Michael McCoy, M.D., Great River Women’s Health, recently received
the Iowa Medical Society’s (IMS) Merit Award for significant contributions
to the medical profession and the society.
Dr. McCoy chaired the 2013 IMS Tort Reform Task Force, which sought to
identify new policy options and break IMS’s decade-long medical
malpractice reform impasse at the state leg
Candor supports patients and physicians when unanticipated health outcomes
occur. The task force’s report included a recommendation to pursue
legislation to establish a Communication and Optimal Resolution (Candor)
program in Iowa. Gov. Terry Branstad signed the legislation into law March 31.
- Emphasizes system improvements to prevent incidents from reoccurring
- Helps physicians facilitate open, confidential, productive conversations
with patients and their families
- Provides a process for rapid, thorough investigation
- Provides resources and peer support
- Strengthens communication
“It is unusual to bestow this award on a sitting board member,”
IMS Past President Jeff Maire, D.O., said during the awards ceremony.
“But tonight’s honoree has provided unusual leadership and
commitment on an issue of priority to IMS members: medical malpractice
reform.”
Founded in 1850, IMS is Iowa’s largest statewide professional organization
for physicians. Its core purpose is to assure the highest quality health
care in Iowa through its role as physician and patient advocate.