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IOS President's Message

Welcome to IOS's new website! Please browse through the site. Look at our expanded "Resource" section and especially our new "Legislative Corner," which represents a new benefit for IOS members. We’re very excited to be able to offer it.

IOS is one of the oldest oncology state societies in the country. It is a active organization and out-spoken advocate for quality cancer care in Iowa, as evidenced by the following activities:

• We are a proud supporter of the Iowa Cancer Consortium and its upcoming Iowa Cancer Summit.
• IOS sponsors two outstanding conferences a year for all members of the cancer care team, as well as a series of educational programs offered in collaboration with other state societies and the Association of Community Cancer Centers.
• IOS has been very vocal over the years about many issues affecting our practices and our patients, such as talking to payers about the coverage of oncology services. Most recently, we have commented extensively to state and federal policymakers about the shortages of chemotherapy medications.
• We are now working on building relationships with state legislators, regulators, and others in the medical community in Iowa. We hope you enjoy watching it unfold and taking part in this important advocacy project.

If you a part of a cancer care team in Iowa and aren’t an IOS member, please join. If you aren’t active in the Society, attend the conferences and find your niche. We have a lot to do, and we look forward to your involvement in IOS.

Sincerely,
Joe J. Merchant, MD, FACP, President

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What's New at IOS

Dr. Merchant interviewed in Proto article highlighting drug shortage issue

IOS Reacts to Drug Shortages in Oncology:

• Letter from Dr. Merchant
• Response from APP
• Response from TEVA

WPS Responds to High Dollar Claims Questions