Welcome Guide - The Johns Hopkins Medical Auxiliary

Transcription

Welcome Guide - The Johns Hopkins Medical Auxiliary
*Please Tell Your Spouse or Significant Other
about the Johns Hopkins Medical Auxiliary*
THE JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICAL AUXILIARY
Welcome Guide
for Incoming House Staff and Fellows
of The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Spring 2016
THE JO HN S HOP K IN S ME D IC AL AUX IL IAR Y • 2016 WE LCO ME GU IDE
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WELCOME TO BALTIMORE
AND THE JOHNS HOPKINS FAMILY!
WHO ARE WE?
Moving to a new city can be an overwhelming experience. Tackling life with a spouse who is a
doctor-in-training is another experience altogether!
The Johns Hopkins Medical Auxiliary (JHMA) was founded in 1999 to provide a social network of
support and services to the spouses and significant others of medical students, residents, and
fellows at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. We’re a nurturing community for women, men, and their
families. We offer many different interest groups and provide activities throughout the year to
ensure there is something for everyone ‒ those with or without children, events for members to
attend by themselves, as well as events for members to attend as a couple.
Interest groups include Book Club, Night on the Town, Charity Committee, Community Service,
Bunco, Baltimore Adventures, Gourmet Night, Dinner Outreach, an eco-friendly living forum, Toddler
Co-op, Playgroup, New Parents Group, Expecting Parents Group, and Running Club.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Eligible members include spouses and significant others of medical students, residents, or fellows of
the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Annual dues are $35 for spouses of medical students, residents, and fellows and $45 for returning
spouses of junior faculty within the first five years of completing training. Membership benefits
include the bimonthly newsletter, the JHMA listserv, and invitations to our many, fun-filled events.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Please visit our website at www.jhmaonline.org to learn more about our organization, read about
various interest groups, see photos from member events, review our resource guide, and become a
member. Or feel welcome to email the current president of the organization, Heather Oakley, with
any questions you may have at president@jhmaonline.org.
We hope to welcome you soon to Baltimore and the Hopkins community!
Visit us online at www.jhmaonline.org
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All new, prospective,
and returning members are invited to the
Annual JHMA Welcome Picnic!
Please join us for lunch and drinks at Double Rock Park
in the Parkville area of Baltimore:
Saturday, July 16, 2016
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Rocks Front Pavilion
8211 Glen Road
Parkville, MD 21234
Bring your whole family or just yourself (if your spouse is working),and
enjoy a picnic with the JHMA. It's a great way to jump in and meet
people. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP by Friday, July 8th to president@jhmaonline.org
Use this map to locate parking
near the pavilion (Rocks Front
Pavilion), and then look for the
JHMA banner!
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VARIOUS JHMA INTEREST GROUPS
-Members are welcome to join as many subgroups as they like! Find what best fits your interests.
Baltimore Adventures introduces members to child-related activities as we explore the Baltimore area. The activities
and times vary to allow both stay-at-home parents and parents in the work place to attend with their families. Email:
baltoadventures@jhmaonline.org
Book Club includes discussing the book of the month and of course snacking and socializing that go along with most
JHMA events. Join us! Email: bookclub@jhmaonline.org
Bunco is a social dice game that involves a group of twelve players who meet once a month to enjoy dinner and drinks,
develop friendships, and win prizes. Anyone is invited to join! Email: bunco@jhmaonline.org
Charity Committee is dedicated to helping patients and families of The Johns Hopkins Hospital. In the past we have
made note cards and other crafts to benefit the Johns Hopkins Breast Center! Email: charity@jhmaonline.org
Community Service is committed to volunteering in community service events in the Baltimore area that will help to
enrich our local community. Email: community@jhmaonline.org
Dinner Outreach arranges for members to provide meals to other members who are experiencing a life changing event,
such as a new baby or sudden illness. This is a great way to support each other. Email: outreach@jhmaonline.org
Expecting Parents is a group set up to share information and questions about becoming a parent ‒ with meet-ups from
time to time, too. Email: expecting@jhmaonline.org
Gourmet Club provides an opportunity for members to socialize while enjoying a variety of food themes. Events are
typically pot luck and are hosted by a different member each time, usually at the host's home, but have also been held at
local restaurants and venues. It’s a fun way to meet new people, relax, and enjoy delicious food! Email:
gourmet@jhmaonline.org
Night on the Town is an outing organized by different JHMA members to do something fun like wine tasting, bowling,
going to an Orioles game, or dining...it's a great way to make friends and explore Baltimore. Both guys and gals are
welcome! Email: nightonthetown@jhmaonline.org
New Parents Group: is a forum and occasional playgroup for children under age one and their parents. It's a great way
for those with new babies to interact. Older siblings are welcome, too! Email: newparents@jhmaonline.org
Playgroup gives parents and children an opportunity to socialize and play at members’ homes, parks, or other kidfriendly venues. Children of all ages are welcome! Email: playgroups@jhmaonline.org
Running Club is a group for those interested in races or just discussing exercise. Email: running@jhmaonline.org
The JHMA SELF Forum (Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Living) is an informative and supportive group, helping us all to tweak
our habits in a positive and important way, so that eating locally or just living greener will come easier and more secondnature. Email: locavores@jhmaonline.org
