The University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine ranks No. 10 nationally for its social mission, according to a study.

Researchers from the Department of Health Policy at George Washington University and The Robert Graham Center measured how medical schools educate physicians to care for the national population.

They did this by looking at three key areas: the number of primary care physicians the school educates, distribution of physicians to underserved areas, and advancing minority physicians to the work force.

“We are proud that we are doing good things for the state and nation, and also doing things to produce new knowledge,” said Paul Rothman, dean of the UI medical college.

The survey findings differ fairly substantially from other ranking systems, such as U.S. News and World Report.

Lesser known schools such as Morehouse College, Meharry Medical College and Howard University scored at the top, while renowned schools such as Duke University, Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University come in at the bottom.

“This is another way to look at the value of a medical school,” Rothman said.

The methodology for the George Washington survey differs from U.S. News because it focused on persistent challenges to the U.S. health care system and medical education rather than research dollars and prestige, which are factors in the U.S. News ranking.

In the George Washington survey, urban schools fell short in providing primary care physicians to underserved areas, which was another factor why the schools ranked the way they did, according to the report that was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

“The higher social mission score of community-based medical schools suggest that a school’s explicit commitment to educate physicians who will pursue careers compatible with community needs has long-term effects on the career choices of its graduates,” according to the report.

UI finds a double kudos in the George Washington study because in addition to getting accolades for serving society through educating doctors its research program is larger than the nine schools ranked above it, Rothman said.

In Iowa, there is a projected shortfall of 229 family physicians in the next 10 years and 39,000 nationally, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The Carver College ranks No. 10 in the nation sending 15 percent of its students into family medicine, according to the family physicians academy.

UI’s commitment to primary care and providing doctors to rural areas, which is an area that is underserved, is one of the reasons UI faired so well, Rothman said.

“We pride ourselves on making contributions to rural Iowa,” Rothman said. “And this shows we are doing quite well.”

B.A. Morelli • Iowa City Press-Citizen • September 4, 2010

New Orleans dance party with Papa Grows Funk

Thursday, September 9, 10 pm

Iowa Memorial Union, Main Lounge

“Can you feel the music?” That’s what John Gros, lead singer and keyboardist for Papa Grows Funk, wants to know. The answer will be a no-brainer when this hot funk band from New Orleans takes the stage for a hip-shaking dance party to kick off the 2010-2011 Hancher season. This gumbo of organ, guitar, bass, drums, and sax will offer up some truly tasty riffs that are sure to keep you up on your feet. Everyone’s invited, but we’re throwing this bash for UI students to welcome them back to campus.

Tickets on line at:  www.hancher.uiowa.edu

Hawks get pieces together on O-line

“I Think We’ll Be Ok In September”

Kirk Ferentz would like to promise good fortune and good health. Reese Morgan would like to guarantee stability and continuity.

But all the Iowa offensive line gurus can offer right now is conjecture based on what they’ve seen in the past and what they think they expect to see in the future — with a caveat.

“I think we’ll be OK in September,” Ferentz said Friday when asked about Iowa’s offensive line, the top mystery surrounding a team that debuted at No. 10 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. “I think we’ll be OK if everybody stays healthy.”

Press-Citizen / Matthew Holst
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz answers reporters questions during a news conference at the Iowa Football Media Day, Friday, August 6, 2010, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Offensive Line Is Hot Spot

Iowa has the core returning from last year’s 11-2 team that won the Orange Bowl and took Ohio State to overtime with the Big Ten title on the line. Eight starters are back on a defense that ranked in the top 10 nationally in five categories last season. Most of the playmakers return on offense.

But the offensive line has gone through a two-year exodus of NFL talent, leaving senior guard Julian Vandervelde and sophomore left tackle Riley Reiff as the only linemen on the roster with substantial game experience. It’s a hot spot for a team with 26 seniors, 16 returning starters and enormous expectations.

“We like to think as an offensive line that we’re always going to control the tempo of the game, to a certain extent,” Vandervelde said. “Games are won or lost in the trenches and we believe that to the utmost extent at Iowa. For us to have that sort of pressure put on us is something we welcome.”

