdens.
in a shared desire to ensure Iowa remains a leader in healthcare access and quality.
The outcomes of Operation I.O.W.A. reaffirmed the need for collaborative, statewide initiatives that address recruitment, retention, and the systemic barriers that make it difficult for physicians to thrive. You’ll find a detailed recap of the event and its outcomes in this issue of the magazine. IMS is committed to building on this momentum as we tackle these workforce issues head-on. Addressing the physician shortage isn’t just a goal—it’s central to our vision of being the leading voice in medicine and ensuring Iowa remains a place where healthcare professionals and patients can thrive.
Looking to the Future –IMS’s 175th Anniversary Celebration
Operation I.O.W.A. –A Collaborative Step Forward
In December, IMS took bold action by convening nearly 60 physicians and healthcare leaders for Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Action). This event brought together some of the brightest minds in medicine to identify actionable solutions to Iowa’s physician workforce challenges. The discussions were forwardthinking, practical, and rooted
As we address these critical issues, we also pause to celebrate the remarkable legacy of IMS and its impact on the practice of medicine in Iowa. On May 2, this year, we’ll gather in Iowa City to commemorate IMS’s 175th anniversary. This milestone is not only a celebration of our history but also a moment to reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The event will feature a milestone memory walk, dinner, live music, and the inauguration of our incoming president, Alison Lynch,
MD, as we continue to chart a course for the future. I hope you’ll join us in honoring our past while committing to the vision and mission that guide our work today.
Join us for Advocacy in Action
The physician workforce crisis and administrative burdens cannot be solved overnight, but as IMS members, we have the power to influence change. Physician Day on the Hill on February 11 is a key opportunity to advocate for these critical issues. Together, we’ll work with state leaders to promote workforce solutions, reduce administrative burdens, and make Iowa the place physicians want to practice. By addressing these challenges, we can enhance our ability to recruit and retain top talent, ensuring Iowa remains a leader in healthcare excellence. Together, we can continue to shape a future where Iowa is not only a premier destination for physicians, but also a place of hope, innovation, and opportunity. Whether through active participation in events like Physician Day on the Hill or by joining us in Iowa City for our anniversary celebration, your involvement matters. I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead—whether in advocacy, celebration, or collaboration. Let’s continue to turn our vision into action. ■
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AMA HOD 2024 INTERIM MEETING REPORT
VICTORIA SHARP, MD, MBA Chair, Iowa Delegation, AMA
HOD
The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) addressed several critical issues during its interim meeting recently held in Lake Buena Vista, FL from November 8-12. Nearly 700 physicians, residents and medical students met to help fulfill AMA’s core mission of promoting medicine and improving public health.
The Iowa delegation consisted of:
Robert Lee, MD
Doug Martin, MD
Victoria Sharp, MD
Brian Privett, MD
IMS President-Elect
Alison Lynch, MD, A lternate Delegate
Other Iowa Medical Society member attendees, representing their specialty societies, included:
Marygrace Elson, MD
Marta Van Beek, MD
Sarah Costello, MD
Shane Hopkins, MD
Hillary Johnson-Jahangir, MD
Erin Shriver, MD
Megan Srinivas, MD
Several medical students from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and Des Moines University were also involved in meeting activities. Thank you to Dr. Lee for his years of service to the IMS AMA HOD delegation as this was his last meeting.
Our delegation, in conjunction with the North Central Medical Conference, participated in six reference committees:
◆ A mendments to Constitution a nd Bylaws
◆ Legislation
◆ Medical Education
◆ Governance and Finance
◆ Medical Service
◆ Medical Practice and Insurance
◆ Science and Public Health
Testimony is based on expertise, best evidence in medical and health policy literature, and state medical associations and national medical specialty societies perceptions and priorities. There were over 135 reports and resolutions for consideration.
Detailed reference committee testimony, thoughtful HOD debate and votes led to new and updated AMA policies and direction for the AMA Board of Directors and staff. A few of these will be highlighted below and additional details can be found on the AMA HOD’s interim meeting website.
• Establishing pregnancy as a federal qualifying life event triggering a special enrollment period (Iowa Delegation cosponsored this resolution with the American Academy of Family Physicians Delegation)
• A MA Practice Expense Survey Geographical Analysis (Submitted by Dr. Michael Kitchell to IMS Policy Forum), adopted and then sent to AMA HOD where it was adopted as amended.
o Resolved that our AMA review results from its 2023-2024 Physician Practice Information Survey to determine whether the data can be used to generate statistically valid estimates of differences in physician practice expenses across practice geography (e.g., urban vs. rural, or region)
o Resolved that our AMA promote payment accuracy in the Medicare Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI).
• Fixing Medicare physician payment, AMA’s top advocacy priority.
• Addressing and managing drug shortages
• Boosting aging patients’ meaningful access to health technology
• Health plan payments after Prior Authorization approval
• Making sure doctors can intervene on AI-influenced health decisions
• Streamlining CME across states, specialties
• Parental leave access for physicians and trainees
• Same benefits for fellows as resident physicians have In other news, AMA President-elect Bobby Mukkamala, MD, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor after an expressive aphasia episode during the AMA Interim meeting. He will have brain surgery likely followed by chemotherapy and radiation. We wish him well during his treatment journey.
Also announced at the meeting are the candidacies of Marta Van Beek, MD, MPH for the AMA Board of Trustees and Victoria Sharp, MD, MBA for the AMA Council on Medical Education. Elections will be held at the next AMA HOD Annual meeting in Chicago, June 6-19, 2025. The next Interim AMA HOD meeting will be held in National Harbor, MD Nov 14-17, 2025. ■
A NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS;
A BIPARTISAN APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE SHORTAGE
SETH BROWN, JD Director of Government Relations
The 91st Iowa General Assembly begins January 13, 2025. A significant amount of preparation is required to ensure a successful legislative session. Over the interim IMS staff actively gathered feedback on issues from members. This included one-on-one dialogue at practice sites across the state, through the Policy Forum process, and by gathering its various committees and workgroups. Members unequivocally voiced their concerns about the physician workforce shortage in Iowa, sharing the necessity of retaining our current workforce, as well as attracting new practitioners to Iowa.
