Residency Life and Traditions

Some of the strongest relationships in our residency are built beyond rounds, clinic and didactics. Throughout the year, we intentionally create opportunities for residents, faculty and staff to step away from their usual responsibilities, enjoy one another’s company, serve the community and strengthen the relationships that support us during training. 

Residents, faculty, and staff participate in service projects and group outings throughout the year. Recent activities have included volunteering at a local food bank, Topgolf, bowling, games, and other activities around Des Moines. 

Seasonal traditions provide additional opportunities to spend time together. Each fall, the residency holds a pumpkin-decorating event, and a winter holiday gathering which includes cookie decorating and gingerbread-house building. These informal traditions allow residents, faculty and staff to connect outside the clinical environment and include the broader residency community in residency life.

Each June, residents, faculty, and staff participate in a full-day retreat. Activities vary from year to year and are designed to be relaxed, interactive and enjoyable. Recent retreats have included murder-mystery activities, team outings, grilling, tie-dyeing, outdoor games, and time together at the lake. 

These events are not a substitute for addressing the demands of residency. They are one part of how we maintain a community in which people know one another, enjoy working together, and feel personally invested in one another’s success.