Engagement and Belonging in Medicine – November 2024

ByInternal Medicine at Iowa

Last Monday, I attended a meaningful event at the law school called Across the Aisle, designed to foster open, respectful conversations among people with different viewpoints. It was a powerful reminder that our shared humanity and values transcend our differences, and that meaningful dialogue can strengthen the relationships that matter most. This experience was timely, as we move forward from a historic election that saw millions of Americans participate in the democratic process. The election results reflect the diverse perspectives that shape our nation, and the crucial need to foster spaces and skills that allow us to engage in civic and respectful discussions.

As we focus on uniting behind common goals, we draw inspiration from the collaborative spirit that fuels our work in research, clinical services, and education. By valuing every team member’s voice, we continue to innovate and improve patient care. It takes a collective effort to advance all of our missions, and each contribution and voice matters deeply. Let’s engage and be active participants in the goal of moving the department forward, to make it stronger and better every day.

This November, as we enter a season of giving, I wanted to also express our heartfelt gratitude to all Veterans for their courage, dedication, and selfless service. Multiple activities and events will take place across campus next week in honor Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Please take the time to thank Veterans across the institution and beyond.

Lastly, our Engagement and Belonging Committee is working on a fun competition among divisions to spark our charitable spirit and give back to our communities. More information to come in the next weeks. In the meantime, there are many opportunities to engage in charitable initiatives and support our community partners listed below.

Thank you all for your dedication to creating a department where everyone feels valued and understood. Here’s to moving forward together, to make medicine better!

This week in our community

As we enter the holiday season, we have several opportunities to support our University of Iowa community, and the greater Iowa City area community. Consider registering for and attending these events happening this week. Be sure to click the headline link associated with the event you are interested in to secure your ticket!

Hawkeyes for Charity 2024 Fall Giving Campaign

This year’s campaign includes United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties (including our UI Food Pantry); Iowa Shares; and CHC: Creating Healthier Communities.

1stGen@Iowa Awards and Recognition now accepting nominations

Established in 2019 by the 1stGen@Iowa Faculty and Staff Collaborative, formally the First-Generation Task Force, the 1stGen@Iowa Awards recognize first-generation student achievements as well as outstanding advocacy and support efforts of faculty and staff. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to make nominations for any four of the awards. Nominations for this year’s awards must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2025.

Holiday season grief group meets Monday, Nov. 18 via Zoom

The holidays can be a difficult time for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. Join Employee Assistance Program clinicians for a group about grieving around the holidays from noon to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, via Zoom. to explore how to cope, honor the person who has passed, and develop new rituals and traditions. Please register to attend. (Hawk ID login required.)

Civility and Civil Discourse event is Nov. 20

Please join Connie Ryan, the executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the College of Public Health Building (CPHB C217) to learn skills to have conversations with people whom you may disagree. Sponsored by the College of Public Health and the Carver College of Medicine.

November events, celebrations, and holidays

  • Movember: Every November, men grow their mustaches to raise awareness about men’s health issues. The awareness month hopes to educate about the importance of early cancer detection and other health issues.
  • National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: Six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s Disease, and almost three million new cases are diagnosed annually.  This month, we celebrate those living with the disease, their caregivers, and the health care professionals who treat them.
  • Native American Heritage Month: A time dedicated to learning about the unique history, diverse cultures, and contributions that Native Americans have made to society.
  • National Adoption Month: Named in 1995, this month is dedicated to raising awareness about adoption and foster care, and to celebrate families united by adoption.
  • National Veterans and Military Families Month: November is a time to honor those who have served in the military and the families who made sacrifices.
  • Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Diwali: (Hindu) – A five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Called “the festival of lights,” it symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”
  • Nov. 1: All Saints’ Day (Catholic) – A day to honor all holy men and women who have been canonized in the Catholic Church.
  • Nov. 1-2: Day of the Dead (Mexican) – The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died.
  • Nov. 3: Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) – This holy day honors its founder’s birthdays. He challenges people to fight back against racial prejudice and to be one human family.
  • Nov. 8: First-Generation College Celebration Day (National) – A day to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni in every possible way.
  • Nov. 11: Veterans Day (National) – A federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
  • Nov. 18-22: International Education Week (University of Iowa) – Celebrates the UI’s commitment to international education and exchange.
  • Nov. 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance (International) – A day dedicated to honoring the memory of transgender individuals whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
  • Nov. 23: National Adoption Day (American) – A day to celebrate adoption and finalize adoptions for children in foster care. It’s a national effort that involves courts, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies, advocates, and families.
  • Nov. 25: Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) –This holy day celebrates the day that Abdu’l-Baha was appointed the Covenant. His role is to safeguard the faith from any division.
  • Nov. 27: Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i)  – This day honors the day that Abdu’l-Baha, the Servant of Baha, died. His funeral was attended by over 10,000 people of different religious backgrounds. He is believed to be an exemplary example of living Baha’i principles to its fullest for its followers.
  • Nov. 28: Thanksgiving (Secular) – Celebrated on various dates in the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, and unofficially in countries like Brazil and the Philippines, this is a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and of the preceding year.
  • Nov. 30: St. Andrew’s Feast Day (Catholic) – St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Barbados, and Romania. This day honors him, his good works, and his canonization in the Catholic Church.

Note: All holidays marked with * begin the prior evening. This is not an exhaustive list of cultural events and holidays celebrated in this month.

Save the Date: Women in Medicine series

Who: This event is open to all!
What: “Professional coaching for physicians: what is it and how it can help?” by invited speaker Carole Warde, MD, FACP, LCS. Dr. Warde is an academic General Internist, Clinician Educator, Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA, Leadership Consultant and Certified Life Coach
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom

 

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