We have an amazing community of residents who enjoy spending time with each other both in and out of the hospital. On the long days (and there will be long days) and your senior resident stays late too just to help you get your work done, that’s what we are about here at Iowa.
As a way to help interns get to know those associated with the residency program, a welcome gathering is held during orientation for residents, faculty, and their family.
Each year, a 1-day off-campus workshop for each residency class is organized to provide further skill development in areas of communication, teaching, leadership, team-building, and self-development. On the day of the workshop, all of the residents’ hospital responsibilities are covered by the other cohorts, which provides a great environment for residents to relax and have fun together.
One of the great benefits of having an X+Y schedule is that there is a cohort of residents that all regularly have the same weekend off the whole three years of residency. These cohorts often go to a local restaurant together after the academic half-day on Thursday.
Throughout the year, the Humanities and Wellness Committee organizes various social activities throughout the year. These include a trip to the local apple orchard and renting out the local independent movie theater for the showing of a movie!
The GME House Staff Council organizes multiple events for all residents at UIHC throughout the year. Last year, these events included going to two Iowa women’s basketball game (who played in the NCAA National Championship game last season.
During the warmer months, the entire scientific community at the University of Iowa is invited to relax around the lunch hour on Thursday. Food trucks come from across the state and park just outside the hospital. There is live music onsite as well.
The Internal Medicine Residency hosts an annual winter gathering at a local restaurant to recognize the hard work and dedication of our residents. It is a welcome time to relax and enjoy tme away from the hospital with friends and colleagues.
In June, the department hosts a farewell dinner program honoring the graduating residents and celebrating their accomplishments.
Our residents are great about having each other over just to hang out and have fun outside the hospital. These activities facilitated by the easy navigability of the city, the proximity of downtown Iowa City, and the many parks and outdoor activities nearby.
There are also many interest groups that are available to our residents as part of the University community. These include the UIHC Writers’ Group, the Internal Medicine Book Club, and faculty/staff orchestra to name a few examples.
The Internal Medicine Resident Lounge is a community gathering space equipped with a small kitchen, a treadmill workstation, and many computers. Residents often work from this space when on consult rotations.