Finally, the Carver College of Medicine gives students the ability to explore their interests, medical or otherwise, through the Distinction Track programs and a diverse selection of elective courses. I personally have taken courses in creative writing, community outreach, and reproductive health, and I even spent a summer in Ecuador as part of a language immersion elective!

The sense of community here extends to our administration and staff, who make themselves so incredibly available to us. I truly don’t know how some of them have the capacity to do everything they do to support us. From our curriculum managers to our deans, I know I can rely on honesty, empathy, and prompt communication. In addition, the Medical Student Counseling Center is an indispensable resource — medical school can be difficult, both academically and emotionally, and the fact that the college provides free and accessible support services says a lot.

Of course, the Carver College of Medicine doesn’t exist in a bubble. Not only is Iowa City a Big Ten town (Go Hawks!), but it is also a UNESCO City of Literature and has been named one of the Greatest Small Cities for the Arts. It is a growing, thriving community that has a symbiotic relationship with the University of Iowa. As such, there is no shortage of unique ways for students to get involved, from helping the Iowa City Bike Library provide free bike repairs and tune-ups to doing street outreach with the Mobile Clinic Street Outreach Team or volunteering with emergency medical services at Hawkeye sporting events. 

There are truly so many opportunities to make this place feel just as much of a home to you as it does to me. And if the opportunity you’re looking for doesn’t exist yet, create it! Whatever community looks like to you, you can find it here at the Carver College of Medicine.

Innes Hicsasmaz
Student Body President
MD Candidate, UI Carver College of Medicine
innes-hicsasmaz@uiowa.edu