Institute of Medicine of Chicago upcoming events

Call for Speakers- 2027 Maternal & Child Health Symposium -Due Nov. 1, 2027 (28 Sep 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Call for Speakers

2027 Maternal & Child Health Symposium

Submittals due Nov. 1, 2026

Download Submittal Form here>

Save the Date

March 30, 2027 - Full Day Symposium

at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital

Questions? We're are here to hep -send us an email at mchsymposium@iomc.org

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Social Determinants of Health Workgroup Meeting (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Social Determinants of Health Workgroup Meeting

By invitation- contact the IOMC office for more information.

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Lead Webinar Team Meeting (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Lead Webinar Team Meeting

By invitation only.

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Pathways to Lead Exposure in Children | Lead Poisoning Prevention Month- Part of IOMC's 'Preventive Medicine Series" (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Pathways to Lead Exposure - Lead Poisoning Prevention Month*

Part of the IOMC's "Preventive Medicine Series"

October 29, 2026

Live Webinar

12:00 PM CT - 1:30 PM CT

The Lead Abatement Resource Center Foundation

Illinois Chapter- American Academy of Pediatrics

Join the progress against childhood lead poisoning.

Leading into the Institute of Medicine of Chicago's "Preventive Medicine Series," National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 25-31, 2026 and it is also Children's Health Month.

IOMC proudly joins the global, national and local initiative to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

*October marks Lead Poisoning Prevention Month—a critical opportunity to spotlight the serious risks of lead exposure, particularly for children (US Environmental Protection Agency).

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) will take place October 25–31, 2026. This collaborative effort, led by the U.S. EPA, CDC, and HUD, unites organizations and communities to amplify awareness and drive action. The 2026 national theme, "Keep Kids Safe from Lead," calls on everyone to work together to eliminate lead hazards and protect children’s futures. The Lead Abatement Resource Center Foundation's (LARC Foundation) mission is to protect and eliminate blood lead levels in children. They do this through education, advocacy, and research on the child, the family, and the community.

Lead poisoning continues to endanger children’s health across the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 3.3 million families with a child under age six are at risk due to lead-based paint hazards in their homes. In addition in Chicago, lead pipes replacement projects are underway. Even minimal lead exposure can significantly impact a child’s intellect, concentration, behavior, and academic performance. NLPPW shines a spotlight on the proactive steps parents, caregivers, and communities can take to safeguard children and prevent the lifelong consequences of lead exposure.

The CDC urges blood testing to identify lead exposure early. Blood lead levels (BLLs), measured in micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL), provide critical information for health interventions. Healthcare professionals are advised to follow CDC guidelines for interpreting both screening and confirmatory BLL results. Timely action after testing can make all the difference in a child’s health trajectory.

IOMC is a collaborative research partner in preventative health, disease prevention, environmental health, and community health management. IOMC's Programmatic Focus includes Maternal & Child Health and Pathways to Lead Exposure.

Learning Objectives

By attending this webinar, you are:

Supporting Lead Poisoning Prevention Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure, especially in children.
Learning the facts on children's blood lead testing, including early detection.
Obtaining valuable information, as all children in Chicago are at risk for lead poisoning (CDPH).
Acquiring information on lead exposure symptoms and co-occurring symptoms and their relationship to developmental delays and disabilities.
Identifying how to move forward and protecting children and families.

SPEAKERS

Barry S. Eisenberg, CAE, MA

Fellow, IOMC

Chairman, Lead Abatement Resource Center Foundation

Barry S. Eisenberg joined the Board of the LARC Foundation in 2018 and became Board Chair in 2020. He is a leading advocate for preventing lead exposure especially in children for the LARC Foundation.

In 2017, he retired as Executive Director of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) – a position he held since 2001. Prior to joining ACOEM, Mr. Eisenberg was employed at the American Medical Association (AMA) in Chicago, where he held a number of positions in economic research, strategic planning, health policy development, and as Vice President for Membership and Information Services.

Previously he served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE). He was elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC) in 2004 and served in a variety of leadership capacities within the Institute, including as President from 2012-2015. Mr. Eisenberg holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Ill., and Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Deborah L. Schwartz, MD

Director, Lurie Children’s Lead Evaluation Program

Attending Physician, Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Lurie Children’s Hospital

Instructor of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Representing: Illinois Chapter - American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. Deborah L. Schwartz is the medical director of the Lead Evaluation Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where she also practices general pediatrics in the division of Advanced General Pediatrics & Primary Care. She graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her residency in pediatrics at Northwestern University. She is a board certified pediatrician and Instructor of Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN

Fellow, IOMC

Director, RN-BSN -School of Nursing, UOI- Chicago

Certified School Nurse

Ms. Barrera, is a public health nurse leader, experienced school nurse, educator, and innovator whose career reflects a deep commitment to advancing health equity and empowering nurses to create meaningful change. She serves as the Director of an RN to BSN Program at a University, where she leads one of the nation’s top-ranked online nursing programs.