Social Committee organizes special events for the families of JHMA members including fall, holiday, and spring parties.
Email: socials@jhmaonline.org
Toddler Co-op is a drop-off Parent’s Morning Out program for children ages 1-4 that meets once a week. Children enjoy
playing with friends while mom or dad enjoys two hours of free time. Parents participate by staying with the children on
a rotating schedule. Email: toddlercoop@jhmaonline.org
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We invite you to
Join us for
JHMA’s Annual Crab Feast!
The kick-off event for our Gourmet Nights
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 7:00 pm
Captain James Landing
2127 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
(dock side by the harbor)
Bring your spouse or just yourself (if your spouse is working),
and experience a true Baltimore tradition!
RSVP by Friday, August 5th to
president@jhmaonline.org
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TESTIMONIALS
FROM OUR MEMBERS
Make new friends instantly at the
JHMA's Welcome Picnic in July!
"The JHMA has made my husband's residency a much better
experience than it would have been. The support I've received
has made Baltimore my home, and I feel like those in the
auxiliary are my extended family. We all are in this together, and
it's comforting to be with those who understand the crazy,
insane, and frustrating life of a med student, resident, or fellow. I
also regularly enjoy numerous activities (there is literally
something for everyone) from one of the larger picnics or parties,
to gourmet night, to just getting together with another member
for coffee. I don't know what I would do without this group! -Rebecca
"I saw the JHMA's information in the welcome guide when my
husband started residency but had made some of my own
friends at work and thought I'd wait until I had kids to join. Huge
mistake!! JHMA has been a lifesaver for me in terms of
information, friends, support, and socialization. I wish I had
joined right away." -- Julie
Playgroup meets often, visiting local
parks and playgrounds.
"I never dreamed when we were getting ready to move to
Baltimore and first opened the JHMA Welcome Guide how
important this group would become in our lives here. It is
through this group that we met the family with whom we share
a nanny for our toddlers ... through this group that we have more
social events to choose from than days in the week ... through
this group that I continue to find out about fun things to do with
kids in the area. Plus, anytime I need a recommendation for
anything Baltimore-related (a plumber, a doctor, a preschool) it's
answered with a quick e-mail to the listserv. We have loved the
JHMA and can't wait for you to join too! -- Lisa
"I didn't know a soul when we first moved to Baltimore, but all
that changed as soon as I joined the JHMA. I immediately got
plugged into a network of supportive, caring friends ‒ along with
activities for myself and my spouse. Getting involved in the JHMA
has made all the difference in our Baltimore experience!" -Jennifer
The JHMA's annual Holiday Cookie
Exchange Party is always fun for all.
"The JHMA is a phenomenally helpful resource. I joined even
before I got to Baltimore just so that I could get on the listserv
and ask my three million questions about services I would be
needing when I got there!" -- Katherine
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READY TO JOIN THE JHMA?
IT'S EASY TO BECOME A MEMBER!
Joining the JHMA is easy! Simply visit our website at www.jhmaonline.org and click on the "membership" tab,
then “Join Group”. Complete the form on BigTent.com, pay your dues, and you're done!
Annual dues are $35 for spouses of medical students, residents, and fellows and $45 for returning spouses of
junior faculty within the first five years of completing training.
Our membership year runs from July 1-June 30, but new members who join after March 15th will automatically
roll over into the new membership year. You don't have to wait until you get to Baltimore ‒ join the JHMA
today!
MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU
On our web site, you can find a color, pdf version of this Welcome Guide. We also offer a Resource Guide ‒ a
member-recommended listing of everything from schools to salons. It's everything you need as you relocate
and settle into Baltimore. Additionally, you can find us on Facebook. Just search for “Johns Hopkins Medical
Auxiliary” and request to join. Once there, you can see pictures from past events and lists of future events!
Once you become a member of the JHMA, you'll also have access to our BigTent site, where you can post
questions and receive immediate answers from members who have "been there, done that." Looking for a
neighborhood or rental property, a new doctor or dentist, or a list of good preschools? Want to know where
to take your visiting family members for the day or what restaurant to eat in? Our members have an answer
for you! Why reinvent the wheel?
CONTACT US!
To learn more about our organization, visit our website at www.jhmaonline.org, or email JHMA president
Heather Oakley, with any questions you may have at president@jhmaonline.org.
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WHERE OUR MEMBERS LIVE
Baltimore is a city of unique neighborhoods. Whether you live in Baltimore City or one of
the surrounding counties, each neighborhood has its own style. Many neighborhoods have
community associations that work together to plan neighborhood activities and welcome
new residents.
The pie chart below illustrates some of the more popular neighborhoods where our
members typically reside.
Member Locations
North of 695 (Lutherville, Owings Mills, Perry Hall)
North and Central Baltimore (Pikesville, Gwynn Oak, Rosedale, Mt.
Washington, Rodgers Forge, Towson, Roland Park,
Coldstream/Montebello/Homestead/Hampden)
Downtown Baltimore (Fells Point, Canton/Patterson Park, Bolton
Hill/Penn North, Federal Hill, Little Italy/Harbor East)
South of Baltimore (Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel,
Gambrills)
10%
38%
10%
42%
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MAKING THE MOVE TO BALTIMORE
About Baltimore
Baltimore is an incredible place to live. Whether you’re moving from a metropolitan hub or a sleepy Midwest
town, you’ll find that Charm City offers a simple transition. Newcomers to Baltimore sometimes wonder, “Will
there be enough to do?” Here are a few things they quickly discover:




Baltimore is one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast, with great apartments and
rowhouses available in tight-knit, vibrant neighborhoods at rates unheard of in places like New York
and Boston.
Baltimore is one fun-loving, idiosyncratic place ‒ full of nowhere-but-here features like Chesapeake
Bay crab houses, marble-stepped rowhouses, and eclectic neighborhoods.
Baltimore is a big city—with all the cultural, culinary, entertainment, and recreational amenities
you’d expect—but it seems more like a small one, thanks to the relative lack of traffic hassles and
other complications of urban living. Oftentimes, Baltimore is called "Smalltimore" by the locals.
Before long, you'll end up running into people you know all across town!
With the nickname "America in Miniature," Maryland has something for everyone. From sandy
dunes and beaches in the east to mountains in the west, you'll find lots to do within an easy driving
distance.
Relocation Assistance
Need additional help getting settled? Visit the Johns Hopkins Hospital's page at
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/baltimore/moving/ for more links and resources to get you started.
Also, be sure to visit the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution Housing Office, available to assist students, house
staff, and postdoctoral fellows with their on-campus and off-campus accommodations. More information is
available online at http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/students/life/housing/off_campus.html
Got kids? For school-related information, find the School Locator on each corresponding school system's website:
www.baltimorecityschools.org, www.bcps.org, or www.hcpss.org. For a list of member recommended preschools
and other organizations, view the JHMA's Resource Guide, available on our website.
Information adapted from JHH Human Resources
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Getting to know JHMA!
With the constant changing of our membership, the JHMA has the unique ability to
transform yearly into what works best for its members. Recently the Executive Board
met and wanted to share what we consider some of the great effective uses of our
organization. These top SIX uses will help you discover what really is BEST about the
JHMA!
1. ASK: One of the best features of our group is our online presence. When you have a
question and you'd like to see if anyone else has an answer, utilizing BigTent is so easy.
Need a lawyer? Best Place for an Anniversary Dinner? Babysitters Near Towson? All of
these topics have been raised to the JHMA at one time, so post your question to the
forum and watch as responses pour into your inbox!
2. ATTEND/HOST AN EVENT: Want to meet other members of the JHMA? Attend an
event to meet other members and have a great time or offer to host an event! This is
one of the fastest ways to get involved and have a veteran member walk you through
the steps to hosting an event. Options include Bunco, Book Club, Gourmet Night and
Charity Night. Other options are playdates or evening activities.
3. VOLUNTEER: The JHMA has several volunteer opportunities through our community
service endeavors and our social events. Consider getting involved and help out at one
of our future events. Many of the events need several volunteers, so if you can find a
little time on your calendar, you won't regret it!
4. LEAD: The JHMA Executive Board is already looking for those members who are
interested in taking a leadership role in our organization for the 2017 year. If you think
you would like to be more involved in leading our organization forward, please contact
the executive board at execs@jhmaonline.org.
5. BIGTENT: The more you get to know JHMA's BigTent site, the more you begin to
realize all the resources that are available to you! Forgot Melanie's email and need to
send her a message about an upcoming event? No problem, with BigTent, our
membership directory has members’ information readily accessible.
6. SHARE: Please share your talents, your recommendations, your business, you or your
children's' outgrown clothes, extra vegetables from your garden, etc. Many members
have really benefitted from others who have shared with JHMA!
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SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN BALTIMORE & BEYOND
Compiled by Monica Leigh, Past JHMA President
CONCERTS AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS
The American Visionary Arts Museum
Flicks from the Hill, free outdoor movies
Thursdays in July & August
http://avam.org/news-and-events/events/flicks-fromthe-hill.shtml