The Hawkeyes have a lot of the other pieces lined up. The defense must replace linebackers Pat Angerer and A.J. Edds and cornerback Amari Spievey, but the group is still anchored by star defensive end Adrian Clayborn in the front and All-Big Ten strong safety Tyler Sash in the back.

Press-Citizen / Matthew Holst
Iowa offensive lineman (left to right) Julian Vandervelde, Adam Gettis, Josh Koeppel, James Ferentz, Markus Zusevics and Riley Reiff stand for a photo opportunity during the Iowa Football Media Day, Friday, August 6, 2010, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Offense Line Ready To Go

The offense has the potential to be one of the most explosive in Ferentz’s 12 seasons. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi is 18-4 in two seasons as a starter. Senior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is on pace to become the school’s all-time leading receiver after leading the Hawkeyes in receiving the past three seasons. Junior Marvin McNutt caught eight touchdown passes and averaged 19.8 yards per catch last season. Sophomore running backs Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher and Jewel Hampton all have notched at least one 100-yard rushing performance.

“There’s some wild expectations out there,” Johnson-Koulianos said. “I think, for us, the expectations are a result of winning and having recent success. With that comes a target on your back. I’ll wear that target every day.

“I think we’re embracing that, we want that. That means we’re doing something right. Last year we snuck up on people. We ain’t sneaking up on anybody this year.”

The Hawkeyes survived a wobbly start on offense last season while they dealt with injuries, absences and moving parts up front until they settled on a six-man rotation in October. Ferentz hopes it doesn’t take that long to get the offensive line situated this season.

Reiff, Vandervelde, junior guard Adam Gettis, junior tackle Markus Zusevics and centers James Ferentz and Josh Koeppel emerged as Iowa’s top six linemen at the conclusion of spring practices.
Ferentz and Morgan are basing their good vibes off what they saw during those 15 practices this spring when they watched the group butt heads with Iowa’s defensive line, which was ranked the nation’s best group at the position by at least one publication.

“You wonder how they’re going to compete,” Morgan said. “Are they going to compete against our d-line? Are they going to line up and give their best effort and not be intimidated by going against an excellent group?”

The thing that impressed Morgan was watching the linemen “scrap and fight and compete.”

Press-Citizen / Matthew Holst
Iowa players file out of Kinnick Stadium after the team photo following the Iowa Football Media Day, Friday, August 6, 2010, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Stepping Up To Challenges

“They improved in every area and they competed hard, that’s the biggest thing, and they were going against a pretty salty group,” Kirk Ferentz said. “You find out real quick what guys are made of, and you find out how they’re going to step up to a challenge. That’s one nice thing about this whole process — at least you’re not watching a guy in practice and saying, ‘Well, let’s see what happens in September.’ We’re finding out. In fact, it’ll probably look better (on the game field) than it looks in practice sometimes.”

Ferentz would like to promise good fortune and good health. Morgan would like to guarantee stability and continuity. All they can offer right now is conjecture with a caveat.

“Based on what we saw in the spring, we’re optimistic about where we are at this given point,” Ferentz said. “That being said, we have a lot of improvement to make this month, and the good news is we can, and then if we’re doing things right, we should make a lot of improvement during the season. But it all starts with being healthy. We have to stay healthy and nobody controls that.”

Per Press-Citizen.  Reach Andy Hamilton at 339-7368 or ahamilton@press-citizen.com.

Tickets on Sale: Now!

Ticket Availability: Box Office and Online

Seating: General admission

More Info: http://www.reverbnation.com/mattalber
$17 in advance
$20 at the door

OPENING FOR MATT ALBER:
Alexis Stevens

Description

Matt grew up singing in choirs. Big ones. Little ones. Classical ones. Ones that traveled the globe and ones that did jazz hands. Choir is where he learned to feel ok. At practice he got to make something beautiful as part of team. Like an athlete, he watched himself get better at something his body and mind were making together. He got to dance and laugh and thrive. Even when his voice cracked, his value was never questioned.

Outside of choir, Matt usually felt intimidated or deficient in some way. He spent a lot of his teen years skulking around after school and at a fundamentalist Christian church. He finds much of his music is about healing from that experience.