Through these conversations, it became clear the unnecessary administrative burden associated with prior authorizations requirements must be addressed. The data back up our anecdotes— according to the results of the American Medical Association’s (AMA) annual nationwide prior authorization survey of 1,000 practicing physicians, 95% of responding physicians feel prior authorization somewhat or significantly increases physician burnout. Relating to the need for new physicians, the Association
of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recently produced an updated 2023 report which projects a total shortage of between 13,500 and 86,000 physicians by 2036. Iowa ranks 45th in the nation for active patient care physicians per 100,000 population (AAMC State Workforce Profile). This coupled with the fact that the average medical school debt is $234,597, excluding premedical undergraduate and other educational debt, makes clear the need to support new physicians through our policy efforts.
Republican Trifecta
To be effective, policy efforts must be made in consideration of political realities. Following the November 5 general elections, the Republican Party of Iowa further cemented their trifecta control of state government by holding the Governor’s office, and securing supermajorities in the state House of Representatives and Senate.
Visit the Advocacy Center by scanning the QR Code and stay up to date on the latest call to action.
To learn more or go to: iowamedical.org/action-center/
In the Iowa House, Republicans gained three seats, securing a supermajority of 67 seats to the Democrats’ 33. In the Iowa Senate, Republicans extended their supermajority to 36 seats to the Democrats’ 14, netting one seat. Prior to and since the elections, the IMS advocacy team regularly engages with key legislators from both parties to educate them on issues Iowa physicians face as they work to care for patients.
The physician workforce shortage and the need to remove burdens that pull physicians away from patient care are bipartisan issues recognized by both sides of the isle. These factors led the IMS Committee on Legislation to recommend, and for the Board of Directors to approve, the 2025 Legislative Priorities.
To pass these priorities and advance the House of Medicine in Iowa, we need grassroots advocates willing to build relationships with their state legislators. That is why it’s important for you to join us for Physician Day on the Hill, we need your voice! The IMS Advocacy Center serves as the best point-of-contact to engage with your lawmakers. ■
Expand Physician Workforce
Reform Prior Authorization
Expand Access to Care
Support Rate Enhancements
Protect Scope of Practice
IOWA MEDICAL SOCIETY
2025 State Legislative Priorities
PRIORITIES
The physician shortage in Iowa is in crisis. To aid in the recruitment and retention of physicians, IMS supports:
• B olstering the Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program
• Increased funding for additional positions within existing residency and fellowship programs
• Seeking opportunities for new residency and fellowship programs for Iowa’s most in-need specialties
• Policy efforts to implement the Iowa Rural Healthcare Workforce Strategic Action Plan
• Tax credit incentives for preceptors and new physicians beginning their practice in Iowa
IMS supports legislation that reduces administrative red tape and reforms prior authorization. Physicians spend too much time wading through unnecessary administrative burden, contributing to burnout, instead of spending time with patients.
OTHER CRITICAL ISSUES
IMS values the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship and use of evidence-based medicine to make healthcare decisions for all patients. IMS supports the enhancement of maternal health, mental health, and substance use services available to Iowans.
IMS will work with the Department of Health & Human Services to implement a plan for increasing physician reimbursement rates, expanding upon the successful efforts with behavioural health rates.
IMS will champion the practice of medicine that recognizes medical training, expertise in scope allowances, stopping any proposed expansions that threaten patient safety, and support efforts to better clarify the patient awareness of providers’ training.
HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2025? IF
NOT, THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT!
HEATHER LEE
Director of Membership and Sponsorship
Reminder: If it has been six months or longer since you have logged in to our website, you will need to create a new login and password. If you have any issues, please reach out to a member of IMS’s Membership team.
Six Key Benefits to your IMS Membership:
1. Offering eligibility to receive a 10% discount on Copic medical malpractice insurance from any insurance broker. The discount applies to new and renewing policies. For more information contact IMS or your insurance broker
2. Being your champion for ensuring the physician voice helps shape public policy in the healthcare arena
3. Serving as a trusted source for curated content and timely information critical to the practice of medicine
4. Providing a series of education, events, and resources to help our members continue to grow professionally
5. Ensuring alignment throughout the House of Medicine by
providing management services and support for county and specialty societies
6. Creating a sense of community among physicians, residents, and medical students throughout Iowa via IMS networking and leadership opportunities
Discounted Dues for 100% Group Dues Members
This program offers clinics, practices, and systems discounted membership when all their physicians are members. Group size starts at two with commitments ranging from 1-5 years, and discounts from 5% - 40%. Membership is billed annually and payable by check, credit card, or ACH Transfer. Another advantage of this program is the opportunity to have certain non-physician leadership as non-dues contacts so they receive IMS communications.
IMS’s Ambassador Program
Are you passionate about the practice of medicine and want to be more involved with IMS? Would you like to help us engage more physicians in your area or organization? Are you willing to share education, networking, and
Member Engagement and Strategic Alliance Specialist
advocacy information with your colleagues?
If you said yes to those three questions, please reach out to Grace Fleming for more information regarding becoming an IMS ambassador. ■
Grace Fleming, CNP
Phone: (515) 421-4773
Email: gfleming@iowamedical.org
Heather Lee Phone: (515) 421-4776
Email: hlee@iowamedical.org
Why I am an IMS member:
belong to the Iowa Medical Society because it is a great way to stay informed, connect with peers, and contribute to the future of medicine in Iowa.”