Artscape (A huge free arts festival)
July 15-17, 2016
http://www.artscape.org
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Thursday Wine Nights, 4th of July celebration
http://www.bsomusic.org/
Belvedere Square Summer Concert Series
May –-September
http://www.belvederesquare.com
Benjies Drive-In Movies
Friday and Saturday nights
http://www.bengies.com
Ladew Gardens Summer Concert Series
Monkton, MD
June– August
http://www.ladewgardens.com
Little Italy Open Air Film Festival
(Cinema al fresco)
Friday evenings in July & August
http://www.littleitalymd.com
Other Italian-Related Events
http://littleitalymd.com/t/Events_Activities
Patterson Park
Flea markets, outdoor movie nights & free concerts
http://www.pattersonpark.com/Calendar/calendar.ht
ml
PARKS
Baltimore City Dept. of Recreation & Parks
http://www.baltimorecity.gov/Government/AgenciesD
epartments/RecreationandParks/SpecialFacilities.aspx
Baltimore County Dept. of Recreation and Parks
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreati
on/countyparks/index.html#top
List of Parks
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreati
on/countyparks/cntyparkslist.html
Gunpowder Falls (park with a beach)
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/gunp
owder.asp
Hammerman (swimming) area
http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/g
unpowderhammerman.aspx
Oregon Ridge (park with a beach)
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreati
on/countyparks/oregonridgelodge/
ARBORETUMS AND GARDENS
Cylburn Arboretum
http://www.cylburnassociation.org/
Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic
Gardens
http://www.baltimoreconservatory.org
Mt. Washington Arboretum
http://www.miniarboretum.org/
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS
Towson Town Center Block Parties
Friday nights May – October
http://www.towsonchamber.com/
WTMD First Thursday Concerts in the Park
Canton Waterfront Park: May – early October
http://wtmd.org/radio/first-thursday-concerts-in-thepark/
Farmer's Markets
http://mda.maryland.gov/maryland_products/pages/f
armers_market_dir.aspx
Free Family Fun in Baltimore County
http://www.enjoybaltimorecounty.com/
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Becoming a Baltimorean
by Jennifer Brezina, Past President, JHMA
Paul and I waited eagerly by our computer. It was fellowship match day, October 2008, and we were waiting for high noon ‒ when a
web site would tell us our fellowship matching institution. Our one-month old twins lounged in bouncy seats beside us, and rocking
their chairs with our feet was adding even more tension.
My husband and I had lived in North Carolina our entire lives. Medical School? East Carolina University. Residency? Same place. We
first met years earlier at UNC-Chapel Hill as sophomores, so matching at UNC seemed like our destiny. It was safe. It was home. With
two newborn children, I knew I'd need family help now more than ever ‒ and everyone was in North Carolina. Noon finally struc k,
and I kept scanning to see the words "UNC-Chapel Hill" pop up on screen. Nothing yet.
Several minutes passed, and we were still in the dark. Paul was aiming high for a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and
Infertility, a field in OB/GYN with relatively few spots in the country. We knew he might not match at all, but Paul had completed a
month long rotation at UNC and worked his tail off. The UNC chair's last words to him were something like, "You'll be with us next
year." He ranked them #1.
Finally, the computer had a half-answer. The screen said, "Congratulations! You matched." But WHERE?!?
We clicked to a different page, our hearts racing, and there it was: Johns Hopkins. I was stunned. I barely remembered that Paul had
visited Baltimore, since I was still in the hospital post c-section when he was offered a last-minute interview. We delivered our twins
earlier than expected between interview trips, but that's another story. Heck, I was probably high on morphine when he discussed
Baltimore.
So there it was. I was thrilled that my husband had landed one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. But my daydreaming
about a cute house in Chapel Hill obviously stopped, as did dropping by to see my grandparents, parents, cousins, etc. whenever the
mood struck. I started thinking about selling our house, purging the mountain of stuff we had accumulated over eight years of
marriage, and uprooting our family into a rental row house about one-third the size of our home in N.C. Even our cat Tarheel
seemed to sense something was amiss. She had enjoyed roaming on our acre of land, with a little fence that kept out pesky
