 Alumni
Interviews:
Kenton Moss, M.D.
"It’s a wonderful profession that involves
lifelong learning and the excitement of new discoveries and advancement
in medicine. There is always something more to learn."
By Allison Frederick,
Health Science Relations
Moss Named 2004 Iowa Family Physician of the Year
As a family practitioner of 23 years, Kenton Moss, M.D. considers
himself blessed. Moss works in the Kossuth Family Health Center
in Algona, Iowa, and also holds an appointment as clinical associate
professor in the University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine. "
I am very fortunate," Moss said. "I really enjoy what
I do, having the opportunity to use my skills to help people in
their time of greatest need. It’s a wonderful profession
that involves lifelong learning and the excitement of new discoveries
and advancement in medicine. There is always something more to
learn."
This August, Moss was named 2004 Iowa Family Physician of the Year.
After being nominated by his patients, the chosen candidate was
selected among more than 2,000 other physicians in the state by
the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians.
"
I’m honored because it is nice to be nominated by your patients
and selected by your peers," Moss said. "It is a real
pleasure in life to be able to make a difference."
Moss graduated from the UI with a bachelor’s degree in 1974
and his M.D. degree in 1978. He went on to complete his family
practice residency at the Davenport Medical Education Foundation
in Davenport, Iowa.
Moss reflects on his experience at the UI as a "great one."
After competing a short time for the UI wrestling team in 1970,
Moss was also a cheerleader for three years. A self-proclaimed "huge
Hawkeye fan," he continues to make frequent trips to Iowa
City to support football, basketball, and wrestling programs throughout
the year.
"
I enjoy living in a rural Iowa atmosphere," said Moss. "I
didn’t want to get too far away from the Hawks."
Moss lives in Algona with his wife, Kathy, of 28 years and son,
Drew, a junior at Algona High School. He also has two daughters:
the eldest, Lindsay, is a Spanish teacher in Toledo, Iowa, while
Amber is a junior in pre-med at the University of Northern Iowa
in Cedar Falls.
As a three-year member of the First Practicing Physicians Advisory
Council from 1995 to 1998, Moss was one of 12 medical professionals
in the United States to represent physicians on the congressionally
mandated committee. He remains active professionally and continues
to make significant contributions for the advancement of family
medicine.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors of several institutions,
including the North Iowa Health System, Wellmark Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of Iowa and South Dakota, Wellmark Health Plans of
Iowa, and the Iowa Medical Society. He is also a life member of
the UI chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, which focuses
on leadership and academic achievement.
"
I keep busy while trying to make a difference," Moss said. "With
Wellmark Health Plans of Iowa, we are sponsoring studies to try
to change the way medicine is paid for, to improve the quality
of care given, and improve the value of the dollar spent on health
care. This is cutting edge innovation, and the UI is doing good
things as a partner in these studies," he added.
Moss has also made a lasting impact in his hometown community.
He founded the Algona YMCA facility in 1981, and served as past
president and chairperson. Now with only one phase from completion
of the original plan, current membership totals 3,400--more than
half of the 6,000 people of Algona.
"
When my wife and I first came here, Algona had everything except
a facility like this," Moss said. "It is one of my biggest
achievements and something I am very proud of. It is a great asset
to the community and a means to further general health and wellness."
Moss enjoys cycling, and recently completed his 16th RAGBRAI
season with his wife this past summer. Moss also enjoys flying
as well
as riding horses.
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