Angela Knoblauch,
THE LEADING VOICE
IMS TAKES THE LEAD TO ADDRESS THE PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE CRISIS
SARA OPIE
Director of Communications and Marketing
I
t was a full house, Friday, December 6 for the first gathering of physicians from across the state for Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Action) at the Iowa Medical Society headquarters. Nearly 60 physicians, healthcare executives, policy experts, and community leaders attended the event hosted by co-chairs, Gerry Clancy, MD, Senior Associate Dean for External Affairs, University of Iowa Health Care, Michael McCoy, MD, President and CEO, Great River Health, IMS President Christina Taylor, MD, CMO, Clover Health, and Steve Churchill, MNA, CEO, IMS.
The one-day summit was designed to craft solutions to combat the physician shortage crisis in Iowa
“The meeting exceeded my expectations,” said Shea Jorgensen, MD, CMO, Prairie Ridge Integrated Health, Mason City. “The physician shortage in Iowa, particularly in rural areas, is a major issue and will require a multi-pronged approach. The breakout groups allowed us to discuss all kinds of ideas, including the pipeline beginning as early as middle school. It was amazing to see the
investment from so many physicians across the state. There were literally hundreds of different creative ideas.”
“It was a great event,” said Humphrey Wong, MD, Genesis Pulmonary Care, MercyOne, Davenport. “I was really impressed with the turnout and all the ideas put forth.”
“I attended the summit with UnityPoint Health (UPH) Sioux City market president Jane Arnold and we met physicians and other thought leaders,” said John Jones, MD, UPH, St. Luke’s, Sioux City. “While we ran into some familiar faces, we spoke with many new people sharing ideas to help improve healthcare for Iowans. I was excited to hear the ideas during our breakouts sessions and opportunities to work together through local, state, and federal advocacy to bring our patients needs to the forefront.”
How the Day was Structured
Co-chairs Clancy and McCoy along with moderator Joe Benesh, President and CEO, The Ingenuity Company, Des Moines, spent time in advance of the meeting determining the agenda, topics, thought-questions, and
logistics of the day. During the six-hour summit, attendees broke up into groups that each tackled the same topic and questions, and then developed three solutions to be shared out with the broader group.
Here were the work session topics:
I. E arly Pipeline Recommendations Starting and Staying Iowa
II. Practice Environment Recommendations for recruiting and retaining physicians in Iowa
III. L ater Stage (55+) Strategies To keep physicians in practice or return to practice
Operation I.O.W.A. continues on next page
“The format, employing small group breakout discussions, facilitated robust and creative discussions,” said Peter Kaboli, MD, Executive Director, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Rural Health, Washington, Iowa. “The discussions and proposals considered the entire pipeline of the healthcare workforce from grade school to post-retirement. Investments along this continuum are critical to ensuring an adequate and sustainable workforce that embraces the joy of practice.”
“It’s always amazing how much can be accomplished when you can get a group of like-minded people together in the same room working on a common goal,” said Doug Peters, MD, Great River Health System, West Burlington, and IMS AMA Delegate.
“I think we came up with some very tangible solutions to target the physician shortage.”
“Iowa is a wonderful place to practice medicine, but we need to make it even more attractive to retain and recruit young physicians,” said Peters. “We can do that through loan forgiveness, increased reimbursement, and improved healthcare legislation. It's also important to provide those physicians considering retirement a way to slow down without having to stop practicing medicine altogether. Iowa physicians realize that despite our geographical, specialty, and corporate differences, we all must work together to assure that Iowans have access to the best healthcare available.”
Voting on the Best Ideas
At the close of the day, all participants voted electronically on their preferred recommendations based on all the ideas shared by each of the five groups, as an organic way to get real-time input, buy-in, and prioritization of ideas.
“Some of the exciting ideas include working on the pipeline of future physicians as young as elementary and middle school,” said Jennifer Beaty, MD, Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education, Des Moines University. “We discussed working towards an early acceptance program at the Iowa medical schools to incentivize Iowans to train in Iowa. We know that doing medical school and residency in the state increases the chance the physician will remain in the state. The Iowa Loan Repayment program can be simplified, expanded, and marketed better to increase utilization. We would benefit from more residency positions in the state, by increasing the number of positions and by starting new programs. Having funding for this expansion from the state will be critical.”
“Another common realization –we’re all out there in our own little worlds trying to solve this problem and what we really needed was to bring our collective efforts together so we can begin to work as one unified group, said Michael Romano, MD, CMO, Nebraska Health Network, Omaha and past-president IMS. “So, thanks to IMS for facilitating this collective effort!”
While the final Operation I.O.W.A. report was not final by Iowa Medicine’s publication deadline, here are the top three vote-getters from each of the work sessions:
I. Early Pipeline Recommendations –Starting and Staying
a. More Residency and Fellowship spots/more robust infrastructure and funding
b. Earlier connections – Middle School, High School, and PreMed programming
c. Tax credits/tuition elimination/enhancements to loan payback options
II. Practice Environment Recommendations for recruiting and retaining physicians in Iowa
a. Compensation/Improvements to fee schedule/Advocacy for Medicaid/CMS rates/state Medicare payment parity
b. Reduction in Administrative and Insurance burdens/more access and use of AI
c. Work/life balance and quality of life considerations/attraction packages for spouses and families (childcare and others)
III. Later Stage (55+) Strategies to keep physicians in practice or return to practice
a. Special/easing of medical licensing and credentialing requirements/create more pathways for return to practice/telehealth networks
b. Flexibility of telemedicine/ more reciprocity
c. Retention bonuses/part-time and/or slow down solutions/ past retirement practice, no income tax
“This meeting and convening of all these experts from across the state is exemplary of the recognized leadership of IMS,” said Dr. McCoy. “I am excited about the ideas generated and proud that IMS was the conduit that brought us together. I also want to congratulate the staff on great work in a short time period.”