neighborhood dogs. Did our outdoor cat know she was in for a big transition, too? Do they even have outdoor cats in Baltimore ?
To help adjust, Paul had me watch all five seasons of The Wire ‒ you know, the gritty HBO crime drama about Baltimore ‒ through
Netflix. Don't do that. It took about a year for me to feel at home, and it was a tough transition. But we are so thankful no w for
where we ended up: we live in a unique family-friendly Baltimore neighborhood called Rodgers Forge, sandwiched between two
neighbors who probably hear every noise my toddlers make. We're members of the National Aquarium, Port Discovery, and the
Baltimore Zoo. Best of all, I joined the JHMA ‒ and that spouse support group has made all the difference. Through the JHMA, we
immediately got plugged into a weekly toddler co-op, playgroups, ladies nights, and I even joined Bunco. Life is working out in
Baltimore better than I ever imagined. We had a big shock moving to a big city (I mean, we've traveled a lot, but I used to think
Raleigh was relatively big); however, I'm growing to really like Baltimore. I love that we can go to a Major League baseball game on a
whim. I love the trendy restaurants and boutiques I can show family and friends when they visit. I went to a Greek heritage festival
downtown recently, and I'm not even Greek.
There are still days when I get homesick. The barbeque up here doesn't cut it, and I miss chicken biscuits at Bojangles. When a
neighbor has repair work done, we hear every hammer whack. Traveling home eight hours with twin toddlers is fun for no one. And I
cried when I had to miss my grandmother's 80th birthday party last year. But all that aside, with the right attitude and actively
working to get involved, I have found Baltimore to be an adventure.
So, thank you, Baltimore, for opening my eyes to life beyond North Carolina; the experience has broadened me. I have seen some
scary things taking a rookie wrong turn or two, but on the whole Baltimore is beautiful.
Even Tarheel has made the transition from country cat to alley cat. She no longer has an acre to call her own ‒ and she disappears
for weeks at a time ‒ but somehow she always comes home. And home is wherever our family is.
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Introduction to Baltimore Neighborhoods
By Amalie Ward, JHMA Member
Baltimore is chock full of neighborhoods to explore- some ritzy, some funky/old school Baltimore, some fun
tourist spots to visit when you have out of town guests. For more information on some of the restaurants
listed see the Baltimore’s Best Restaurants section.
 Harbor East – Brand new, ritzy shops and restaurants with a Landmark movie theater equipped with a
bar and you can bring drinks in to the show! Restaurants: The Charleston, Cinghiale, Wit & Wisdom (in
the Four Seasons Hotel). Very near Little Italy.
 Belvedere Square – North of downtown. Senator Theater, Atwater’s Restaurant and Market, Outdoor
music concert every Friday in the summer (very kid friendly with food trucks and drinks. People set up
lawn chairs in the parking lot of Atwater’s).
 Towson – New movie theater and restaurants, walk around the circle, college town bars and cafes but
also nice restaurants like Cunningham’s, walk to the Towson Town Center (mall).
 Canton Square – Fun on weekends! Bars/Restaurants (Peter’s Inn, Mama’s on the Halfshell, Dangerously
Delicious Pies).
 Hampden – Check out the Hon Fest every summer where people get decked out in beehive hairdos,
pointy glittery glasses, poodle skirts, and anything with a flamingo on it! Visit the Wine bar “13.5%”,
numerous restaurants and antique shops. Two great restaurants if you have kids: Play Cafe and Golden
West Cafe.
 Mount Vernon – Many great restaurants (The Helmand- Afghan Cuisine, Brewer's Art, Soto SopraItalian), has the artistic Charles Theater (connected to Tapas Teatro restaurant where you can bring your
beverages from the restaurant into the theater), and the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is located here.
 Fells Point – Many bars and restaurants. Lively on the weekends. On the harbor. Get a burger at Kooper’s
Tavern or seafood at Bertha’s Mussels. Homicide: Life on the Streets was filmed in the large Police
Building on the water but is soon to become a boutique hotel.
 Lauraville/Hamilton – North Western part of the city. Weekly farmer’s market, home to Maggie’s Farm,
Koco’s Pub (possibly the best crabcakes in Baltimore), and the Red Canoe (coffee shop with kid play
section).