He went on to study music and writing with some wise and fearless masters. With a pocket full of sunshine he moved to California to find his kindred. These days he spends his time with truth-tellers from every walk of life, and he is finding more and more of them.

Matt also directs a choir of his own in Los Angeles. The audition is fairly simple– if you’re 60 or up, sing with Heart, and can bring something to the potluck, you’re in. Most of them are also gay and lead incredible lives.

Matt also enjoys taking photos of strange things, working on Macintosh Computers, wearing headphones, Levi’s jeans, and all of his instruments were gifts from friends. (For those seeking a more impressive biography replete with accolades, awards and magazine quotes: please forgive him, for he got too sleepy trying to write one.)

OPENING FOR MATT ALBER:
Alexis Stevens
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Leslie & The LY’s — Iowa Women’s Music Fest Kick-Off!
South Pacific: In Concert
Matt Alber

Monday – Friday
1:00 to 6:00 PM CST
(319) 688-2653

221 East Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

Tix for most events available at www.RedTruckTickets.com

Click here to view an exclusive photo slideshow.

National Trend Reaches U Of I

Workers installed a 2.4-kilowatt wind turbine on the University of Iowa campus Tuesday, part of a national trend of using the devices as educational tools.

The UI’s 37-foot structure, similar to those built at other universities, will provide training for students in an experimental engineering class.

The installation of the white wind turbine on south end of Madison Street took under two hours to complete, and the turbine is officially up and running.

James Johansen, a former teaching assistant for the experimental engineering class, said students should enjoy working with the turbine.

Hands-On Experience for U of I Students

“It is rare that you get hands-on experience — they will actually get to play with it,” he said.

This unique training has been serving as an educational benefit for other universities as well.
Montana State University installed a 2.4-kilowatt wind turbine in November 2008.

“It is a baby, but with all of the same characteristics as a commercial size turbine and is more manageable,” said Rob Larson, an assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the school.

Similar to the UI’s, the turbine is used primarily as an educational tool, especially in Manufacturing Engineering Technology courses for seniors in the wind-application center, he said.

Educational Tool

The course is developed to monitor the software and other research on weather and the turbine.
“It happens right next door, so it seems more pertinent than studying it somewhere else — it gets students’ feet in the door as far as talking about something that is real,” Larson said.

In addition to adapting the turbine, a consecutive project is also in the making.

“The Wind Montana project is a program that is developing alternative-energy-technician courses,” Larson said, and five other campuses in Montana have such programs.

And the trend has grown nationwide

More than 60 American colleges and universities have wind turbines of varying sizes, according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education website — from Aurora College’s 0.85-kilowatt system to the University of Oklahoma’s 10.1-kilowatt turbine.

“We have seen an increase in institutions installing [wind turbines] — they have been ramping up over the last three years,” said Paul Rowland, the director executive of the association.

He believes universities are seeing the dramatic difference wind turbines are making on their campuses.

Those from the UI hope this is the case.

“Hopefully, seeing the turbine on campus will get other people involved — the more people hear about it the better,” said Sarah Horgen, the education coordinator of the UI Museum of Natural History, who attended the installation.

And the wind turbine offers more than educational benefits.

“I think everybody is happy to see some movement toward expanding renewable use and education,” Larson said. “And students are the ones who will deal with this in the upcoming years and don’t want to see oily beaches.”

By Kristin Callahan
Daily Iowan

DI reporter Lisa Brahm contributed to this report.

Now that summer is in full flower and last winter’s doldrums are a chilly memory, it’s time to make good on that New Year’s promise most of us pledged, our hands clutching another steaming mug of triple-mocha-latte-whatever: Start eating better.

After all, who can’t find something nutritious to love in the season of strawberries, snap peas and other delights, particularly smack in the heart of America’s farm country? Plus making sure you get your daily allowance of fruits, veggies and other good-for-you stuff can also mean you’re doing the environment and the local economy — not just your body — good.

