University of Iowa Health Management & Policy

Every year, our department hosts the Iowa Healthcare Executive Symposium and our student association, ISAHL, along with our alumni board, hosts the symposium reception. The symposium itself had great attendance and many of our alums came back to participate as both guests and speakers. This year’s topic was “Advancing Health Care across the Continuum: Generating and Financing Value.” It provided an opportunity for both students and executives to learn more about generating value from several different perspectives. The symposium reception is a great way for students to network with alumni and other local executives in a slightly more relaxed setting. Held in the Kinnick Press Box, the symposium reception also provides great views of the Iowa football field! After this 2 hour reception, we went to an event at One-Twenty-Six restaurant, sponsored by St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids and Graham Construction. This event provided yet another venue for students, professors, alumni,...

Among the consortium of extra-curricular activities that the Iowa MHA program offers to its students, are multiple opportunities to volunteer. These volunteering opportunities offer the chance for students to give back to the Iowa City community and to help those in need. This month’s volunteer opportunity was with Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Iowa. On the morning of October 8 th a group of 18 HMP students made our way to southeastern Iowa City to begin our Habitat for Humanity project. Upon arrival we were outfitted with the proper construction attire: hard hats, carpenter belts, tape measures and various other tools. The group was assigned to teams of 3-4; with each of the teams being assigned various tasks from spraying foam insulation to excavating and building a concrete retaining wall. Other teams built entrances into the attic and hung exterior foam board insulation.   Through hard work and determination each team was able to accomplish their assigned tasks and...

By Nicole Egan, MA, MHA/MPH Candidate 2012 “Why am I so nervous?” That was the question I found myself asking as I started my mock in-person interview with a panel of two alumni. I was participating in the Witt-Kieffer two day seminar put on for second and third year MHA students by the HMP Department in conjunction with Witt-Kieffer, a preeminent executive search firm. The two day seminar included a panel discussion about work/life balance, presentations on tips and advice for phone and in-person interviews, and mock phone and in-person interviews with feedback from both alumni in the industry and fellow students. In addition to two professionals from Witt-Kieffer who facilitated the event, there were several alumni in various points of their career who participated, ranging from a CEO to a young professional right out of her fellowship. I can easily say the Witt-Kieffer seminar has been the most beneficial event I have been able to participate in to-date during my graduate sc...