Benesh also polled the group on biggest barriers to the physician workforce shortage. Here are those results:
• Administrative Burden
• Policy and Regulatory Challenges
• Burnout and Job Satisfaction
• Geographic Maldistribution
• Medical Education and Specialization
• Aging Population
“The discussions were a great mix of practical short-term ideas and more long-term pie-in-the-sky type ideas,” said Brad McClimon, MD, Medical Associates, Dubuque. “The big ideas may be hard to achieve quickly, but it is great to have the ideas on the drawing board.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the conference in which we shared ideas, but more importantly we shared connections to others in different parts of the state and system all with one goal, to improve care,” said Dr. Jones.
“Kudos to the thought leaders who put this together,” said Dr. Beaty. “I didn’t want the day to end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe important work was accomplished.” ■
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS
The mission of the Iowa Medical Society Foundation (IMSF), a voluntary organization, is to use personal donations from physicians and friends of medicine to inspire, facilitate, and expand the educational and philanthropic endeavors of IMS. This list reflects pledges and gifts received to the IMSF as of December 13, 2024. Thank you for your generous support!
$2,000 and above:
Steven Churchill
Marygrace Elson, MD
Noreen O’Shea, DO and Thomas Benzoni, DO
$1,000 and above:
Foster Group
$500 and above:
Lillian Erdahl, MD
Paul Mulhausen, MD
Michael Romano, MD
Victoria Sharp, MD
Keith Vollstedt, MD
$250 and above:
Emily Boevers, MD
John Churchill
Shannon Leveridge, MD
Daniel McCabe, MD
Alison Lynch, MD
Paul & Stephanie Drey Charitable Fund
Joel Ryon, MD
Mary and Michael Kitchell, MD
Ed Whitver
Humphrey Wong, MD
If you are interested in giving to the 2024 effort for IMSF, scan the code below:
$100 and above:
Steven Ayala
Josi Barscz, Student
Meghan Connett, MD
Thomas Evans, MD
Patricia Hoffmann, DO
Eldon Huston
Laura Jackson
Lenard Kerr, DO
Spas Kotev, MD
Tiffani Milless, MD
Daniel Moe, Student
Eric Mou, MD
Rachel Preisser, MD
Stephen Richards, DO
Dawn Schissel, MD
Petra Stout
Mara Syring, DO
Christina Taylor, MD
Peter Tonui, MD
Emily Trudeau, MD
Brad Whipple
Fadi Yacoub, MD
Jessica Zuzga-Reed, DO
$50 and above:
Melani Fulton
Joe Harless
Cynthia Hoque, DO
Scott Kirkland
Heather Lee
Anthony Nguyen
Below $50:
Seth Brown
Sarah Costello, MD
Jessica Duffy, Student
Grace Fleming
Mary Lyon
Sydney Maras
Adrienne Nguyen, Student
Kaaren Olesen, DO
Sara Opie
Isnavys Perez-Rodriguez, Student
Ryan Roberts
As your physician advocate, IMS plays an active role in the legislative process. With generous contributions from friends of medicine, we can effectively forge relationships with state and federal policymakers to protect the interests of our physician members and greater medical community. This list reflects pledges and gifts received to the Iowa Medical PAC as of December 13, 2024. Thank you for helping to amplify the voice of physicians!
Titanium ($10,000 and above):
Iowa Medical Leadership Political Action Committee
Platinum ($5,000 and above):
Gold ($2,500 and above):
Steven Churchill
Marygrace Elson, MD
Alison Lynch, MD
Jon Van Der Veer, DO
Silver ($1,000 and above):
Kevin Cunningham, MD
Michael Kitchell, MD
Shannon Leveridge, MD
Dan McCabe, MD
Michael McCoy, MD
Kaaren Olesen, DO
Noreen O'Shea, DO
Douglas Peters, MD
Rachel Preisser, MD
Brian Privett, MD
Joel Ryon, MD
Victoria Sharp, MD
Christina Taylor, MD
Peter Tonui, MD
Marta Van Beek, MD
Keith Vollstedt, MD
Fadi Yacoub, MD
Bronze ($500 and above):
Thomas Benzoni, DO
Seth Brown
John Dooley, MD
Lillian Erdahl, MD
Thomas Evans, MD
Jennifer Groos, MD
Patricia Hoffmann, DO
Hillary Johnson, MD
Douglas Martin, MD
Paul Mulhausen, MD
Stephen Richards, DO
Sarah Thomas, MD
Ben Vallier
Jessica Zuzga-Reed, DO
Friend of Medicine
($250 and above):
Christopher Adams, MD
Emily Boevers, MD
Ambassador Terry Branstad
William Ching, MD
Claudia Corwin, MD
Jerome Greenfield, MD
Jeydith Gutierrez, MD
Priscilla Kalhorn, DO
Robert Lee, MD
Laurie McCormick, MD
Daniel McGuire, MD
William McMillan, MD
Stephen Russel, MD
Dawn Schissel, MD
Robert Thomas, MD
Jaclyn Vollstedt
Ed Whitver
Melissa Willis, MD
Humphrey Wong, MD
2021 - 2024 IMPAC Donations
Below $250:
Fredrick Dery, MD
James Gamache, MD
Donald Heistad, MD
Kerri Husman, MD
Monika Jindal, MD
Brian Kaskie, PhD
Brad McClimon, MD
Sara Opie
Jennifer Schubert, DO
Elliott Sohn
Petra Stout
Michael Strong, MD
Emily Trudeau, MD
Andrea Weber, MD
Michelle Weckmann, MD
Lucy Wibbenmey, MD
Below $100:
Josi Barscz, Student
Mallory Britz, Student
Abby Davison, Student
DMU Chapter of IMS
Michael Flaum, Student
Heather Lee
Daniel Moe, Student
Adrienne Nguyen, Student
Anthony Nguyen
Kady Reese
Katherine Yu, Student
Up 33% from the amount of money raised for IMPACcompareddonations to
If you are interested in giving to the 2024 effort for IMPAC, scan the code below:
Deadline: Nominations are now open and will close Friday, February 14, 2025
IMS ANNOUNCES NEW AWARD: FIVE IOWA PHYSICIANS TO WATCH
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 organization. Award recipients will be recognized Friday, May 2 at Hancher Auditorium as part of IMS’s 175th Anniversary Celebration and President’s Dinner.
