FREE Museum Access

Call me a nerd if you like, but I enjoy museums. Children’s museums. Art museums. Science museums. I like to see what creative expression looks like out in the real world. When I had kids, I thought my museum days were over. All I could hear was the ‘mom voice’ in my head saying, “Don’t touch that!”, “Please be careful”, “Look with your eyes, please”. The anxiety was real. Also, the cost of visiting a museum sometimes can be prohibitive, especially when you’re paying full price for a kiddo. Fortunately, two awesome museums in Columbus offer free admission several times a year. Allow me to share with you….  

The Columbus Museum of Art is located downtown Columbus, near the Columbus College of Art and Design and Columbus State Community College. It has rotating exhibits throughout the year, some more family-friendly than others. However, they always have a kid section to explore, specifically called The Wonder Room. It’s a room set-up for kids to touch, climb and play with all kinds of art installations. The last time my family went, they had a mirrored glass feature (pictured below) that my kids particularly enjoyed as well as a Lego display (more to come on this later) and a build-your-own artifact station. There are typically child-loving helpers located throughout the exhibits too – so your kids can explore with or without direction from an adult. 

The Lego exhibit. OMG. It was incredible. The installation included a “Block O”, a graphic of Archie Griffin tackling a University of Michigan player, and a village complete with different seasons. I could’ve spent the entire afternoon just looking at the village! My entire family loved looking at the intricate details and playing “I Spy”.   

“Get to the money saving part!” I hear you. The Columbus Museum of Art is free to veteran and active military and their families AND every Sunday, it is FREE to anyone! Needless to say, my family typically goes on Sundays (open from 10AM – 5PM) and it truly is an awesome change of pace.  

 Next up is the Franklin Park Conservatory. Franklin Park offers several really cool experiences throughout the year – Blooms and Butterflies and Chihuly Nights are two of my all-time favorites. At Blooms and Butterflies, you enter a greenhouse that is filled with plants and you notice thousands of butterflies flying around. You can catch them on your nose or finger, you can pet them as they pose for you on a rock. It’s extremely cool to get to engage with butterflies in this very unique way (It’s hard to even see the butterfly in this photo).  

FPC has a close relationship with Dale Chihuly (famous glass artist) and you’ll see Chihuly work throughout the property. In fact, FPC has the largest private collection in a botanical garden 😊 – 18 to be exact – I bet you can’t find them all!  

Lastly, for all the readers with children, during the spring and summer, they offer a Children’s Garden with lots of sensory activities, water exploration and free play. It’s awesome!  

And on the first Sunday of each month, admission is free to anyone who lives in Columbus or Franklin County (with ID) – they call these Community Days. More information about their seasonal exhibits are available on their website.  ng and summer, they offer a Children’s Garden with lots of sensory activities, water exploration and free play. It’s awesome!  

Experience Columbus: Top Attractions and Activities in Ohio’s Capital City

Columbus, Ohio, is a dynamic and thriving city that offers a diverse array of attractions and activities for residents, fellows, and visitors alike. From world-class museums and cultural institutions to vibrant neighborhoods and lush green spaces, Columbus has something for everyone. In this blog, we’ll guide you through some of the top things to do in Columbus, giving you a taste of the city’s unique offerings and helping you make the most of your time in Ohio’s capital. 

Columbus boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues to explore. Some must-visit cultural institutions include: 

  • Columbus Museum of Art: This impressive museum features a diverse collection of American and European art, as well as temporary exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists and movements. 
  • Wexner Center for the Arts: Located on the Ohio State University campus, the Wexner Center offers a mix of visual, performing, and media arts, with a focus on contemporary and innovative works. 
  • Ohio Theatre: This beautifully restored historic venue hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. 

Columbus is home to several distinct neighborhoods, each offering unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Some popular neighborhoods to check out include: 

  • Short North Arts District: Known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, the Short North is a lively and creative hub in the heart of Columbus. 
  • German Village: This historic neighborhood features charming brick streets, beautifully restored homes, and a variety of cozy eateries and shops. 
  • Arena District: Located near Nationwide Arena, this bustling district offers a mix of sports, entertainment, dining, and nightlife options.  

Columbus offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, thanks to its numerous parks and green spaces. Some popular outdoor destinations include: 

  • Scioto Mile: This picturesque riverfront park features walking and biking trails, lush gardens, and stunning views of the city skyline. 
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens, exotic plants, and art installations at this popular attraction, which also hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year. 
  • Highbanks Metro Park: Escape the city and enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and scenic views in this sprawling nature reserve.  