 Main Street of historic Ellicott City – A great escape from the city feel of Baltimore. Shops, restaurants,
pubs, and a river.
 Other popular areas – Federal hill (“Fed Hill”), Mount Vernon, the Baltimore Harbor, Mount Washington,
Roland Park, and other surrounding areas.
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My Baltimore Experience
by Jennifer Aguila, Past Member, JHMA
When my husband matched to Hopkins for two years of additional residency training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,
I remember feeling excited, proud, and apprehensive. He had already completed one residency, ENT, almost four years ago
and had been working as an attending ever since. But now we were heading back to training. Thankfully, to borrow some
southern parlance, this wasn’t our first rodeo. I knew residency was a grueling, exacting, and humbling experience for the
physician as well as his/her family. However, I also knew that it can be rewarding and fruitful if everyone has adequate
support. Despite our previous residency, I still needed to figure out how to cope with his long hours and unpredictable
schedule. Five years ago, we were a childless couple living in New York City. The way I dealt with my husband’s absences
then wouldn’t work now because we had our daughter’s needs to consider. How would we address the inevitable
challenges that came our way? How would we cope with an 80+ hour work week and still have time for each other and our
daughter? These are the questions I couldn’t answer despite our previous experiences.
Some of our answers arrived shortly after match day when we received a welcome packet from the Johns Hopkins Medical
Auxiliary (JHMA). Here was an organization whose entire mission was to help and support the families of physicians in
training. What a gift! There was no such organization at my husband’s previous institution. I remember feeling so happy
just knowing that there was a group that made it its business to address the very concerns I had about beginning residency
again. I registered as a member almost immediately, and upon our arrival in Baltimore, I enrolled our daughter in toddler
co-op. There I was able to meet lots of other parents who struggled to do what one JHMA mom calls “pseudo-single
parenting”. Through those co-op parents, I was also connected with a preschool for our daughter. The JHMA’s listserv (a
very active and helpful tool) provided all sorts of other information I needed in order to acclimate myself to Baltimore:
where to find a good farmer’s market, which parks were the best for younger kids, and which medical practice we should
enroll ourselves. The JHMA has been one of the bright spots during our two years here in Baltimore. Our family has visited
lots of sights and taken in events I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. We’ve had a lot of fun times at JHMA events or at
other outings suggested to us by someone through the JHMA.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the JHMA for me has been the shared experience of life as a spouse of a physician in
training. Life with a doctor isn’t as glamorous as other people think. The women and men of the JHMA understand this, and
the reality is that they may be the only people in your life who do. These people understand how it feels to have your
husband miss your birthday because of work. They have also tried to explain to their children that daddy’s (or mommy’s)
home isn’t the hospital; he actually lives here with us. JHMAers know what a struggle it can be to find time for each other
and your relationship. The friendships developed through this bond of shared experience mean a great deal to me.
People in the JHMA, because of this shared experience, really care about one another even if their contact is only through
email or passing conversations. This past year I delivered our second daughter, and we received a ton of support from
JHMAers. People I only know through email brought meals. Others volunteered to care for our older daughter during the
hazy newborn days. Still others sent their heartfelt congratulations. The JHMA really is a caring and giving community: one
that strives to support and help each other with the basics of life. Day-to-day living can be a struggle sometimes under the
best of circumstances, but when major life events take place, and you’re already living in the pressure cooker of medical
training, day-to-day living can degenerate. The JHMA exists to help make sure that doesn’t happen. I am so grateful for all
that our family has received through our involvement in this terrific group.
I will leave Baltimore this year much as I arrived – excited, proud and apprehensive – because we are moving on again to
