Join us Wednesday, August 27!
Q Casino & Resort, Reflections Event Space
1855 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA
8 AM – 1 PM
(Speakers starting at 9 AM)
Agenda
8 – 8:45 AM: Registration, Breakfast, Networking
Welcome
Opening remarks and event overview
Medical Associates Strategy and the State of Healthcare in the Tri-State Area
Zach Keeling, CEO, Medical Associates Clinic & Health Plans
The State of Healthcare in Iowa
Dennis Tibben, Lobbyist, CSS Government Relations
The State of HR: Trends Shaping the Workplace
Sarah Hermanson, Founder & CEO, One Above HR
How the Medical Associates Model Delivers Better Care: Medical Associates Provider Panel
John Callahan, MD; Jeffrey Hunter, MD; Brian Sullivan, MD; Erika O’Donnell, MD
Weight Loss Drugs: What Employers Need to Know
Kate Kurt, Clinical Pharmacist, Medical Associates Health Plans
Medical Associates Health Plans Strategy and Model
Nicole Oishi, COO, Medical Associates Health Plans
12 – 1 PM: Lunch and Giveaways
CE Credit Available

This event is approved by SHRM for 3 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward your SHRM-CP© or SHRM-SCP© recertification. It is also approved for 3 HRCI Recertification Credits, as well as continuing education credits for insurance brokers.
Join us for a Medical Associates Health Plans Event! Enjoy lunch, listen to informative speakers, enter to win exciting giveaways, and discover how Medical Associates Health Plans is committed to being your partner in health.
Hear from organizational leaders and health experts as they share insights on the future of healthcare, current challenges and innovations, and how our unique model continues to deliver real value. Whether you’re an existing partner or exploring your options, this event is your opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and learn how we can support your success.
We believe health coverage should be more than a policy. It should be a partnership. Our integrated approach—where your health plan and your doctors work together—continues to deliver high-quality, affordable care, helping organizations like yours achieve better outcomes, greater efficiency, and long-term value.
Let’s move forward, together in health. You have us.
Speakers:
-
Zach Keeling
Medical Associates Clinic & Health Plans CEO
Zach holds over 15 years of experience in healthcare administration and leads the company in providing superior healthcare and an excellent patient experience. In his role, he is committed to driving innovation and fostering collaboration to ensure that Medical Associates Clinic and Health Plans continue to deliver high-quality care and remain at the forefront of the healthcare industry.
-
Nicole Oishi
Medical Associates Health Plans COO
Nicole brings over 30 years of healthcare experience and leads the Health Plans operations with a focus on growth, efficiency, and service. Her background includes leadership roles in physician groups, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and healthcare startups. She is dedicated to strengthening collaboration between Health Plans and providers to better serve employers and members.
-
Kate Kurt
Medical Associates Health Plans Clinical Pharmacist
As the Clinical Pharmacist, Kate oversees and manages all aspects of your employees' pharmacy benefits, works closely with providers to ensure prescribing is in line with current practice guidelines, and acts as a drug information source when clinicians and members have medication-related questions.
-
Sarah Hermanson
One Above HR Founder & CEO
Sarah brings over 30 years of HR and business experience and partners with organizations to strengthen their people practices through practical, customized solutions. As a trusted advisor, she helps employers build strong teams, navigate complex challenges, and create healthy, thriving workplaces where people and businesses grow together.
-
Brian Sullivan, MD
Internal Medicine Physician, Medical Associates Clinic
Dr. Brian Sullivan is a board-certified internal medicine physician who provides comprehensive care for adult patients, with a focus on preventive health and chronic disease management. He currently serves on the Medical Associates Clinic Board of Directors. Dr. Sullivan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and supporting the health of the Dubuque community.
-
John Callahan, MD
Pediatrician Physician, Medical Associates Clinic
Dr. John Callahan is a board-certified pediatrician providing comprehensive care for children from birth through age 18. He treats both acute and chronic conditions and offers well-child services focused on healthy development and disease prevention. Dr. Callahan is dedicated to supporting families and promoting lifelong health for children in the Tri-State area.
-
Jeffrey Hunter, MD
Family Medicine Physician, Bellevue FCN
Dr. Jeffrey Hunter is a board-certified family medicine physician providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages at the Bellevue Family Care Network, a partnership between Medical Associates and MercyOne Medical Center. He offers both immediate and ongoing care, with a focus on managing acute and chronic conditions and supporting long-term wellness for individuals and families in the Bellevue community.
-
Erika O'Donnell, MD
OBGYN Physician, Medical Associates Clinic
Dr. Erika O’Donnell is a board-certified OB/GYN physician who provides comprehensive women’s health services, including care for high-risk and routine pregnancies, annual exams, birth control counseling, and infertility treatment. Born and raised in Dubuque, she is proud to care for women in the Tri-State area and is dedicated to supporting their health at every stage of life.
-
Dennis Tibben
Lobbyist with CSS Government Relations
Dennis Tibben is a multiclient lobbyist with more than 15 years of experience in advocacy and public policy. He has previously served as the Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Medicine and in multiple leadership and government relations roles for the Iowa Medical Society. Throughout his career, he has worked to make the legislative and regulatory process more transparent and approachable.