“We are thrilled to be able to focus the spotlight on the outstanding work of five Iowa physicians,” said Christina Taylor, MD, president, IMS. “These are the true leaders who are highly accomplished in their practice or community, the up and comers, the physicians doing impressive work that will serve patients for years to come. They can be rising new physicians or those with years of experience, we want to recognize their extraordinary contributions to healthcare.”
The following criteria must be met for the Five Physicians to Watch nominations:
• Must be a practicing physician in the state of Iowa with a valid Iowa Medical License.
• A ll nominees must be practicing/ teaching physicians who have been in practice or teaching for at least two years.
And one of the following: Leadership
• The individual is recognized for leadership qualities, often taking a leading role in their company, organization, or field.
• Th is can also include managing teams, leading initiatives, or influencing industry trends.
Impact and Influence
• The nominee has made a measurable or visible impact in medicine or the medical community. This may involve breaking barriers, fostering innovation, or inspiring others through their work.
Innovation and Creativity
• The nominee is seen as a forwardthinker, contributing innovative ideas, products, or strategies that influence their industry or community.
Community Impact
• Efforts and initiatives that serve the community at large. Making positive strides for public health, or other improvements to access to care.
Potential for Future Success
• The nominee is seen as someone with a promising future, who is likely to continue contributing significantly in their career or community.
IMS is accepting nominations and self-nominations for any MD or DO worthy of consideration. Membership in IMS is not a requirement. The nominees will be reviewed and awarded by IMS’s leadership development committee. To nominate a physician, go to: IMS Awards - Iowa Medical Society.
Other awards
Don’t forget, IMS will also continue with its annual awards that recognize physicians, laypersons, and organizations who have provided outstanding contributions to IMS, the profession of medicine, or public health. The following awards will be presented at the
Iowa Physicians to Watch 2025
President’s Dinner in Iowa City next May. Please be thinking of someone worthy of a nomination and enter them on the website at IMS Awards – Iowa Medical Society.
IMS/Copic Physician Humanitarian Award
Presented each year to a physician in Iowa for volunteer medical services and contributions to their community through principles focused on human dignity, social justice, and compassion. This award specifically looks to recognize those individuals who unassumingly volunteer outside of the spectrum of their day to day lives. The recipient of the award designates a $10,000 donation from IMS/Copic to be provided to a health care related 501(c)(3) organization within Iowa.
IMS Merit Award
Given to an IMS member physician who has served IMS and the medical profession with distinction.
John F. Sanford Award
Honors a layperson for contributions to public health or the field of health care. This award is named after the “father” of IMS, Dr. John F. Sanford, from Keokuk.
Washington Freeman Peck Award
Given to a lay organization to honor their contributions to public health. This award is named after Dr. Washington Freeman Peck, the principal agent behind the establishment of the State University of Iowa Medical Department in Iowa City, the institutional forebear of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. ■
SHARING OUR IOWA STORY
WDENISE JAMIESON, MD, MPH
University of Iowa Vice President for Medical Affairs and and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean, Carver College of Medicine
hen I first considered joining University of Iowa Health Care, I was initially hesitant about the adjustment from Atlanta to Iowa City. So, I did what any good researcher would do: I turned to the data and sought peer input. I spoke with colleagues across the country and alumni who said this was a special place with a long history of innovation, leadership, and a commitment to care. It seemed everyone had their own stories to tell about Iowa.
And having spent just over a year in the Hawkeye state, I can confirm it’s true.
I’m proud to say I am now an Iowan.
I’m proud of our public and private institutions that, together, have built vibrant communities. I’m proud to be surrounded by people who embody a spirit of hospitality, a caring culture.
I’m proud of our team at University of Iowa Health Care for upholding a high standard of excellence in all areas of our mission, including patient care, research, and education.
I’ve also quickly learned that the demand for our expertise is high and will only continue to rise as the population in Iowa—and across the country—ages.
At UI Health Care, we know that meeting this demand will require continued innovation and the pursuit of new models of care delivery. With the addition of our new downtown campus (formerly Mercy Iowa City), soon-to-be-open North Liberty campus, and our recently announced plan to create a comprehensive cancer care network to tackle Iowa’s elevated cancer rates, we are moving toward a
system of care to improve access for Iowa and beyond.
But it’s clear that Iowa continues to experience access issues, particularly in our rural areas. And we know that physician and advanced practice provider shortages are areas we must prioritize in order for Iowans to get access to the care they deserve, closer to home.
Solutions for a Stronger Physician Workforce
Iowa ranks 44th in the U.S. in physicians per capita. There are more than 160 open positions for primary care physicians and 80 open positions for psychiatrists in Iowa. This workforce issue is not just a statistic; it’s a reality that impacts patient care, public health, and the future of medicine in our state.
UI Health Care is proud to play a role in educating or training nearly half of Iowa’s physicians, but we know the work doesn’t stop there. We must think bigger. Solutions for Iowa need to be competitive at a national level. It also must include a multi-pronged approach:
More training opportunities: For starters, we want more earlycareer providers to start their professional careers here—and we know that when they train here, it’s a predictor that they will be more likely to stay here to practice medicine. As one of the few states with more medical school graduates per year than first-year residency training positions, our goal is to achieve a
better balance. We are working with various partners and state leaders to build support and funding for more resident physician training positions in Iowa.
