There’s an article in today’s Des Moines Register showing 10 tabs at local restaurants – each offers a meal for 2 at less than $50 (sometimes less than $40). They include 2 entrees, 2 drinks & tip. The list shows a variety of types of restaurants. Check it out! From the list, I’ve got some places to try. I can highly recommend Thai Flavors, Firkin & Fox, Star Bar & Court Avenue Brewing. YUM! (SIDE NOTE: let this be a reminder – do you need to make special ‘for 2′ plans for Valentine’s Day??)

Posted in Current Students, Des Moines Events, Life in Des Moines | 3 Comments

Guest blog by Jolene Kelly, PA-C, PA Program director

Graduate school is a whole new ball game and learning about the intricacies of the human body takes a lot of dedication and work. Combine the two for a graduate degree in health or medicine and you’re looking at some stress.

I’ve often heard students express concerns about not having enough time in the day to study. Their weekends being totally devoted to “catching up” on their studies or they have no time for themselves and/or family. What can be done to prepare you so that you can avoid some of these pitfalls?

Posted in Current Students, Guest bloggers, Physician Assistant, Prospective Students | 2 Comments

Whether you’re planning your next weekend or wondering if you’d be bored attending school in Iowa, visit TravelIowa.com for a downloadable travel guide with events (see the upper right hand corner). Or browse the site for new, exciting ways to experience Iowa.

I love living here & I’m never short of things I’d like to do!

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A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted artist Tara Donovan and her sculptures made with everyday objects. I talked to a friend in Boston who has seen the exhibit and she said it was very cool. Luckily for us in Des Moines, our Art Center is bringing Tara’s show to us, June 19-Sept. 13.

The show will be at the location a few blocks from DMU (4700 Grand Ave.) and at the downtown location (800 Walnut Street). As always, admission tot he Art Center is free. 

Posted in Des Moines Events, Life in Des Moines | 2 Comments

It’s been very hard to catch up on leisurely reading with school and that’s why I took advantage of my winter break to pick up a book. There were a few challenges, however, in deciding what book I think I can actually enjoy and finish reading. 

 So how did I decide? First thing in mind was my budget. Although nothing can beat getting free books at the public library, going to Target was my next favorite place to find current reads that I can keep and pass on to friends if the book was really good. I tend to aim for books that are labeled as New York Times Bestseller and 20% off – a perfect match. 

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Alarm goes off at 6:45 a.m.
Breakfast at 7 a.m.
Off to school by 7:30 a.m.
Class from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (including a lunch meeting).

We’re back in school and I’m entering my second semester of my second year in podiatry school. Today, we had lectures on biomechanics (analysis of foot pathology based on walking patterns, so cool!) and one lecture in behavioral medicine (one of my favorite subjects of all time – refer to any readings by Dr. Oliver Sacks). I think we’re off on a good start.

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