another new experience. The difference with this new experience is I don’t have a JHMA waiting for me in my new city to
augment it. As you begin your adventure at Hopkins (and in Baltimore), do yourself a favor – join the JHMA! Your time here
will be enriched because of it.
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Activities and Restaurants for Kids
By Amalie Ward, JHMA Member
Some Kid-Friendly Activities in and around Baltimore to explore:
 Downtown Baltimore. It is wise to buy a membership to the downtown kid attractions as they are expensive and you get
discounted parking with some memberships as well. These include: Port Discovery (children’s museum), Maryland Science
Center (plenty to do for kids even 1 year and up), and the National Aquarium.
 Go to the Inner Harbor, rent a paddle boat for a half hour and go out on the water or walk along the harbor toward the Science
Center and let the kids run through the fountains of the Walter Sondheim Splash Pad.
 Visit Fort McHenry. It’s on the water, has lots of green space and is where the Battle for Fort McHenry was fought in 1814,
about which the National Anthem was written.
 Baltimore Streetcar Museum near Hampden. Ride on historic trolleys along the Jones Falls bike trail and learn a bit of trolley
history as well.
 Storyville in Rosedale and Woodlawn Public Libraries. *Free* Educational area full of activities for kids newborn to about 6
years old: play rooms include legos to doll houses to pretend post offices.
 Centennial Park in Columbia. Wonderful, huge park with picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and a lake with paddleboats and canoes.
 Oregon Ridge Park. Safe hiking trails, a pool in the summer that looks natural like a pond, rolling green hills, and the Baltimore
Symphony Orchestra plays a few summer concerts here with fireworks.
 Fire Museum in Lutherville Timonium. Historic fire trucks on display as well as a play area.
 Kiddie Crusoe in Timonium. A great place for a rainy day. All indoor make believe area, swing/climbing area, and bounce house
area.
Some Kid-Friendly Restaurants in and around Baltimore to explore:
 Red canoe. Coffee shop in Lauraville/Hamilton with a kid play area.
 Koco's pub in Lauraville/Hamilton. Hole in the wall bar with a kid’s corner and the best crab cakes in Maryland.
 Miss. Shirley's (brunch) – the original is on Coldspring Lane in Roland Park. A great place to go especially with out of town
visitors for the amazing food combinations – several with seafood but by no means just a “seafood restaurant”. Lots of noise so
kids blend in but also bento boxes with lots of good food choices for kids. Walk east a few blocks on Coldspring Lane and let the
kids play at the shaded Linkwood Park playground. There is also another Miss. Shirley’s on the Harbor.
 Iggie’s Pizza downtown. Great pizza, loud atmosphere where kids blend in.
 Hightopps Backstage Grill in Lutherville Timonium. Has a giant sand play area with slides. Each child is given a bucket and shovel
to go play while the parents enjoy the meal and the live music.
 Play cafe and Golden West Café in Hampden. Play Cafe has a whole play area for kids and healthy meal options. Golden West
Cafe is loud and funky enough that no one will notice the kids.
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Perks of Being a Johns Hopkins Employee
By Marie Leucker, JHMA Vice President
Having my Husband as a Hopkins employee has many perks around Baltimore. Here is a list of the places that give Hopkins
Discounts:
Arts & Culture: B & O Railroad Museum, Disney on Ice, Circus & Other Events, Hippodrome Theatre/Frances-Merrick
Performing Arts Center, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, National Aquarium in Baltimore, and Shriver Hall Concerts
Sports & Fitness: Baltimore Orioles Tickets, Tee-Time Golf Passes, Gym & Wellness Programs offered by Johns Hopkins
Cooley Center, Ralph S. O’Connor Recreation Center, and Y of Central Maryland
Amusement & Theme Parks: Hershey Park, Kings Dominion, Six Flags America, Maryland, Walt Disney, Universal, and Sea
World
Tip: To help make sure my family can take advantage of all the discounts around Baltimore, I keep my Husbands business card
in my wallet. This way I always have it!
To see a complete list visit the Hopkins Perks Website:
http://hopkinsworklife.org/discounts/
Other Hopkins benefits and perks can be found here:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/human_resources/benefits/employee_discounts.html
Baltimore’s Best Restaurants
By Amalie Ward, JHMA Member

