The Institute of Medicine of Chicago, founded in 1915, is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through a range of interdisciplinary approaches including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement. With public health at its core, IOMC is building new programs and services to better meet the needs of its members, Chicago, counties, and the State of Illinois community.
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The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is a dynamic, forward moving association that unites industry leaders, community advocacy groups, and experts throughout the Chicagoland area and the State of Illinois. Our Fellows—comprising clinicians, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, lawyers, policymakers, advocates, academic leaders, hospital leaders, academics, industry leaders and executives—are dedicated to driving meaningful change and who play a role in the transforming the public and healthcare field.
The Institute focuses sharply on critical areas such as access to care, behavioral health, maternal and child health, homelessness, and social determinants of health, as well as addressing social challenges and improving resources for better health outcomes. Through decisive collaborative discussions and rigorous evidence-based strategies, the Institute is committed to tackling disparities and transforming healthcare in our communities. More>
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| RECENT EVENTS |
2026 — From the president's DeskLetter from the IOMC President Lorenzo Pence, DO, FACOFP, FAODME A MESSAGE TO OUR FELLOWS and COLLEAGUES Dear Fellow and Colleagues: Thank you all for joining us over the past year and for making the Institute of Medicine of Chicago a vital entity addressing health equity and healthcare disparities. This past year was my second term as President, and it was an honor. I give credit to the Institute's founders for their foresight in creating this valuable organization. As the original founders—Drs. Frank Billings, Ludvig Hektoen, William Allen Pusey, and 26 other physicians—our objective has been to raise awareness of healthcare disparities, educate others, and discuss options to improve health equity for all. I am grateful to the Board of Governors for their efforts this past year. The Institute prioritized working with leaders who combine vision and execution. These individuals address systemic barriers and deliver improvements in population health. Key qualities include commitment to underserved communities, partnership-building, and the development of workable solutions. In the past year, the Institute emphasized partnerships for health equity, and today we honor awardees committed to expanding access and improving outcomes. In the past year, the Institute of Medicine of Chicago: -Conducted the 10th State of Health of Chicago (biennial event) -Continued its efforts to establish and determine important areas to address in the IOMC Behavioral Health Workgroup -Addressed issues on lead exposure, especially in children, with the Lead Abatement Resource Center Foundation -Discussed the advantages and myths of fluoride & its safety with the University of Iowa - College of Dentistry -Appreciated the scope of the behavioral health crisis nationally and locally with Cook County Health. -Expanded ACHIEVE, the student career and networking program, to men and women who are underrepresented and enrolled in an accredited medical or dental program. It is an honor to recognize our 2026 Leadership Award Recipients for their impact on healthcare. The next phase of leadership will expand the Institute's impact through partnerships. We will also increase the visibility of successful health equity models. Strengthening engagement across academic, clinical, and community stakeholders is key to our strategy. I am confident the 2026-2027 Board of Governors will succeed with Archana Chatterjee, MD, PhD, as the 2026-2027 President. With this new board, the Institute of Medicine of Chicago will continue its success next year and set the pace for years to come. Thank you for your generous support and kindness over the past year. Sincerely, Institute of Medicine of Chicago Lorenzo Pence, DO, FACOFP, FAODME 2025-2026 President, Billings Fellow SVP, Osteopathic Accreditation, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
COVID-19 Are you looking for resources to manage COVID-19? This info covers background, research, and comprehensive sites with links to specific resources from highly-respected sources. Download a copy | IOMC PRESIDENT |
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