If you’re considering becoming an IMP officer next year, the favorite things exchange among leaders at Target should definitely be taken into account. Pursuing the aisles looking for the perfect items is way too much fun.

You probably know the premise- buy something (or multiple things at same price point depending on how you are doing it) and then pick someone's name (or two or three people's), and they get your item. You leave with great things and get ideas from what everyone else landed. 

What I learned from our exchange:

• Paper Mate marker pens are apparently beloved by teachers for not bleeding through paper.
• You can buy a lot of stuff for $20 from Target. I was the only one who used the money for one item (Cravings cookbook by Chrissy Teigen). Less math involved (and I do love cookbooks).
• We love Method multipurpose cleaner and hand soap.
• Target has the best snacks (gummy worms, Bare apple chips, Justin's peanut butter cups and some chocolate/madeleine hybrid were all chosen.
• An oil mister, hair towel wraps  and travel phone charger also popped up. 
• The "dollar" area can be a great source- especially for cute notebooks and stationery. 
  

Ideas from other exchanges I've been to...of course it depends on the price point you set (I've done $5, $7 and $20...and if it's both men/women...but chances are people can trade. This has happened with non-drinkers swapping wine for something else):

• Gift cards: You won't win awards for creativity but who doesn't love an excuse to go to a coffee shop or cupcake place?
  
• Trader Joe's: Wine, everything but the bagel spice mix, desserts, tea--so much to choose from at a good price point. I brought tea and shortbread cookies to my last party. 
  
• Mascara, lip-gloss or chap-stick.
  
• Hand lotion, face masks or sunscreen.

I'm already thinking about what I'll pick for a future party. Who's hosting??

-Meg Willett

When my husband announced “Iowa!” into the mic at our Match Day ceremony, the acoustics must not have been that great. My mom was among the hundreds gathered for the big day and proceeded to text family & friends that we were headed to Ohio. He didn’t even interview in Ohio.

Clearly, we aren’t from the Midwest. In fact, I didn’t step foot in Iowa until moving day. Whether you’re from the Midwest or far away and whether University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) was your partner’s first or last choice (which of course may be different from your preferences), I am confident you will love this community during your time here.

Welcome from all of us!

Iowa Medical Partners (IMP) is for partners, male and female, of residents and fellows at UIHC. You can be as involved as you’d like. Our closed Facebook group for members is a wonderful sounding board for advice. There are also tons of events. Some are during the day and geared more for stay-at-home parents, others are adult-only at night and some are for the whole family on weekends.  
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As I look back on the summer of 2016 when we moved to Iowa City, I am so thankful for IMP. I was just entering my second trimester with a 2.5-year-old in tow and was transitioning to staying at home. IMP play dates got me out of the house, introduced me to people and allowed me to explore the area. It helped me to feel grounded and connected. This new group also was a wonderful support system when I had complications with my pregnancy/birth far from family. I could not have anticipated all of this on Match Day...I was clinging to reassurances from my husband that Iowa City would be a great fit for us.  

My family lives in University Heights, an area near UIHC, but many friends live on the east part of Iowa City, in Coralville and North Liberty. Some own but many rent. I realize that this does not narrow things down but know that we have been where you are and can answer specific questions you may have. If you are buying, the market is hot. Houses in desirable areas and at good price points sell in days. 

The move to Iowa City (or staying!) may be about your partner, but there is so much for everyone here. Let us know who you are and if you have any questions!

A few more helpful links from our website:
Need a realtor?
Housing Listings through IMP
Basics about Iowa City / moving
And of course, join IMP! (Here’s the Facebook page once you do)
IMP Instagram 
 
--Meg Willett