Woodberry Kitchen near Hampden. Farmhouse chic atmosphere, yes, I just said farmhouse chic. Seasonal, local gourmet
options with creative bar creations. Must make reservations months in advance!

Johnnie’s of Roland Park (located behind Petit Louis Bistro). Trendy/modern atmosphere. Half underground, fun bar
atmosphere but with full meal options.

Petit Louis Bistro (French) in Roland Park. Classic French Cuisine. Romantic atmosphere.

Blue Hill Tavern in Canton

The Ambassador Dining Room near Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus. Indian Cuisine with a garden to walk in. Located on
the first floor of an apartment building.

Peter's Inn in Canton

The Helmand in Mount Vernon (Afghan Cuisine). Everyone loves the baked pumpkin appetizer.

Soto Sopra (Italian) in Mount Vernon. Romantic atmosphere.

The Brewer's Art in Mount Vernon

Cunningham’s in Towson. Modern/classy atmosphere with bar.

The Charleston in Harbor East. Fancy, multiple course dinner.

Wit & Wisdom in Harbor East inside the Four Seasons. Modern/classy atmosphere with bar. Is on the water.

Salt near Patterson Park. Tiny restaurant with an amazing menu.

LP Steamers near Fort McHenry. A hole in the wall restaurant with the best crabs in Baltimore.

The Rusty Scupper. A short drive around the harbor, surrounded by water, known for the seafood.
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Baltimore Bucket List: Things to do in Baltimore and Beyond
- Go see the Baltimore Orioles play at Camden Yards.
- Go to Fort McHenry. Both the history and view are incredible.
- Eat at a restaurant in Little Italy and get cannolis at Vaccaro's.
- Eat in Greek town - Samos' restaurant is among the best.
- Go to Port Discovery, the Maryland Science Center, the Aquarium, and the zoo - especially if
you have kids.
- Visit Fells Point. Eat gelato at Pitangos and enjoy the waterfront view.
- See the tulips at Sherwood Gardens when they bloom in the spring.
- Visit Patterson Park, and go up in the pagoda.
- Go to the Farmer's Market under the JFX on a Sunday morning. Bring quarters with you to park.
- Go to Baugher's Orchard in the fall, take a hay ride, and pick a pumpkin out of the patch.
- Ride the dragon paddleboats in the inner harbor.
- Go to Annie's Playground in Harford County (http://www.anniesplayground.net/).
- Visit Federal Hill park. The downtown view is awesome. Lunch at the Abbey Burger Bistro won't disappoint while you're in
that neck of the woods.
- Eat at the following restaurants at least once: Woodberry Kitchen, Salt, Mama's on the Half Shell, Petit Louis, the Charleston,
The Brewer's Art, Annabel Lee Tavern, and Cafe Hon.
- Go to DC. Be a tourist and see the monuments and museums. Go again when the cherry blossoms are blooming.
- Take a day trip to Annapolis.
- Take a day trip to Harpers Ferry, WV. Hike around the hills and across the Potomac. Fall is especially beautiful.
- Take a day trip to Gettysburg, Pa.
- Take a day trip (or longer) to Philly.
- Go by train to NYC and visit for a few days.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE JHMA
DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO JOIN THE JHMA UNTIL WE MOVE TO BALTIMORE?
You can join the JHMA at any time! Some members join before they move to Baltimore
and benefit from the group's advice and input. But whether you join before your move,
immediately following your move, or months after your move, you have a standing
invitation.
IS THE JHMA BASICALLY A "WIVES CLUB?"
The JHMA is much more inclusive than a "wives club." We welcome anyone who is in a
current relationship with a Resident or Fellow at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In our history we
have had many male members as well as members who were not married to their Hopkins
partner. We try to offer something for everyone ‒ whether you have children, don't have
children, live in the city, live in the suburbs, are newly married, or have been married for
years. If you don't see an Interest Group you'd like, we can always create a new one!
That's how flexible we are.
ARE YOU GUYS LIKE "THE STEPFORD WIVES?"
Yes, we are all perfect beyond belief and act like robots. No! We are very real, down-toearth folks ‒ we just happen to have spouses/significant others with hectic schedules at
Hopkins and enjoy getting to know others in the same boat. Our members' backgrounds
vary widely ‒ from journalists to attorneys to stay-at-home-parents to nurses to
professors to teachers to doctors... you name it! We come from the East Coast, the West
Coast, and everywhere in between. Some of our members are international, too.
WHERE ARE MOST JHMA EVENTS HELD?
We have events wherever our members live! We offer events in downtown Baltimore and
elsewhere, too! Different members host events each month, so it just depends.
HOW MUCH AM I REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JHMA?
Participate as much or as little as you like! We're all in the same boat, so come to events
that interest you when you can. There are absolutely no time requirements or
commitments! Some members just use our listserv, while others meet up as often as
possible ‒ and many fall somewhere in between. Do what works for you.
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JOIN THE JHMA!
WWW.JHMAONLINE.ORG