For Immediate Release

October 28, 2020

Rural Health Association Honors Redfield Medical Provider

Ed Friedmann Recognized as Annual Rural Health Champion

 GRINNELL, IOWA – The Iowa Rural Health Association (IRHA) has bestowed its annual Jerry Karbeling Award for contributions to rural health care to Ed Friedmann, PA-C, of the Redfield Medical Clinic.

The Karbeling Award, named for the late Jerry Karbeling, an IRHA board president and Iowa Pharmacy Association leader, recognizes contributions to rural health care leadership and advocacy.  Friedmann, a member of IRHA and the National Rural Health Association, was recognized during the organization’s annual meeting on Tuesday.

Friedmann has spent the last 35 years serving the people of Redfield and rural Dallas County.  Redfield Mayor Dave Griffith told the IRHA nominating committee Friedmann’s impact has been tremendous.

“Ed is an amazing person, takes the time to explain any questions asked, gives great advice, and he definitely cares about the well-being of his patients,” Griffith wrote. “He takes after hour calls, works weekends, and even makes some house calls! Ed is an amazing PA, confidant and friend to all that know him!”

Another local resident told the committee Friedmann the PA is simply known as “Doc Ed” around Redfield.

“In this day and age it is nice and beneficial for a small community like Redfield to have a tenured practitioner to care for them.  On occasion, he will even make house calls when called upon.  He is very deserving of this award for his tireless commitment to his community, and practice of medicine.”

“Ed Friedmann does more than serve his community and his region, said IRHA Board President Debra Hoyle.  “He’s a mentor for young PAs, a resource for PA students and those considering that career. And Ed is an advocate for rural health care.  He has been an IRHA member for many years and has also been active in the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), serving on their Policy Congress and Legislative Committee.  He’s a perfect example of a Karbeling Award recipient.”

Friedmann is also a regular at NRHA’s annual Policy Meeting in Washington DC – and is the Iowa lead when it comes to making appointments with members of our Congressional delegation during those meeting dates.  House and Senate staff alike know Ed, appreciate his insights and value his policy knowledge.

IHRA is a non-profit organization established in 1993 to ensure optimal health for all Iowans, particularly those in rural areas. As the voice for rural health in the state, IRHA brings attention to the issues that affect rural health providers and helps address those issues by providing educational opportunities, facilitating information sharing, and engaging in advocacy activities.

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