Monday is Memorial Day, what many consider the start of the summer season. I’m thrilled to experience my first Iowa summer. Everyone tells me that summer is the reward for winter, which sets the bar pretty high! I think their predictions will bear out, though, based on what I have seen so far of spring. The slow-motion explosion of color has done wonders for my photographer’s heart, which gets filled up every time I step outside. Changes in seasons make me notice the other changes around us. No matter where you live, if you are a member of an academic medical center, summer is a time for endings and beginnings, departures and arrivals. Graduations and their attendant celebrations are already underway, and June will see many more. I was pleased to see that our divisions have traditions in place not only to recognize their fellowship graduates but that they also take the opportunity to recognize the efforts of the other division members. Traditions matter, as does making time for fun. I look forward to seeing how divisions find ways to connect.
Photo for reflection
At higher elevations in the foothills east of San Francisco, this is the kind of color you are greeted with from the highway. The golds in the hills brighten and deepen as the clouds streak overhead. It’s easy to let your eyes glaze over at the relative lack of distinctive scenery, but I would argue that these subtler details are more rewarding for the attention. As we move through the next couple months, it might be easy to focus on deadlines or the mile markers of fiscal year cutoffs or academic year launches. Instead I hope you will glance around the landscape or up at the sky as you walk into work. Take a deep breath of that warming air and remember that beauty is all around us.
Upi’s “Oh, WOW” moment
One tradition that will never go out of style is the commencement address. I was fortunate to attend last weekend’s proceedings for our graduating medical students. There is much to say about the whole event, which was lovely and exciting to watch all those proud and accomplished new doctors walk across the stage. What I was proud to see was Internal Medicine represented by Dr. Katie Harris, chosen specifically by this graduating class to deliver the address. You can watch her here. Dr. Harris shares one last lesson that will serve these graduates well. She stresses the importance of our connections, whether with classmates, colleagues, or patients. Nurturing these relationships will make your life richer and, she argues, it will also steady us through the inevitable tough moments to come. I encourage you to take the ten minutes to watch Dr. Harris deliver some important truths. Well done!
Connections have been on my mind a lot lately, especially when it comes to this space. Now that summer is here, I wanted to hear how others plan to take advantage of the good weather and the end of the school year. When I have time off from work, not just brief breaks with a bit of downtime, but true personal time, I like to travel to someplace I have never been before. My husband produces detailed dossiers on a location before we go, while I prefer to explore and discover. Naturally I’m taking photos the whole time, the nature, the culture, the food. We make a good team for immersion, really getting to know a place. I want to thank everyone who wrote in with their summer plans, but feel free to use the comments section down below: What is your recipe for joy this summer?
There is so much to enjoy in summer. Already I appreciate the shade in my backyard, the aroma of herbs in the garden, the taste of homemade lemonade, the chatter of neighbors outside open windows. Soon will be the sound of cicadas, the flicker of fireflies and the smell of chlorine from the public pool. My family looks forward to driving up north to feel the cool breezes of Lake Superior, the rush of jumping in cold water, the pop of wild raspberries, and the laughter of cousins together.
My husband and I have plans to attend a Fever game over the 4th of July weekend in Indianapolis! Go Fever!
This summer, I’m heading to a wedding in June, but otherwise I’m excited to explore more of Iowa City, enjoy the warm weather, and try out some new recipes when I can. Even with a busy schedule, finding small ways to enjoy the season makes a big difference.
Ann Tvedte
Boating, traveling and gardening, having a bit of outdoor fun while the sun shines.
Chad Grueter
I’m exceptionally excited about the opportunity to work out with my kids and spend time with my oldest daughter, who is going to be a counselor/lifeguard at Estes Park, Colorado, this summer.
My favorite summer activities are spending time at the pool, going to farmer’s markets and enjoying time with family!
I’m excited for the chance to explore more of the Iowa and Iowa City area this summer. There are still so many more trails left to hike with my dog, and this year we even have plans to go to the Iowa State Fair. I’ve never been but have heard so much about something called a “butter cow.”
Aly Conrad
I enjoy the festivals that Iowa City hosts on the weekends during the summer. It’s a way to connect with others and the broader community.
Aaron Knack
This summer I have 2 bachelor parties I’m going to as well as the Bentonville Bike Fest I’m going to in Arkansas in 2 weeks. I’m doing a Gladiator Assault Challenge run with a group of guys next week.
Just in general, looking forward to biking to work a lot more, and the sun being out late, so more outdoor activities in general (Frisbee golf, running, going on walks).
I just bought a house so looking forward to weekend house projects.
Also one of my best friends from high school is moving back to the Iowa City area from Hawaii, so I’m excited for that.
Samantha Bredlau
The best part of summer for my family is our annual trip to our cabin in Holcombe, WI. My kids look forward to it year-round and we spend the week relaxing on the water and around the fire. While our favorite Iowa City activity is Jazz Fest, specifically the food trucks and fireworks on the Pentacrest.
Lama Noureddine
This summer, I’m making it a priority to soak in the sunshine and all that downtown Iowa City has to offer—jazz festivals, art fairs, the iconic Block Party, and Friday night concerts—with my husband and our four kids in tow. We’re diving into family time, cheering from the sidelines at soccer and volleyball games and practices, and enjoying slow moments in between. In August, we’re taking the adventure further with a national parks road trip—hopefully in an RV! Here’s to relaxing, recharging, and making some of our favorite memories together. 🌞🎶⚽
Emma Thornell
I love summer in Iowa City, mostly because it’s green and beautiful with lots of flowers. Additionally, there’s lots of artistic activities and it’s quieter with the students gone. My favorite summer activities involve water and mountains. This year, I plan to take a few days after a conference in Atlanta to visit some sites in the southeast I’ve never seen and the beach in southern North Carolina. I’m excited to rest and recoup after a move to a new home and generally busy year!