An expert in public health, and a recently published author, Ms. Barrera is a nationally recognized speaker on issues affecting school-aged children and the intersection of health, education, and policy. As the first Latina President of the Illinois Association of School Nurses, she launched the state’s first School Nurse Lobby Day, secured funding for the School Nurse Capacity Study, strengthened engagement with members, and led the development of the School Nurse Toolkit on Vaccines. She has more than 16 years of experience in school nursing, and continues her passion for the specialty while pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. A visionary leader, she designs programs that cultivate advocacy, leadership, and professional growth. She co-founded the Society of Latinx Nurses (SOLN) to promote representation and leadership within the profession.

About the LARC Foundation

The Lead Abatement Resource Center Foundation (LARC Foundation) is an independent nonprofit organization (501c3) dedicated to eliminating positive blood levels in children. We do this through education, advocacy, and research on the child, the family, and the community.

In children especially, a positive blood lead level results in cognitive impairment and a lifetime of mental and physical health challenges. There is no acceptable level of lead exposure.

Today, we are engaged in a broad lead awareness campaign focused on communities where there is a known propensity of measured blood lead levels in children. Our program framework describes the primary sources of lead contamination; offers practical prevention methods, and identifies resources for testing, evaluation, care, and if necessary, remediation.

The LARC “framework,” addresses public health, healthcare, and environmental issues.

We are evaluating, implementing, advocating, educating, and researching effective solutions to all types of lead hazards in the environment through cooperative partnerships with community groups, government agencies, businesses, and individuals. www.larcusa.org

About the Illinois Chapter- American Academy of Pediatrics

The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, also known as ICAAP, is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization made up of over 2,000 pediatricians in Illinois. As an organization, we work to build stronger communities by improving health care for children in our state.

When children are healthy, they spend more time at school, participating in group activities, and building their character. This leads to healthier lifelong habits that contribute to a more stable career, stronger relationships with others, and sets the foundation for their children to become healthy adults as well. When healthy adults are working, contributing to the economy, buying local goods, connecting with local organizations, and engaging with their neighbors, it creates stronger communities that thrive.

ICAAP improves the health and well-being of all children in Illinois through three main functions including the development of better public health programs, the direct support of pediatricians through education and resources, and with state-wide advocacy focusing on creating larger change to health care cost, access, and delivery. www.illinoisaap.org.

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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Thanksgiving Holiday (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Thanksgiving Holiday

Office closed.

We will open on November 30, 2026 at 8:30 AM CT.

Have a safe and healthy holiday~

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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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Christmas Holiday (24 Dec 2026)

Thu, 24 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Christmas Holiday

Office closed.

We will be open on January 4, 2027 at 8:30 AM CT.

Have a safe and healthy holiday~

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Executive Committee Meeting (5 Jan 2027)

Wed, 06 Jan 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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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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Executive Committee Meeting (2 Feb 2027)

Wed, 03 Feb 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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Lincoln's Birthday (12 Feb 2027)

Fri, 12 Feb 2027 06:01:00 GMT

Lincoln's Birthday

Office closed.

The office will be open on Monday, Feb. 15, 2027 at 8:30 AM CT.

Enjoy your day~

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Executive Committee Meeting (2 Mar 2027)

Wed, 03 Mar 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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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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Easter Holiday (26 Mar 2027)

Fri, 26 Mar 2027 05:01:00 GMT

Easter Holiday

Office closed.

The IOMC office will be open on March 29, 2026 at 8:30 AM CT.

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2027 Maternal & Child Health Symposium (30 Mar 2027)

Tue, 30 Mar 2027 13:30:00 GMT

_________________________________________________________________________________________

2027 Maternal & Child Health Symposium

March 30, 2027

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM CT

CALL FOR SPEAKERS - ABSTRACTS DUE

November 1, 2026

Download form here>

Location: Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital

155 E Brush Hill Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Sessions & Presentations

Networking

Exhibits

Lunch and Refreshments

Questions? Contact us at mchsymposium@iomc.org

Check back with us for more details!

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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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Executive Committee Meeting (6 Apr 2027)

Tue, 06 Apr 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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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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Executive Committee Meeting (4 May 2027)

Tue, 04 May 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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Memorial Day Holiday (29 May 2027)

Sat, 29 May 2027 13:30:00 GMT

Memorial Day Holiday

The office is closed.

We will be open on June 1, 2027 at 8:30 AM CT.

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Executive Committee Meeting (1 Jun 2027)

Tue, 01 Jun 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Executive Committee Meeting

Closed meeting; by invitation only.

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2027 Leadership Awards & Annual Meeting (24 Jun 2027)

Thu, 24 Jun 2027 22:00:00 GMT

2027 Annual Leadership Awards & Annual Meeting

SAVE the DATE

June 24, 2026

Check back with us for more details.

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National Public Health Week (3 Apr 2028)

Mon, 03 Apr 2028 05:01:00 GMT