The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research center is proud to highlight the Pediatric Healthy Weigh Clinic, one of two winners of the 2025 High Impact Proposal challenge at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The proposed clinic was awarded $410,000 to support its mission of improving health outcomes for children with obesity.

The clinic will be led by Drs. Uzma Rani, Gabriel Castano-Heredia, and Aamer Imdad, who bring expertise from general pediatrics, pediatric endocrinology, and pediatric gastroenterology. Their approach will combine medical care with behavioral therapy, nutritional guidance, and physical activity programming, all in a single, coordinated setting. The clinic is also designed to serve as a central resource for providers throughout Iowa and neighboring states, using telemedicine and partnerships with local and national programs to expand access to care.

The clinic’s founders are working to build collaborations with organizations such as Child and Community Health and Child Heath Specialty Clinics, the Healthy LifeStars Program and the Institute of Healthy Childhood Weight to help the clinic connect with families and communities statewide. In addition, the clinic will provide training opportunities for medical students, residents, and advanced practice providers, ensuring the next generation of clinicians is well prepared to address pediatric obesity.

Dr. Andrew Norris, interim co-director of the FOEDRC, contributed as an advisor during the proposal development process. While the clinic is not yet open to patients and details about its location and launch are still being finalized, it represents a step forward in creating accessible, high quality care for children in the region facing obesity and related health challenges.