About Us

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Free Medical and Dental Clinic are committed to the belief that access to affordable health care is a basic human right. The Clinic exists to provide the widest scope of primary care possible to those who do not have access to other health care providers. While care is provided at no cost, it is also provided within the constraints imposed by the use of volunteers and limited resources. 

Our Staff

The ICFMC has a small group of dedicated staff members working to serve Iowa City and surrounding communities. 

Barbara Vinograde

Executive Director (with FMC since 1992!)

Iowa native Barbara Vinograde loves working with volunteers who are just beginning their medical careers. When she’s not at FMC, you might find her enjoying her back yard with her sweet dog, Cooper. She loves the outdoors, especially the mountains and the desert. She enjoys reading, music, drinking coffee, and buying books at Prairie Lights. She has a background in music performance and loves listening to Beethoven. She has been a proud employee of FMC since 1992!

  • Barbara says, “I’ve always known the health care system in the United States was very flawed, and I wanted to work to make it better. I’m still working on that.”


Cecilia Norris, MD

Medical Director since 2005

Hailing from Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Norris leads a busy life. When she’s not driving her three children to their various activities or walking her dogs, Shelby & Mocha, you might find her volunteering with the Girl Scouts, her church, or local schools.

  • Dr. Norris says, “I think that health care should be a right and that we all have a responsibility to help those in need however our talents allow us to. I am fortunate to be able to do this in an environment that is inclusive, understanding and committed to give patients the best health care we can.”

Jennifer Miller

Case Manager since 2001

Jennifer began her relationship with FMC as a fledgling volunteer in 1986. A long-time Iowa City resident, she lives with her actor turned lawyer husband, daughter, two enormous cats and one very loquacious dog. Her favorites include popcorn, Coca Cola, the color purple, Irises, and chocolate desserts. She lived in France during her youth, speaks fluent French, and dabbles in Spanish.

  • Jennifer says, "It's been really exciting and rewarding to work with the Clinic for such a long time, and to witness the increase in the types of services we have available. I know in the future we will continue to do more. "

Michael Catney, RN, MA

Staff Nurse since 2007

Mike worked at the local VA Hospital for 35 years prior to joining FMC, first as a volunteer, and later as a paid employee. He lives with his wife, and has two grown children. His favorite activities include flying, golfing and traveling. He doesn’t mind doing odd jobs around the house, and occasionally enjoys yard work.

  • Mike says: “I am proud to be a part of providing the much needed service and care that the Free Clinic gives to those in need.”

Melanie Berry

Clinic & Volunteer Coordinator since 2010

A west coast transplant, Melanie came to FMC as a volunteer in 2006. She’s into camping, yoga, knitting/crocheting, and going on long adventure walks with her dog. Prior to working at FMC, Melanie worked for Parents as Teachers in Washington County, where she visited families with young children. When she’s not at FMC, she is usually looking for adventure, volunteering with Iowa City Hospice, or at a local concert.

  • Melanie says: “I believe the experience FMC provides to both patients and volunteers is invaluable, and I feel privileged to be a part of this group of people.”

William Riker, PA-C

Clinic Assistant since 2004

Known as Guillermo to his Spanish-speaking friends and Enrico to his Italian friends, William has been involved with FMC since 2003. He also works with Proteus, caring for migrant farm workers in Iowa. His passions include learning other languages, and watching movies or hearing music in foreign languages. When not at FMC or working with Proteus, you might find him out golfing, or at the dog park with his little dog, Jasper.

  • William says: “It’s amazing to be associated with an organization with such an important mission.”

Seth Owens

Office Manager since 2011

Originally from Marengo, Seth moved to Iowa City after spending some time in Missouri and Florida. In addition to working at FMC he spends his time at La Reyna or volunteering at the Crisis Center. When he’s not working he enjoys going on walks, biking, baking delicious eats, and watching Golden Girls reruns with his dog Moose.

  • Seth says: “Working at the clinic is really fulfilling. Access to health care is something everyone deserves. It’s great to work alongside so many people that agree and are doing their best to provide it to the people that need it the most.”

Whitney Weber, RDA

Dental Assistant since 2011

Whitney joined FMC after a dentist she worked with began volunteering here. Her favorites include pasta, the color purple, and country music, and she enjoys golfing, working out, and shopping. A graduate from Minnesota State University with a background in Community Health, she chose to work as a dental assistant in order to give something back to her community.

  • Whitney says: "I enjoy working as an assistant because there are so many individuals with oral hygiene needs, and it's extremely rewarding knowing that I have contributed and made an impact on their visit."

 

 

Board Members

As a non-profit organization, FMC is governed by a Board of Directors. Board members serve a three-year term, and have the option to remain for a second term. Anyone interested in applying to serve on the board can email info@freemedicalclinic.org for an application.

Current Free Medical Clinic Board Members & their Committees:

  • Graham Dameron, Board Chair (retired, former director of JCPH): Finance 
  • Dr. Stephen Bender, Board Vice-Chair (DDS, retired); Volunteer and Board Development
  • Sherri Furman, Treasurer (CFO, UI Foundation): Finance, Resource Development 
  • Jean Suckow, Secretary (Circulation Sales Manager, Corridor Business Journal): Personnel
  • Doug Beardsley (Director, Johnson County Public Health): Personnel
  • Tony Cyr (MD/PhD Student): Volunteer & Board Development
  • Marty Fields (UIHC Department Administrator): Personnel, Resource Development
  • Kim Leman (UI student): Resource Development
  • Andrea Mulhausen (medical & public health student): Resource Development
  • Kelly Rembolt (UI student): Volunteer & Board Development
  • Cathy Thalkan (Mercy Hospital ICU Nurse)
  • Jennifer Thomae (Vice President, UICCU): Resource Development
  • Joseph Younker (Attorney): Personnel, Volunteer & Board Development

Our History

The Iowa City Free Medical Clinic was opened in March of 1971 by a group of politically active community members in the River City Free Trade Zone (what is now Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall). The Clinic had to be set up and taken down for each session, then housed in the basement of Center East, the Catholic Student Center. 

In March of 1972 the Clinic moved to a permanent space in the basement of the Wesley Center.

In April of 2006 the Clinic moved to our current location in the Towncrest medical plaza.