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Welcome to the inaugural newsletter for the Iowa Board of Medicine. The board is committed to enhancing communication with its licensees, so we will publish newsletters to share important updates with physicians. We encourage licensees to contact the department with information they believe would be beneficial to discuss in our publication.
The board was created in 1886 to license physicians and regulate the practice of medicine and is still dutifully carrying out this task. Our hope is that while you are reading our newsletter, you learn how our board ensures the safe practice of medicine in our great state. For instance, many Iowans might be surprised to learn that not only does the board regulate the practice of medicine, but also acupuncture and genetic counseling.
On July 1, 2023, multiple programs across four agencies become part of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) as a new organizational structure for state government went into effect. DIA became the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). DIAL is made up of eight divisions and includes professional licensing. The Iowa Board of Medicine is now part of DIAL.
Who are the board members?
The board consists of 10 Iowans: five medical doctors, two doctors of osteopathy, and three public members.
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Chad Stadsvold, DO—Sioux City (Chair)
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Vickie Pyevich, MD—Bettendorf (Vice Chair)
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Robert Donnelly, MD—Clinton (Secretary)
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Brett Erickson—Iowa City (Public member)
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Douglas Hoisington, DO—West Des Moines
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Rose Kleyweg Mitchell—Clive (Public member)
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Diane McDonald—Peru (Public member)
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Jerry Rozeboom, MD—Walker
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Victoria Sharp, MD—Iowa City
- VACANT MD board position
The board ensures licensees are qualified
This first edition will start by informing you about one of the board’s most important obligations: helping make the practice of medicine safe in Iowa. To accomplish this, the board has the duty to ensure that its licensees are qualified to practice. In our statutes and rules, there are a myriad of requirements that an applicant must satisfy and provide evidence of their completion to obtain licensure. Once our licensing staff thoroughly vets a candidate for the proper education and training, their work is not done. We require that licensees continue to educate themselves and improve their practice knowledge by taking continuing medical education and update the board when those are completed.
Board members also investigate complaints
The board also investigates complaints against licensees. When a practitioner is accused of breaching their duties as a licensee, the matter is thoroughly investigated by a team of investigators who carefully conduct complex investigations which include inspections, interviews, document review, and peer reviews. The board works with fellow licensees to conduct reviews of their peers’ work to determine whether they deviated from the acceptable standard of care in Iowa. Board members review the investigative materials to determine whether there was a violation.
If it is determined that there is probable cause to believe a licensee has violated our rules, board members preside over formal hearings, make a definitive determination, and issue any corrective or punitive action necessary.
These duties serve both physicians and patients alike in that both can feel confident knowing that the physicians in Iowa possess the critical skills necessary to safely practice medicine. The practice of providing healthcare is one of society’s most important roles. The board takes its duties seriously and will always work to maintain a safe practice environment for our citizens and our licensees.
Board member Dr. Joyce Vista-Wayne departs after three terms
The Iowa Board of Medicine extends its appreciation to Dr. Joyce Vista-Wayne for her dedicated service as a physician board member and recent chair from 2023 to 2025. Dr. Vista-Wayne served nine years on the board and departed on April 30 after serving her third term. She practices psychiatry for adults, children, and adolescents in Des Moines.
Dr. Vista-Wayne's unwavering focus on safeguarding the well-being of Iowa residents and physicians has made her a role model for other board members. Her leadership has been marked by strength, kindness, and thoughtfulness, and her exceptional guidance has been instrumental in facilitating the board’s important work.
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IPHP can help licensees with self-care
Iowa Professional Health Programs (IPHP) help licensees take care of themselves. The goal of the IPHPs is to provide confidential, supportive monitoring that facilitates recovery in a manner that allows licensees to successfully practice their profession. IPHPs use a system of accountability that is nondisciplinary. IPHPs believe that early diagnosis, treatment and monitoring provide the best outcomes for licensees, registrants, and their patients or clients.
For additional information, reach out to Natalie Lyons, program coordinator for the Iowa Professional Health Program (Medicine) at 515.281.6491 or at natalie.lyons@dia.iowa.gov.
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Physicians are responsible for contacting the board to report any changes to their name, address or hospital/clinical privileges. Licensees can also update name or address information on the department's licensing web portal.
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