Des Moines March, Rally in Support of Primary Care Physicians

Tomorrow's Event Part of Primary Care Week

DES MOINES, IA (10/22/2009)(readMedia)-- In honor of national primary care week, a march and rally will be held Friday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m., in Des Moines.

"Fostering a new generation of primary care providers is essential to the well-being of the healthcare system. Potential improvements in America's healthcare system will not be realized if there is not an adequate workforce to care for our aging population and our patients with chronic disease. Time and time again, research has shown primary care provides better care at lower costs," Jon Van Der Veer, D.O., DMU class of 2009.

Primary care is a title generally referring to clinicians in general practice, family medicine, internal medicine or pediatrics, providing preventive and necessary care. The American College of Physicians estimates that by the year 2015, 150 million Americans will have one or more chronic conditions. They say that as the aging population grows and more patient visits are required, more primary care providers will be needed. Instead, the primary care field is diminishing, often due to high patient loads, declining revenue and increased administrative hassles.

To recognize the critical role primary care physicians play in healthcare, a group of Des Moines University students and alumni will march from Nollen Plaza to the Capitol. At the plaza, the following physicians will speak:

  • Dr. Lauren Hughes, national president, American Medical Student Association
  • Dr. Kendall Reed, dean, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Dr. Larry Severidt, program director, Broadlawns Family Medicine Residency
  • Dr. Dick LeBlond, Iowa chapter governor, American College of Physicians

After the rally and march, participants are invited back to the Des Moines University Student Education Center, 3300 Grand Ave., for refreshments.

For more info about primary care week, visit www.amsa.org/pc. For more information about this event, please contact Dr. Jon Van Der Veer at 319-530-3786.