Of course, you don’t have to grow your own grub to reap the benefits. Fortunately for those of us who don’t have the time for a backyard garden – or don’t have a backyard, period – the Corridor boasts an abundance of farmers markets, from Iowa City (Wednesdays after work, Saturday mornings) up to Cedar Rapids (every weekday from 4 to 6 p.m. at various locations, as well as Saturday mornings) and everywhere in between. North Liberty? Try Sundays. Marion? Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

“There’s nothing like going out and buying a tomato that was picked just that morning, and then going down to the guy who raises some pork and getting some nice bacon, and picking up some good lettuce and a loaf of bread and then sitting down with your family and friends and having something really good,” says Dennis Rehberg, who’s raised pork on his family farm near Walker since the early 1980s and sells his wares at area farmers markets.

“Eating local” may be a catch phrase these days, but beyond the hipster hype there are many reasons to keep tabs on the pedigree of what’s on your plate. For one thing, supporting local farmers, ranchers and other food producers keeps your grocery dollars in Iowa.

Theresa Carbrey, head of education and member services at Iowa City’s New Pioneer Co-op, points out that while Iowa may be an agricultural economy, that’s not necessarily the case once you walk through the supermarket door.

“Even though Iowa is a major food producer, when it comes to food for people, we’re actually a food importer,” she says.

So what’s the real, tangible benefit of skipping the chain superstore and heading for the Iowa-sourced goods? It’s certainly enough for Rehberg to be able to keep his business a local affair.

“I’m not a big pork producer, but I specialize in farmers markets – I sell about 90 percent of my pork there,” he says.

And with that sort of local focus comes another important benefit: Shopper, meet farmer. Farmer, meet shopper.

“You get a really close relationship with people, you watch their kids grow up. It’s how it should be,” he says. “That’s what a farmers market is for.”

Stuck for inspiration? There’s always someone glad to provide ideas for your dinner plans. In fact, says Jill Wilkins, who organizes the Cedar Rapids Downtown District’s farmers markets, the most popular events have been the cooking demonstrations.

“It gives people ideas on how to use the products that are at the markets – and because they can talk to the person who grew it, people tend to try different produce that they wouldn’t at the grocery store,” she says.

“Come down and give it a try,” she says. “Even if you don’t buy anything the first time. We have a lot of vendors, so it can be a little overwhelming. Explore a few new things, and when you make your grocery list for the week, come down to the farmers market first. You can always fill in the blanks at the grocery store, but you’ll be amazed with what you can actually purchase.”

Can’t make it to market? You’re still not doomed to a week of fish sticks and french fries. Stores, like New Pioneer Co-op, can come to the rescue.
The member-owned store, with locations in Coralville and downtown Iowa City, has been in business since 1971. They stock fresh local goodies — everything from mushrooms to artisan Iowa cheeses — with an emphasis on food that’s sustainably produced, local whenever possible and – most importantly – tasty.

“Think of a tomato that’s built to ship from California or withstand getting bounced off the back of a truck — by the time it gets to the table, the pleasure is lost,” Carbrey says. “What we’re doing is a win-win thing; we’re supporting the people who are doing the right thing with the land, and we get a more pleasing product.”

Plus, Carbrey adds, whether you’re buying food or any other product, you’re indirectly sending a message with your dollars. “Choosing food is really an investment in yourself and your community,” she says.

Mix that with the fact that what you add to your basket at the Co-op or the farmers market is almost surely better for you than something you’d pick up in the drive-through line, and it’s a no-brainer.

All you have to do, she says, is start. “Identify the easiest spot to start making some changes, and go from there.”

Friday June 18, 2010 at 8:30pm

Tickets on Sale: Now!

Ticket Availability: Box Office and Online

Monday – Friday
1:00 to 6:00 PM CST
(319) 688-2653

221 East Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

www.Englert.org

Seating: General admission
*Tickets are $12 each

Description

Les Dames Du Burlesque and Cirque Stupendo with Dr. Eli Calico’s Miracle Water Orchestra present a double show sure to amaze, excite, and horrify.

First, Cirque performers balance on the high wire, wail on the saxophone, and disappear into thin air. Then Les Dames enter with their 100% new show, “Exile from Girlville: The Kiss of the Spider Bride” – a story of cruel and exquisitely grotesque beauty… and of redemption.