Easing the financial burden: Debt from college and medical school now averages $227,000 for medical school graduates, nationally. For some medical students, a high debt burden can lead them to pursue specialties or career paths based on financial considerations rather than their skills or interests. We’ve seen student loan payback programs work, and they’re gaining traction across the country. One of UI Health Care’s initiatives, the Carver Rural Iowa Scholars Program (CRISP), for example, offers a financial incentive for our graduates to stay and work in the state. Through a personalized curriculum, medical students experience first-hand the benefits of putting down roots in Iowa. CRISP has become an important part of the strategy toward closing health care gaps throughout the state, and we hope to expand this program and find more opportunities to help ease the financial burden for our students.
Addressing physician burnout: Physicians across the U.S. continue to report that non-clinical duties—
such as clinical note taking or prior-authorization approvals—are major drivers of burnout. UI Health Care has taken feedback from our physicians and implemented new AI tools to help them work more efficiently, improve wellness, and improve clinical care across the enterprise.
One of these AI-based tools, Evidently, summarizes and displays all relevant patient data in one place, enabling our providers to quickly and efficiently understand a patient’s comprehensive health history and conditions. And Nabla, an advanced ambient scribing technology, takes notes during a patient’s visit and helps make the clinical documentation quicker and easier for clinicians. We’ve seen high early adoption rates for both tools, with physicians saying it’s been a gamechanger and allows for more faceto-face time with patients. We must continue to keep this dialogue open with our physicians and provide real solutions for burnout.
Sharing our Iowa story: I came to Iowa because of the incredible stories I had heard about this state, the University of Iowa, and
UI Health Care. We must continue to tell our stories of what makes this a special place to live and work.
Across UI Health Care, we have so many remarkable stories to tell: How we’re making discoveries that advance our understanding of human health and disease; How we’re teaching and training future clinicians and scientists; And how our medical teams are using their experience, expertise, teamwork, and compassion to care for patients and families every day. These stories help illustrate our mission and service to communities across the state—and give people a better understanding of who we are and what we represent.
By sharing our stories across the state, we not only highlight the incredible work happening here, but it helps us attract the best talent and the most innovative ideas.
As we look to the future, it’s crucial that we remain competitive on the national stage. Our stories reflect who we are and what we stand for, and by telling them, we strengthen our position as a leader in health care. In a world that’s increasingly interconnected, these stories help us stand out, build connections, and secure our place at the forefront of advancing medicine. ■
MEDICARE PAYMENT INEQUITY: WHY IT MATTERS
MICHAEL KITCHELL, MD
McFarland Clinic, Neurology
In 2019, the journal Health Affairs published studies showing that rural Americans have poorer health, with a 23% higher mortality rate and a 40% higher rate of preventable hospitalizations. 40% of those differences in higher rural mortality rate and 55% of the differences in higher preventable hospitalization rates are related to the shortage of rural physicians. There are currently half as many physicians per population in rural vs. urban America, and rural physician shortages are worsening. Some of these rural inequities are caused by Medicare and Medicaid payment policies that pay rural physicians much less than urban providers.
When Medicare was first established, physician reimbursement was based on “usual and customary fees”, which led to inconsistent and variable fees. In 1992, with the beginning of the standardized physician Relative Value Unit (RVU) system, there were three components, 1) Work value: based on time, effort, intensity – about 50% of the total RVU, 2) Practice Expenses: about 46-48% of the total, 3) and Liability expenses: 2-4% of the total.
Geographic adjustment of RVU fees, called Geographic Practice Cost Indexes (GPCIs), also began in 1992, with 89 regions, including one for Iowa. GPCIs established payment adjustments for the Work Value based on proxies (estimates using regional data on other occupations) — not actual physician incomes. The Practice Expense GPCIs used estimates derived from various sources, but never used actual overhead data from rural practices. These GPCI reductions in rural fees,
assumptions that were never based on actual rural physician practices, resulted in 25-28% lower E&M fees and 50-60% lower imaging and lab technical fees for Iowa and many rural areas than for the highest paid regions.
GPCI reductions in Iowa and other rural states’ Medicare physician reimbursements are therefore based on flawed assumptions, and according to Probst in Health Affairs “current models of healthcare funding are innately biased in favor of large populations”.
The American Medical Association’s (AMA’s) analysis of their national physician practice overhead survey in 2009 found no differences in rural vs. urban practice costs. Other surveys showed some higher, and some lower, costs – but with fewer patients to spread fixed overhead costs such as rent, techs, or imaging equipment per patient– practice cost per patient was higher in rural regions. Urban practices, by spreading their fixed costs over more patients, even sometimes when working fewer hours, had less cost per patient.
The AMA finally sponsored another national practice expense survey this year but did not include another rural expense analysis. However, in the November 2024 AMA Interim meeting, an IMS resolution passed to have AMA staff again analyze the survey for rural vs. urban differences. I anticipate that rural overhead expense data will again show urban expenses are no higher, and this
will strengthen our advocacy to finally eliminate longstanding GPCI inequities in rural payment.
While Medicare reimbursements to rural and Iowa physicians are low, Iowa’s Medicaid payments are even lower. The Iowa Legislature sets reimbursement for Iowa physicians’ Medicaid fees, and Iowa legislators have only increased Medicaid office visit fees for physicians by a total of 2.8% since 2001. Medical inflation of overhead costs for America’s physicians has increased 60% since 2001.
In rural America over one half of patients are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. In contrast, private insurance is more prevalent in urban areas, and in Iowa private insurance pays three times higher than Medicaid for an office visit. It is no wonder that physicians have increasingly lost interest in practicing in rural settings.
Biased Medicare payment policies against rural physicians and low Medicaid reimbursement will likely keep worsening the shortage of physicians in Iowa and rural America– unless we take action.
The health and lives of rural Iowans and Americans are at stake. ■
A RUDE AWAKENING — YOU NEED AN ESTATE PLAN TODAY!
