Physicians' Clinic of Iowa P.C.

07/29/2025

When CherriLynn needed knee replacement surgery, she wasn't sure who to trust. When she met Dr. Omar Akhtar here at PCI Orthopedics, she knew she was in the right place.

At PCI Orthopedics, our dedicated team of specialists works together to provide personalized care, from initial consultation to recovery, ensuring each patient regains their mobility and quality of life.

If you are suffering with joint pain, limited mobility or other orthopedic concerns, please contact us at (319) 398-1545. All insurances accepted. No referral needed unless required by your insurance.

Join us as we follow a patient's inspiring journey through orthopedic surgery at Physicians' Clinic of Iowa (PCI) in Cedar Rapids. Discover how our dedicated...

07/28/2025

A recent study finds that preteens who use smartphones and access social media before age 13 experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts, emotional regulation issues, lower self-worth, and feelings of detachment—especially among girls

These findings highlight why experts recommend delaying smartphone access until after age 13 to better protect children's mental well‑being.

Using smartphones before age 13 could damage kids’ mental health, according to a new study based on self-reports in a survey of nearly 2 million people in 163 countries.

07/22/2025

🦷 Teething can bring fussiness, drooling, and gum discomfort for babies, often starting around 6 months of age as their first teeth emerge. Help ease the pain with chilled teething rings, gentle gum massage, and age-appropriate pain relief—but if fever or symptoms worsen, it's time to check in with your pediatrician - call PCI Pediatrics at (319) 247-3820.

​​Discomfort from teething, which may begin as early as 3 months, can wake a baby. The gums around the emerging teeth may be swollen and tender. Find tips that can help.

07/18/2025

🌿 Got poison ivy? Treat contact rash with cool compresses, gentle cleansing, and over-the-counter hydrocortisone or calamine lotion to relieve itching and discomfort. For widespread or severe reactions, contact your pediatrician for possible prescription treatments and learn how to prevent future exposure.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac commonly cause skin rashes in children during the spring, summerand fall seasons. An allergic reaction to the oil in these plants produces the rash. Here's how to avoid poison ivy rash and how to treat it.

07/02/2025

PCI Pediatricians Dr. Shire and Dr. Ireland highly recommend parents follow the vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which has been proven to be safe and effective at preventing childhood infections.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released the latest immunization schedule for children and adolescents, outlining all the vaccines that are recommended to promote health.

06/27/2025

Summer break is essential for rest, but studies show kids can lose up to 28% of their reading skills if they don’t stay engaged. Encouraging daily reading and fun learning activities can keep young minds sharp and ready for fall!

Summer vacation can lead to what educators call the summer slide or "brain drain"—a learning gap that opens when kids spend long periods away from the classroom. Reading can keep your child's skills sharp during the school break. Here are a few ways you can encourage summer reading while keeping...

06/16/2025

Looking for expert foot and ankle care? Samantha Anderson, ARNP, FNP-C, PCI Podiatry & Foot Health, is now accepting new patients—specializing in foot pain, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot health, post-surgical care, and sports injuries—she’s dedicated to treating every patient like family with trusted, evidence-based care. Call for an appointment today, (319) 247-3668.

06/14/2025

Did you know about 10% of kids aged 5–15 and up to 28% of teens experience migraines, with half having their first episode before age 12? These migraines often come with throbbing pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and stressors like sleep and diet can trigger them—tracking symptoms and lifestyle changes is key to managing these headaches.

In this article, the American Academy of Pediatrics describes signs, symptoms and causes of migraines and how to help children and teens dealing with them.

06/12/2025

This National CNA Week, June 12 - 18, we celebrate and thank our incredible Certified Nursing Assistants for the compassion, dedication, and care they bring to our patients every day. Your hard work makes a meaningful difference—and PCI is grateful for all you do! 💙👏

06/11/2025

As of June 11, there have been 3 confirmed cases of measles in Iowa, which is part of a larger outbreak of measles nationally. If your child isn’t up to date on measles vaccines or you have questions, please reach out to your pediatrician to discuss how to vaccinate them measles and protect them from this serious illness. For more information, call PCI Pediatrics at (319) 247-3820.

Iowa Health Officials Confirm Third Measles Case in the State

06/02/2025

Regular participation in sports and physical activity during childhood can significantly reduce the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression as kids grow into young adults.

Encouraging children to stay active isn't just good for their bodies—it supports long-term emotional well-being too.

WEDNESDAY, May 14, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Exercise and sports appear to help kids avoid mental health problems as they grow into young adults, a new study says

05/30/2025

Heart murmurs are common in children and are often harmless, known as "innocent" murmurs, requiring no treatment. However, some murmurs can indicate underlying heart conditions, so it's important to have them evaluated by a pediatrician to determine if further testing is needed.

Learn more about heart murmurs in children at

Heart murmurs are extremely common in children. There are two types: innocent murmurs and pathologic murmurs. Learn more here.