University of Iowa Health Management & Policy

Every year the HMP Department organizes a trip for all first year students to visit several hospitals in the Des Moines and Omaha areas.  The trip is an opportunity for students to see various healthcare settings and speak with alumni of the program about their experiences since they were in our shoes.  As a first year student, I found the experience very valuable and encouraging for my future.  Over the course of our two-day trip we visited five different hospitals:  Iowa Methodist Hospital, Mercy – West Lakes Hospital, Alegent Health – Lakeside Hospital, Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital, and Methodist Women’s Hospital.  At each location we were able to speak with executives and alumni about various topics including their current organization, their career paths to date, their time in the program, fellowships, finding a work-life balance, and the challenges and benefits of a career in health administration.  Several of the facilities were built or renovated within the last five years so

Each year, the Iowa Student Association of Healthcare Leaders (ISAHL) holds a Halloween party for their members. This year was no different! Many of our members joined us to celebrate and everyone was dressed up. ISAHL judged a costume contest with two categories: most creative and best overall. This year, most creative went to two first year MHA students, Kristin Siegler and Anna Grinter, who were dressed as Cambuses. Best overall was awarded to Bryan Blum, a second year MHA student, dressed as Maverick from Top Gun (although he is 6’4” and Tom Cruise is 5’7”).  A couple other shout outs: a group of first years came decked-out in Mario gear; everyone from Mario to Donkey Kong was represented; there were three blind mice present; and even a few members from the chewing gum community. Everyone had a great time and I’m sure this is a tradition that will continue for many years!