ASHLEE VIEREGGER, JD, CFP®, CTFA, AEP®, Senior Lead Advisor
You jolt awake, sitting up quickly in bed, dressed in your favorite red pajamas. Bleary-eyed and yawning, you have the feeling that you’ve missed something important. Brow furrowed, you glance at the trusty alarm clock on your bedside table, but it’s strangely dark. Did the power go out? Scrambling for your wristwatch on the nightstand, you read the time and shriek! In a moment, you’ve remembered that your flight to Paris is today and if you’ve read your watch right, the airport shuttle is coming in just 25 minutes. And it’s not just you who needs to be on that van but more than a dozen members of your extended family, including several kids who are going to need help.
Every minute counts, and it’s a mad dash to get out the door. Clothes and bags are flying. You’re dodging family left and right to grab the tickets, your passport, the luggage. You burst out the front door, noting that the van driver is here and he’s knocked over your decorative porch statuette. Miraculously, you manage to get everyone in the van but that’s just the
beginning. At the airport, it’s an all-out sprint to make it to the gate, every man for himself. Huffing and Puffing, you make it to the boarding lane just before the gate agent looks like she’s about to shut the jet bridge door.
It feels like you don’t take a full, deep breath until you’re seated in first class, ascending to 30,000 feet in style, holding a fizzy glass of champagne in a cut crystal flute. But then, the “I’m missing something” feeling from earlier creeps back in, churning your stomach anew. Your mind grinds to a halt, and then it hits you with the force of a sucker punch: KEVIN! You’ve left your nine year old son at home, alone, with no power, inside an empty house. And there’s another eight hours until you’ll touch down at De Gaulle. You can’t remember feeling as helpless as you do now. Where did it go wrong?
You may recognize this familiar story. It’s the plot to the classic ‘90’s Christmas movie, Home Alone, hopefully you got to watch this movie this last holiday season! The McCallisters’ story is also the story of your estate plan if you don’t already have
a Will or Revocable Trust and Powers of Attorney in place. Every day that you don’t have these documents established for you (and your spouse if you have one), you’re making a plan to leave Kevin behind without help, without guidance, without options. You don’t want to do that.
So, let me be blunt. If you haven’t made an estate plan, you should have done it yesterday. Here are the most important questions to answer:
1. Who will be the guardians for your minor children?
2. How do you want to leave assets to your heirs?
3. Who will make healthcare and financial decisions for you while you’re alive but unable to make those choices for yourself?
Alone, Kevin had to go up against the Wet Bandits and defend his turf in unconventional ways. Without an estate plan, you’d better hope that your heirs have paint cans, an iron, and firecrackers to get out of a similarly perilous situation. Don’t delay – make an estate plan today!
LOGAN McCOOL , DO
What is your Background?
Iwas born and raised in Des Moines and went to Des Moines University (DMU) for Medical School. I am now the medical director for the MercyOne Rehabilitation Hospital.
What sparked your interest in medicine?
My grandmother was the nurse manager of the Margaret Kramer Free clinic that used to be held out of
as a medical student when I was at DMU. Those clinic experiences with my grandmother were a large influence in my life when deciding to become a physician.
Why are you a member of IMS?
I want Iowa to be an amazing place for physicians to practice. I want medical students to be excited about their opportunities for practicing medicine here. That’s why I am part of IMS, and I believe strongly in their advocacy.
What was an incident that changed your life?
During my fellowship I was able to practice under Dr. Dave Sealy. He exemplified a commitment to service, physician leadership, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire Dr. Tom Evans. He gave a lecture to us at DMU when I
was in medical school. During that lecture he outlined what a transition from fee-for-service to valuebased medicine would look like. His wisdom and forward thinking continue to inspire me.
What changes in medicine are you excited about?
Using artificial intelligence to discover novel therapeutic targets in the fields of oncology and infectious diseases.
What do you do to unwind or relieve the stress of the day?
My wife and I like to talk and take walks. We’re hoping to ice skate as the weather gets colder. Best advice for new physicians?
Accept challenges. Find older mentors. Pursue excellence. Do hard work. Take vacations. ■
WALTER LAWRENCE BIERRING, MD
(1868-1961)
Background
Walter Bierring, MD, was born in Davenport, Iowa, on July 15, 1868, and received his early education at Davenport High School. Afterward, he attended the University of Iowa, where he earned his medical degree in 1892. His passion for advancing medical knowledge led him to pursue graduate studies in pathology, bacteriology, and internal medicine at famed institutions like the University of Vienna, the University of Heidelberg, and the Pasteur Institute in Paris.
Teaching was another calling, so he pursued educating future physicians at the University of Iowa and Drake University, where he remained until their medical schools merged in 1914.
Tell us more about Dr. Bierring’s Background*
Bierring enjoyed a long and distinguished career. In 1914 he became the president of the Iowa
State Board of Health and head of the state’s medical examiners and held those posts until 1925. He was then named to the board of regents of the American College of Physicians, served as president of the National Board of Medical Examiners from 1927 to 1930, was president of the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1934, and named diplomate on the American Board of Internal Medicine. In those positions, Bierring worked to improve medical curricula, set educational standards for residencies, and introduce rigor into continuing medical education programs.
What was his Most Notable impact on Medicine?
In 1933 Bierring moved to Des Moines to serve as State Commissioner of Public Health, a post he held until retiring in 1953. In that position Bierring had his most enduring impact on Iowa health care. After World War II, the Hill-Burton Hospital Construction Act provided
federal funds to build hospitals in underserved areas of the country. In 1946 Bierring oversaw the Iowa Hospital Survey, which showed that many of Iowa’s 145 hospitals were not up to federal standards. Bierring then drafted the Iowa Hospital Plan in 1947, effectively setting priorities for the distribution of Hill-Burton funds for Iowa hospital construction for the next decade. His plan and federal funds enabled Iowa to modernize its hospitals and improve its medical infrastructure.
