University of Iowa Health Management & Policy

By: Sean Boarini, EMHA Candidate 2018 Our adventure began with a half-day orientation in the height of the summer heat, when 11 of the 12 class members (Tatiana had just had a baby!) met for the first time. Like the entire program, the orientation was well organized with a focus on professionalism. We got an excellent idea of what would be expected of us, and what we could expect out of our time in the EMHA program. But most importantly, we introduced ourselves to each other and began a dialogue that will likely last throughout our careers. The first semester has been challenging. Getting back into studying, reading, writing (“write tight” as Ian says!), and academic work is new again to most of us who have not been in an academic setting for many years. Adding 4 hours of classroom time and 20 hours of schoolwork per week to schedules that already include hectic full-time jobs, family responsibilities, social obligations, and all the unplanned interruptions of daily life takes ca

By: Todd Patterson, EMHA Candidate 2017 The first 18 weeks is a shock to the system. Many of us have to re-learn how to study, write, and articulate our views into academic statements. Everyone and everything is new. By the time the second semester of the program starts we have all settled into a rhythm. I lovingly call it the “Grind.” The “Grind” sounds ominous but turns out to be a key component to your success with the EMHA program. The “Grind” is what happens when you run from work, to class, to reading, to family obligations, to meetings, back to reading, maybe some writing, and an occasional group project. In addition there have been weddings, and babies, state tournaments, school concerts, career changes and all of the other stuff that makes life messy and exhilarating at the same time. It is during this past year that something unexpected came out of the “Grind,” the formation of and access to an entire team of healthcare management professionals. We all have our own area