Cirque Stupendo’s death-defying stunts may make your heart skip a beat, and Les Dames’s curves and shimmys may stop your heart altogether, but be assured – it shall be well worth it.

Englert Theatre, Tuesday June 15, 2010 at 5:30pm

Seating: General admission

Free Event!

Christopher Merrill, Cultural Diplomat

Christopher Merrill, an accomplished poet and since 2001 the Director of the Iowa International Writing Program, has another life as a cultural diplomat. Tuesday evening June 15th he will share stories from that life.

The Iowa City Foreign Relations Committee cordially invites you to join us for that special event at the Englert Theatre. Please also join us for a reception following the lecture, sponsored by MidwestOne Bank as a fundraiser for the International Writing Program.

Merrill served on the Department of State Advisory Committee on Cultural Diplomacy and was primary drafter of its 2005 report, “Cultural Diplomacy: the Linchpin of Public Diplomacy.” That document pulled no punches about the decline of America’s reputation overseas, and the essential roles cultural diplomacy should play if America is to resuscitate channels for mutual understanding and recognition of common human values and aspirations with the rest of the world.

Merrill has put his vision of cultural diplomacy into practice in initiatives related to Iowa City’s UNESCO-designated status as one of the world’s three “Cities of Literature” (including a recent mission to Iran), and in the IWP programs that every fall bring 30-40 writers from around the world to Iowa City for 12 weeks of writing, and of communication with each other and with Iowa communities.

Event Sponsors

This event is sponsored by:
The Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities
The Dee Norton Fund of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council
Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities
Iowa City Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Iowa City Noon Rotary Club
Iowa United Nations Association
Johnson County United Nations Association
MidWestOne Bank
University Lecture Committee

This program is supported by Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views and opinions expressed by this program do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities Iowa or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Box Office:
Monday – Friday
1:00 to 6:00 PM CST
(319) 688-2653

221 East Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

You are in for a treat as our Iowa City area is a vibrant place offering many entertainment venues sure to appeal to all!

Friday Night Concert Series Starts Friday May 28th!

The Friday Night Concert Series celebrates twenty years of free local music this Friday night at 6:30 at the Weatherdance Fountain Stage in the Ped Mall, right outside the Iowa City Sheraton Hotel.
This weeks reunion show is jam packed with musical talent, featuring David Zollo & The Body Electric, Shame Train and Iowa City’s very own Dave Moore.

Dave Zollo began playing the piano at four years old and found his sound after he discovered his father’s eclectic record collection. In his formative early teens, he would entertain his parents house parties with Ray Charles and Huey “Piano” Smith Covers. Since then Zollo and his band, The Body Electric tour the Midwest fusing the likes of The Rolling Stones and Country Rock and released three records.

Created in 2000 by lead singer and songwriter, Sam Knutson, Shame Train has dealt with personnel changes that helped shape the band into the rockin’ ensemble they are today. Sometimes referred to as “real country” or “roots rock” this group of close, musical veterans thrives on sharing their creativity with the Iowa City community.

Upon moving to Iowa City, musician Dave Moore settled into the local music scene both quickly and easily. Moore is known for keeping his musical collaborations specifically Iowan but still manages to gather national recognition, having appeared on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion, All Things Considered, World Cafe, and Live from the Mountain Stage.

Also be sure to stop by to get a dinner from Mamma’s Deli, served on a commemorative frisbee plate for only $8!

Sunday, May 30th at 7 PM, Englert Theatre

Ticket Availability: No advance sales – $5 at the door

Seating: General admission

Four star-crossed lovers — Hermia (Anna Friel), Lysander (Dominic West), Demetrius (Christian Bale) and Helena (Calista Flockhart) — run into the forest in pursuit of one another in director Michael Hoffman’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s comedic love story. Amid the feuding fairies Oberon (Rupert Everett) and Titania (Michelle Pfeiffer), mischievous Puck (Stanley Tucci) sets loose a potion that wreaks romantic havoc on everyone.

Phone
(319)688-2653

Postal Address
The Englert Theatre
221 East Washington Street