March brings so many opportunities for us to connect, learn, and grow together. This month, we can engage with one another and deepen our understanding of the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions that make our department stronger.
Whether it’s being mindful of fasting schedules and offering support to our colleagues observing Ramadan, joining in the lively celebrations of Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s Day outside of work, participating in a friendly March Madness bracket with your peers, or volunteering in the community, these moments create space for us to come together and appreciate what makes each of us unique.
March is also Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women around us. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together,” is a reminder that progress happens when we lift each other up and build pathways for collective success. The University of Iowa made history in 1860 by becoming the first public university to admit women on an equal basis with men—a legacy of forward-thinking that continues to inspire us today.
In times of change, we are our best support. We draw strength from recognizing, celebrating, and learning from our differences. As we move forward together, let’s continue to cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can build and shape a bright future in Medicine.
Culturally responsive healthcare award
Nominations for the Culturally Responsive Health Care Award are open! From now until April 1, nominate a health care professional or team who shows dedication to providing effective, respectful healthcare that integrates cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices into innovative solutions to improve health outcomes for all populations.
SAVE THE DATE: Culturally Responsive Health Care in Iowa conference
The conference – entitled “Global is Local, Focusing the Lens on Cancer” – will take place on Thurs., June 5, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in MERF 1110 featuring keynotes Patrick Loehrer, MD, from Indiana University, and Natoshia Askelson, MPH, PhD, from the University of Iowa.
Restorative community building practices training
Restorative community-building practices are a set of skills and tools that can be used for conflict resolution. This year’s training will be scheduled for April 24 and 25, will be CME accredited, and is sponsored by the CCOM Program for Access and Engagement. Learn from Ada Gregory, MA, about foundational restorative community-building practices and conflict resolution.
Sign up to volunteer at the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic
The Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic is one of the nation’s oldest free medical clinics, and they are always in need of volunteers and donors. See their website for volunteer sign-up, wish-list item and monetary donation links, and a break-down of the many wonderful services they provide.
DocDash 2025
Doc Dash is an annual 5K race that has been a tradition of the Carver College of Medicine since 1989. The event welcomes seasoned runners, but also joggers, walkers, and young children. Recently, Doc Dash has begun partnering with PT students to support adaptive participants who may use equipment or require assistance to complete the course. Proceeds are donated to the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic and the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic.
March celebrations, holidays, and awareness days
- Greek American Heritage Month
- Women’s History Month
- Endometriosis Awareness Month
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
- Brain Injury Awareness Month
- February 28 – March 29 – Ramadan
- March 5 – Ash Wednesday
- March 6 – National Hospitalist Day
- March 7 – Employee Appreciation Day
- March 8 – International Women’s Day
- March 13 – National Dermatologist Day
- March 13-14 – Holi
- March 13-14 – Purim
- March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
- March 18 – World Social Work Day
- March 20 – Nowruz
- March 20 – Spring Equinox
- March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day
- March 24 – World Tuberculosis Day
- March 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
- March 26 – Epilepsy Awareness Day (Purple Day)
- March 30 – National Doctor’s Day
- March 30-31 – Eid-al-Fitr
Note: All holidays marked with * begin the prior evening. This is not an exhaustive list of cultural events and holidays celebrated in this month.