Institute of Medicine of Chicago upcoming events

Executive Committee Meeting (4 Aug 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting by invitation only.

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Advancing Health C.A.R.E. Symposium (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Advancing Health C.A.R.E. Symposium

August 15, 2026

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is proud to be a supporter of this symposium.

How does our collective work—academic research, student field experiences, and grassroots advocacy—translate into real-world impact for the communities we serve? Learn more at the upcoming symposium.

You are invited to explore this question together at our upcoming symposium, Advancing Health C.A.R.E.: Community, Action, and Research for Equity. Hosted by the Michael Reese Foundation Center for Health Equity Research, Chicago Medical School Community Health & Engagement, and the Department of Population Health & Administration, and the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, this collaborative event at Rosalind Franklin University is designed to bridge the gap between campus and community to address the structural drivers of health inequities.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

RWCLC 2.068 (RFUMS Campus, 3333 Green Bay Road in North Chicago) or via Zoom

RSVP: Click here
Perk: A complimentary networking lunch & refreshments will be provided for all in-person attendees.
Download document here>

What to Expect

Our program features an opening keynote address from RFUMS President and community advocate Dr. Aron Sousa, and unique "triad" panels that bring together a faculty researcher, an RFU student leader, and a community member with on-the-ground experience. Sessions will dive into critical local issues, including LGBTQ+ mental health, tobacco and substance use trends, workforce development in pathway programs, and an interactive demonstration of the new Lake County Health Atlas data dashboard. Come to be inspired by students, learn from RFU faculty, and network with Lake County community organizations. Full agenda here (subject to change).

Showcase Your Work: Calls for Submissions

This symposium relies on the diverse voices of our faculty, students, and community advocates. We invite you to feature your efforts in one of two ways during our noon-hour session:

1. Invited Poster Presentations (Faculty, Staff, Students, & Partners): We are seeking posters that highlight community-based research, population health projects, or advocacy initiatives aimed at advancing health equity. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase how your academic work or field experiences address structural drivers of health. Posters must have been accepted at other conferences.
2. "Structural Lenses" Equity Gallery: Health is shaped by the environments where we live, work, and play. Everyone is invited to submit a single, powerful photograph that captures a structural determinant of health in action, paired with a brief description. [Submit your photo here!]

How to Join Us

Whether you are attending to share your research, connect with local grassroots organizations for future collaborations, or support our student presenters, your voice is a vital part of this conversation.

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Labor Day Holiday (7 Sep 2026)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Labor Day

Office closed for the holiday.

We will return to the office on Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 8:30 AM CT.

Have a safe and healthy holiday.

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Executive Committee Meeting (8 Sep 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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Executive Committee Meeting (8 Sep 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting by invitation only.

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Board of Governors Meeting (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Board of Governors Meeting

Virtual Meeting

By invitation only- closed meeting.

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2nd Maternal & Child Health Symposium (28 Sep 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

2nd Maternal & Child Health Symposium

September 28, 2026

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM CT

Full Day

This activity is approved for up to 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Malcolm X College

1900 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612

Main Building – 1^st Floor - Conference Center Hall 1106-1107

Convenient parking available on campus.

More details soon.

OVERVIEW

The 2nd Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC) Maternal & Child Health Symposium will bring together healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, educators, policymakers, and community organizations to explore the latest advances in maternal and child health. This interdisciplinary symposium will focus on the intersection of clinical care, public health, social determinants of health, and community partnerships to improve outcomes for mothers, infants, children, and families.

Through evidence-based presentations and collaborative discussions, participants will examine innovative approaches to addressing maternal health disparities, improving access to care, leveraging emerging technologies, and strengthening community-based solutions. The symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and identify actionable strategies that advance health equity and improve maternal and child health outcomes across our communities. Together, we can build healthier futures for all families! We can’t wait to see you there!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By attending the symposium, you will be able to:

1. Describe current evidence related to maternal and child health disparities and their underlying social, structural, and clinical determinants.

2. Discuss innovative models of care that improve maternal and infant outcomes through culturally responsive and community-based interventions.

3. Evaluate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and digital health technologies in advancing maternal health equity.

4. Incorporate evidence-based approaches for managing obesity, oral health, and other factors affecting maternal and child outcomes into clinical practice.

5. Identify interdisciplinary and policy strategies that promote equitable, high-quality maternal and child healthcare.

Open to All! Come and join us!

Do you need a Justifcation letter? Download a Request to Attend Letter here>

AGENDA

8:30 AM Registration & Networking

9:00 AM Introduction & Announcements

Deborah Hodges, MA- IDS, Association Manager & Program Manager

9:05 AM Welcome, Objectives & Goals

Beena Peters, DNP, MS, RN, FACHE, FABC, Fellow, IOMC

Chief Clinical Officer, HRTLY

Chair, IOMC Maternal & Child Health Workgroup

PRESENTATIONS

9:15 AM

Simbo Ige, MD, MPH, Fellow, IOMC

Formerly City of Chicago-Commissioner of Public Health

Chicago Infant Mortality Rates Contribute to Racial Life Expectancy Gaps

9:45 AM

Lovelle Reynolds, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CPN, CNE

Assistant Professor, Malcolm X College

Structural and Social Determinants of Maternal and Child Health: Implications for Clinical Practice

10:15 AM

Karie Stewart, MPH, MSN, CNM, APRN, FACNM

Certified Nurse Midwife

UI Health - Mile Square Auburn-Gresham Clinic

Ian Jasenof, MD, FACOG, MHA, CPE, Fellow, IOMC

Chief Medical Officer, UI Health – Mile Square

Community Maternal Health Care: A Culturally-Adapted Model

10:45 AM Break

11:00 AM

Jacqueline Hairston, MD

Assistant Professor, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Obesity and Obstetric Care

11:30 AM

Melissa Simon, MD, MBA, MPH, Fellow, IOMC

Vice Chair for Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

George H. Gardner, MD, Professor of Clinical Gynecology

Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology (General Obstetrics and Gynecology), Preventive Medicine, Medical Social Sciences(Implementation Science).

