The Center for Physician Advocacy (CPA) directs the state legislative and lobbying efforts of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). We are responsible for the coordination and development of policy positions, grassroots advocacy campaigns and legislative updates, including production of the IMS Advocate.

Physician and patient advocacy has been the core of IMS' purpose since its creation in 1850. Among the first resolutions adopted at its inaugural meeting was to end the sale of “adulterated drugs and chemicals,” to educate the legislature of the state of Iowa on the issue, and to appeal to those engaged in the trade to supply “pure and unadulterated medicines.” One way the CPA supports advocacy is by organizing Physician Day on the Hill. Each year, the CPA brings physicians together at the seat of Iowa's government to educate the legislature about medicine's most pressing issues.