Dr. Bierring died in Des Moines at age 92. To honor him, the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine annually presents the Walter Bierring Award for the most significant contribution to microbiology. ■
I
I YOU MS THE STANDS FOR
I YOU MS THE STANDS FOR
IMS President
JOIN ME AND OVER 5,700 MEMBERS OF IMS AS WE ADVANCE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE THROUGH ADVOCACY.
RENEW YOUR IMS MEMBERSHIP TODAY!”
JOIN ME AND OVER 5,700 MEMBERS OF IMS AS WE ADVANCE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE THROUGH ADVOCACY. RENEW YOUR IMS MEMBERSHIP TODAY!” “
“I’m grateful to have opportunities to collaborate with other physicians on medical, leadership, and policy issues.”
“I’m grateful to have opportunities to collaborate with other physicians on medical, leadership, and policy issues.”
-Lisa Muncy-Pietrzak, MD
-Lisa Muncy-Pietrzak, MD
“I am interested in and support the advocacy IMS does on our behalf, and I also like the networking and camaraderie membership offers us as physicians.”
“I am interested in and support the advocacy IMS does on our behalf, and I also like the networking and camaraderie membership offers us as physicians.”
-Brad
COMMIT TO RENEWING YOUR IMS MEMBERSHIP TODAY
COMMIT TO RENEWING YOUR IMS MEMBERSHIP TODAY
McClimon, MD
-Brad McClimon, MD
LEARN WHY PHYSICIANS JOIN THE IOWA MEDICAL SOCIETY
LEARN WHY PHYSICIANS JOIN THE IOWA MEDICAL SOCIETY
Physician Opportunities
Physician-Led Medicine with Partnership Track Opportunity
Join our collegial teams within Iowa’s largest physician-owned, multi-specialty clinic. Seeking physicians for the following specialties:
Contact: Jessica Ott
• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology - INT/EP
• Dermatology/Mohs
• Endocrinology
• Family Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• General Surgery
• Hospitalist - Nocturnist
• Internal Medicine
• OB/GYN
• Neurology
• Ortho Hand
• Otolaryngology
• Pediatrics
• Radiation Oncology
• Urology
Enjoy work-life balance in a family-friendly community with small-town charm and big-city amenities nearby. Affiliated with a Baldrige and Magnet® recognized hospital. Large established referral network. Offering top-tier compensation and benefits.
IMS President Christina Taylor, MD
Engagement and Communication
ANNOUNCING 2025 EVENTS AND EDUCATION
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for any of the upcoming activities. Additional events, timely updates, and registration are available on the IMS website at: iowamedical.org
CE Seminar Series
TUESDAYS as scheduling allows. The one-hour presentations are scheduled for the noon hour unless otherwise advertised.
• January 21: Maternal Health Topic
In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness day on January 23
• March 18: Workforce Strategies
Discussion of J1 Visas, types, and what is needed for implementation in rural healthcare settings
• July 22: Social Determinants of Health
Recognizing the correlation of patient health and aspects of social and structural determinants/ drivers of health
• September 23:
Healthcare & Economics
Discussion of payment methodologies
• October 21: Quality Improvement
Utilization of data collection, analysis, sustainability, and impact of quality improvement in healthcare
• November 18: Public Health & Advocacy Understanding advocacy efforts for patients, physicians, and system and how to tell your story
You Are Cordially Invited to the 2025 President’s Dinner & 175th Anniversary Celebration
Honoring Dr. Alison Lynch, 176th President of the Iowa Medical Society
Friday, May 2, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Hancher Auditorium, 141 N Park Rd. Iowa City, IA 52240
Registration is required to attend the event.
by April 14, 2025
Student/Resident Webinar Series
WEDNESDAYS as scheduling allows. These one-hour webinars will be specifically developed for medical students and residents.
• April 9:
Finances & Medical Practice
Fundamentals of managing a practice, including finance, billing, and healthcare economics
• October 8: Volunteerism
Panel discussion of how and why to volunteer time when in medical school
• November 12:
Leadership
Discussion of payment methodologies
IMS Physician Day on the Hill:
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 State Historical Building and Capital Rotunda, Des Moines Iowa
Wear your white coat, meet with legislators, and be the leading voice in medicine.
MATE DEA Training:
Learn to determine when to initiate or continue opioid therapy for chronic pain management. This training was created in partnership between IMS and the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. iowamedical.org/opioids/
Physician Wellness Program
Physician wellness encompasses personal, physical, and mental wellbeing, and affects not only health care providers, but the patients they treat. These program offerings provide education on awareness of burnout and building resiliency.
• Crucial Conversations:
One-day, condensed workshop that provides foundational skills of crucial conversations with the latest tools, resources, and skills designed for healthcare professionals.
• Recognize. Recover. Rebuild. Physician-physician, peer-based programing recognizing the unique and exacerbating impact of the pandemic on physician wellness. This program features Dr. Charles Keller, MD, a physician leader with expertise spanning the C-suite through bootson-the ground critical care during the pandemic, and a highly personal experience with burnout and recovery.
• Additional Resources: Physician wellness encompasses personal, physical, and mental wellbeing, and affects not only health care providers, but the patients they treat. Addressing burnout can lead to healthier providers, less provider turnover, lower costs, and better patient outcomes. Find more resources on our website: iowamedical.org/physician-wellness/
Mental Health Webinar or Educational Event Series:
• March 25
(National Physician Appreciation Week March 25-March 31)
• May 13th
(Mental Health Awareness Month)
• September 17
(National Physician Suicide Awareness Day)
THE TREATMENTS OF TOMORROW ARE HERE TODAY. IN IOWA
I’m here for one purpose and that’s to give my patients the best medicine has to offer.”
Our teams are made of experts with different backgrounds, specialties, and passions, because we know more collaboration leads to more options. Combined with the abilities that come with academic medicine, we don’t just deliver the latest life-saving treatments, we discover them. All so we can change medicine and lives right here in Iowa.
