Happy Match

The anticipation to match day is a such an exciting, scary, anxiety educing experience. During a pandemic it’s a whole other story. I remember being so excited for all of the match day festivities. Then the world turned upside down right as Match was approaching last year. We came up with alternative ways to celebrate, so it was still very special. Although I know Match will not be celebrated as expected, I hope everyone participating has a very special experience.
 
The days after Match reality sets in and your mind may be racing through a thousand questions, and a never ending to-do-list begins. Do we rent or buy? What part of town should we live in? How do I make friends in a new city during a pandemic? How do I stay connected to the friends I’m leaving? What will my partners hours be? I had all these questions after my husband matched into the Otolaryngology program at UIHC. Luckily, my husband shared with me info he received about Iowa Medical Partners (IMP). Initially seemed like a potential way to meet some people but I didn’t realize the community that IMP really has created which helped alleviate some of these anxieties once we arrived and answer many of these questions.
 
If you just matched, you are probably wrestling with some of those questions I mentioned above, specifically on the city and neighborhoods. Here is some info from some fellow IMP members.
 
The Neighborhoods:

• West Iowa City
  • Living in University Heights or west Iowa City (especially those living east of Mormon Trek Blvd) will place you the closest to the hospital and the football stadium.  Many residents and fellows who live in this area walk or bike to work. The schools on the west side are great (we love Horn Elementary) and parks and trails like Willow Creek, Kiwanis and Clear Creek Trail are perfect for a run, a picnic or a play date. It's a quick drive from the west side to get out of town or to jump on the highway up to I-80. Traffic is light except on home football game days and Walmart and Aldi's are close while Hy-Vee and Trader Joe's are less than a 10 minute drive. – Allison Cascio
• East Iowa City
  • The East Side is between approximately two and four miles east of the hospital and about 15 minutes from the Coralville Mall and shopping area; 20 minutes from North Liberty. In this area, you tend to get a bit more house and yard for the price, with newer builds being more common than other neighborhoods, but we’re still very close to several parks and grocery store choices. We have two new University of Iowa clinic locations (Dodge Street and Scott Blvd) with some of IMP’s favorite providers. Some favorites in our area include Dodge Street Coffeehouse, Tot Time every weekday morning at Mercer Park gym, Music Together classes at Preucil, and the close proximity to the adorable towns of Solon and West Branch. Favorite restaurants over here include Blackstone, Wig and Pen East, 2 Dogs Pub, and Rapid Creek Cidery. Hopping down to the South Side of town is easy if you’re heading to Big Grove Iowa City, the new Starbucks, Hatchet Jack’s, and consignment shopping at Stuff Etc., Crowded Closet and Kidworks. – Molly Sherwood
• Coralville
  • Coralville is a great location in the middle of the creative corridor. You are only minutes from the mall, Costco, Target, consignment stores and many grocery store options. The Iowa River Landing is located in Coralville which includes Trader Joes, great dining and shopping, and the IRL UIHC Clinic. Additionally, going to downtown Iowa City or North Liberty is very convenient. Driving to UIHC is approximately 15 minutes (which is mostly due to the 25 mile per hour speed limits); however, you may be able to live along the Research Park Cambus route and avoid driving all together (free to all!). The Coralville Library is one of my favorite weekly spots for storytimes. I also love the walking trails in our city and the community events throughout the year. I feel safe and connected living here. – Megan Pai, President 
• North Liberty
  • Many medical families choose to live in North Liberty. There are wonderful schools and neighborhoods filled with friends, and it is very geared towards families. There are many parks like Centennial, Quail Ridge, Beaver Kreek, and Penn Meadows, some fun local restaurants, and the best ice cream around is from a North Liberty joint, Heyn’s. We also have a pumpkin patch in our town that we go to almost daily in the fall, and there are many trails and easy access to both I-80 and 380, which makes going anywhere in the greater Iowa City area a breeze. There are a lot of fun events too, from storytime at the library to the big Barbecue and Blues festival that are all held locally. We love the community here! - Shannon Squires

Although I have not been able to explore as much as I would have liked due to COVID, over the last year here are some of the favorite places.
 
My Favorite Restaurants so far…

• Big Grove Brewery
• Tribute
• Exotic India
• Sushiya
• Blue Elephant
• Java House
• Walker Homestead
• Bread Garden
• Saint Burch

 
Other Places…

• Coralville Lake
• Kent State Park
• Terry Trueblood
• Amana Colonies
• Cedar Rapids Czech Village & NewBo City Market
• Iowa City Library
• Pedestrian Mall

 
If you are looking for trusted recommendations? Our group’s sponsors can help you in finding and adjusting to your new home. Tundy Brady with Urban Acres can help you find your future home (even if you are unable to travel). Green State Credit Union can help you with local banking and securing a mortgage, including a Doc Loan. Bobby Scott with Partner Wealth is here to answer any questions related to your unique financial sitation. Nanci Kohl with State Farm can help you determine your insurance needs. 
 
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to IMP! You can join IMP here, and once you do, you can join our Facebook group. Congratulations on your Match!