Iowans can nominate their MD for "Family Physician of the Year"

Iowans who think their family doctor goes above and beyond might consider nominating them for statewide recognition. Katie Cox, spokeswoman for the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, says the organization is taking nominations for Iowa’s Family Physician of the Year Award. Cox says the doctor needs to meet several criteria, including being a practicing physician at least seven years. She says the nominee needs to spend at least 50-percent of his or her time in direct patient care, maintains an active office and hospital practice and is involved in the community and civic organizations. Also, the nominee must have no immediate plans to retire or relocate outside of Iowa. Cox says this award has been given to one doctor in Iowa each year for the past 18 years. She says it’s considered a prestigious award and the recipient, who will be named at the annual meeting in August, will be entered in the national competition. Cox says people all over Iowa nominate their favorite family physicians every year, making it something of a challenge to pick a winner. She says their board looks at all the criteria and reads all the letters and makes the hard decision. Last year’s winner was Dr. David Carlson of West Burlington. To nominate someone, send a letter to the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, 100 East Grand Avenue, Suite 170, Des Moines, IA 50309.