SEIRMC sets summer cancer survivors' class

WEST BURLINGTON – Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington, will host A Time To Heal Survivorship 101, a nine-week program for cancer survivors. The program will start on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and be held every Thursday through September 3, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. in the Cancer Care Conference room located in Suite in Mercy Plaza on the West Burlington campus.
This program is geared toward helping cancer survivors adjust to their “new normal” with specially trained facilitators. Participants will share their journey with other cancer survivors and their caregivers, gaining support and fellowship.  Topics include research-based advice on nutrition, exercise, intimacy, and reducing anxiety. 
Participants can register by calling the program coordinator at 319-768-3445.
This program is made possible by the Iowa Cancer Consortium and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services with funding from the Great River Health Foundation.

Immunization Clinic Thursday
FORT MADISON - Lee County Health Department will be holding a Children’s Immunization Clinic Thursday, May 28th, 2026 from 1:00 pm until 4:30pm at Lee County Health Department, 5001 Ave O in Fort Madison, IA.
The clinic is open to children who have no insurance, are insured by Iowa Medicaid (MCO) or those who have private health insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines.  Written parental consent is required for minors to receive vaccinations when in the care of another adult. (Please visit our website for a consent form.)
Free lead testing is available for all children ages 6 months to 6 years who reside in Iowa. Please call for appointment.
Please call 1-319-372-5225 with questions or visit our website at www.leecountyhd.org.
Currently, we are giving childhood immunizations by appointment only. Please call 319-372-5225 to schedule an appointment.

Sharif named ATSU Preceptor of the Year
WEST BURLINGTON - Dr. Aftab Sharif, Hospitalist with Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, was honored as the Regional Preceptor of the Year for A.T. Still University (ATSU) in Kirksville, Missouri.  
 Dr. Sharif was nominated by an ATSU medical student currently completing their clinical rotations at Great River Health. They wrote, “Throughout our internal medicine rotation, Dr. Sharif was deeply invested in medical student education and mentorship. He prioritized hands-on learning by coaching us in effective history taking and clear, organized patient presentations. He dedicated time to delivering lectures/presentations on key clinical topics relevant to our training. He also served as a preceptor and mentor even during months when he was not formally assigned a medical student. Dr. Sharif further demonstrated his commitment to our development through his willingness to help support board preparation, provide guidance on case reports, and encourage academic writing and publication.”
 Three ATSU medical students are currently completing clinical rotations at Great River Health, gaining hands-on experience from the medical providers throughout the health system.   
A preceptor is a seasoned healthcare professional who mentors and guides students during their clinical rotations. They share their passion and expertise, helping to shape the next generation of doctors.  
Dr. Bryan Blacker, Pediatrics-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, was awarded this honor for 2025.
 Dr. Sharif cares for inpatients at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.