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Algorithmic Justice: Can AI and FemTech Actually Reduce — Rather Than Deepen — Maternal Health Disparities

12:00 PM Lunch & Networking

12: 45 PM

Aron Sousa, MD, FACP, Fellow, IOMC

President, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Improvement in the Health of Moms & Babies through Cash

1:15 PM Panel

Ian Jasenof, MD, FACOG, MHA, CPE, Fellow, IOMC, Moderator

Chief Medical Officer, UI Health – Mile Square

Vice Chair, Maternal & Child Health Workgroup, IOMC

Panelists

Tonia Branche, MD, MPH

Associate Medical Director of Maternal Child Health Initiative, Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities

Integrated, Equity-driven, Clinical and Community-based Support for Maternal & Child Health

Lisa Green, DO, MPH, Fellow, IOMC

CEO / Founder, Family Christian Health Center

Community Centered Maternal Freedom Medicine- Addressing Level II Ultrasounds for High-Risk Patients

Marie Heffernan, PhD

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

Director, Voices of Child Health in Chicago

Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center | Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Sensory Overload Research of Parents Experience

Karin Weber-Gasparoni, PhD, DDS, MS

Professor and Head of Pediatric Dentistry - The University of Iowa

Oral Health & Maternal Health – What's the Connection?

2:15 PM Open - Key Take-Aways

Q & A Session

2:45 PM Closing Remarks

Beena Peters, DNP, RN, FACHE, FABC, FAAN, Fellow, IOMC

Chair, IOMC Maternal & Child Health Workgroup

3:00 PM Adjournment

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Physician Credit*

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and the Institute of Medicine of Chicago. The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Other Participant Credit

Other participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. For information on the applicability and acceptance of Certificates of Participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME, please consult your professional licensing board.

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS WELCOME

Download Sponsorship Brochure here>

Sponsorships Available - from $1,000+

Exhibitor Tables Available $1,000.00

Six-foot covered table, Full Symposium-One Ticket, Lunch, Networking and Recognition- communications, materials, event page, and recognition at the symposium.

Reserve your exhibit table by using the Register button or download the brochure, complete the contract form and submit to Sponsorship@iomc.org.

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Executive Committee Meeting (6 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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Executive Committee Meeting (3 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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Live Webinar: Expanding Equitable Access to Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Care Through Primary Care Workforce Development (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Advancing Cancer Prevention, Survivorship Care, and Health Equity

Live Webinar

November 17, 2026

12:00 OM CT - 1:30 OM CT

Learning Objectives

By attending this webinar, you will be able to:

Describe the role of oncogeneralists in expanding cancer prevention and survivorship care within primary care settings.
Discuss how workforce development models can help reduce disparities in cancer outcomes and improve health equity.
Identify key survivorship and high-risk cancer prevention services that can be integrated into primary care practice.
Recognize strategies for implementing scalable, community-based training programs to support primary care providers in delivering cancer prevention and survivorship care.

Speaker

Pamela Ganschow, MD, University of Illinois Cancer Center

Look for more details soon.

Interested in sponsoring this program, send an email to sponsorship@iomc.org.

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Board of Governors Meeting (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Board of Governors Meeting

Virtual Meeting

By invitation only- closed meeting.

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Executive Committee Meeting (1 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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2026 Leadership Summit (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

SAVE the DATE

2026 Leadership Summit

December 16, 2026

5:00 - 8:00 PM CT

Maggiano's Little Italy -Grand Ballroom

Lively spirits and small plates- delicious appetizer buffet & desserts.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is proud to host its biennial Leadership Summit on December 16, 2026. It will be informative and festive occasion.

This year’s summit brings together three distinguished speakers who will explore the most urgent issues shaping healthcare today—locally and nationally. Each keynote will illuminate the state of healthcare, highlight persistent challenges, and share innovative strategies for advancing health equity. In a time marked by economic and policy uncertainty, our shared commitment to equity and collaboration has never been more vital.

Beyond inspiring keynotes, attendees will enjoy dynamic networking sessions, engaging exhibits, and a festive atmosphere as we celebrate the close of 2026 and look ahead with optimism to the coming year. Join us to connect, learn, and be inspired.

We welcome your involvement and look forward to collaborating with you.

Sponsors and Exhibitors: Prospective sponsors and exhibitors are invited to reach out for partnership opportunities at sponsorship@iomc.org.

Check back with us for more details!

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Board of Governors Meeting (19 Jan 2027)

Tue, 19 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Board of Governors Meeting

Virtual Meeting

By invitation only- closed meeting.

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Board of Governors Meeting (16 Mar 2027)

Tue, 16 Mar 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Board of Governors Meeting

Virtual Meeting

By invitation only- closed meeting.

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National Public Health Week (5 Apr 2027)

Mon, 05 Apr 2027 05:01:00 GMT

National Public Health Week

April 5–11, 2027

...Take a moment to recognize how public health has improved our daily lives, safeguarded our families, expanded our life spans, and strengthened our communities. This week is also a chance to honor the public health workers who show up for us every day — and to advocate for policies and practices that promote good health for all. [APHA]

Check back with us on activities for this special week.

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Board of Governors Meeting (4 May 2027)

Tue, 04 May 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Board of Governors Meeting

Virtual Meeting

By invitation only- closed meeting.

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National Public Health Week (3 Apr 2028)

Mon, 03 Apr 2028 05:01:00 GMT