Columbus is home to several fascinating museums and institutions dedicated to science and history. Some must-see attractions include: 

  • Center of Science and Industry (COSI): This interactive science center offers hands-on exhibits and exciting demonstrations that engage visitors of all ages in the wonders of science and technology. 
  • Ohio History Center: Dive into Ohio’s rich history at this expansive museum, which features exhibits on Native American culture, the Civil War, and more. 

Columbus boasts a thriving food scene, with a diverse array of restaurants, cafés, and bars to explore. From farm-to-table eateries and ethnic cuisine to food trucks and craft breweries, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss the North Market, a historic public market that features a mix of local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. Check out more information about our food scene here.

Columbus is a sports lover’s paradise, with a variety of professional and collegiate teams to cheer on. Catch a game and join the excitement at one of these popular sporting events: 

  • Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL): Watch the city’s professional ice hockey team in action at the Nationwide Arena. 
  • Columbus Crew (MLS): Experience the energy and passion of Major League Soccer at the state-of-the-art Lower.com Field. 
  • Ohio State Buckeyes: Show your support for the Ohio State University’s athletic teams, including football, basketball, and more, as they compete in various NCAA Division I sports. 
  • Columbus Clippers (MiLB): Become a Minor League Baseball fan with the Clippers. They play at Huntington Park, which has been named the best Minor League Ballpark in the country three times by Ballpark Digest.

Columbus’ thriving live music scene offers a range of options for catching performances by local, national, and international artists. From intimate clubs and bars to large concert venues, there’s always something happening in the city: 

  • KEMBA Live!: This indoor/outdoor concert venue hosts a variety of acts across different genres, providing a fantastic setting for live music events. 
  • Newport Music Hall: Often referred to as “America’s Longest Continually Running Rock Club,” this historic venue features an eclectic mix of artists and genres. 
  • Natalie’s Grandview – Live Music & Kitchen: Enjoy great food and live music in an intimate setting at this popular Columbus restaurant and music venue. 

Columbus offers plenty of options for relaxation and self-care, with numerous spas, yoga studios, and wellness centers available throughout the city. Take a break from your busy schedule and treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at one of these wellness-focused establishments: 

  • The Spa at River Ridge: Indulge in a luxurious spa day with a range of treatments, from massages and facials to body wraps and nail services. 
  • Yoga on High: Join a yoga class or workshop at this inclusive and welcoming studio, offering a variety of styles and levels to suit all practitioners. 
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find tranquility among the lush gardens, art installations, and seasonal exhibits at this popular attraction. 

Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a wealth of attractions and activities for residents, fellows, and visitors. With its rich arts and culture scene, bustling neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and thriving culinary landscape, Columbus provides countless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Whether you are a long-time resident or just passing through, make sure to take the time to experience all that this dynamic city has to offer. 

The OSU Medical Campus

Whether you come from a community based hospital or a large academic center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is LARGE, and rapidly growing. In the past few years, we’ve opened additional outpatient sites in New Albany, Dublin, and Upper Arlington. We’re in the process of building a whole new tower on main campus (yet to be named officially) that’ll increase our inpatient beds by 30%. I don’t say all this to scare you but simply to let you know that we’re growing, innovating and expanding our reach exponentially and we’d love for you to join us!

To begin our tour of inpatient OSU facilities, OSU Main – University Hospital (also known as Doan Hall and Rhodes Hall) has 11 floors and about 900 inpatient beds. It also houses the main cafeteria, GME offices, an outpatient pharmacy and other administrative offices.

The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute is the 3rd largest cancer hospital in the nation. With 21 floors and 308 beds, this building encompasses patients with malignancies, the main entrance to the Emergency Department and a wonderful eatery called The Bloch Cafe.

The Ross Heart Hospital is positioned in between OSU Main and The James, creating an indoor corridor connecting the two hospitals. The Ross has 7 floors and 150 inpatient beds. In the photo below you can see The James behind The Ross as well as the connection from The Ross to University Hospital (OSU Main).

 

Are you keeping score? So far we’ve got roughly 1350 inpatient beds and we’re not done. The good news is that most inpatient buildings (with the exception of OSU East) are connected by a tunnel, hallway or indoor access point….which makes being a doctor much more tolerable during Ohio winters.

With 87 beds, the Brain and Spine Hospital is immediately adjacent to University Hospital (OSU Main) on the east side. Some people call it the BASH (Brain And Spine Hospital).

Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital is located just south of The James and Harding Hospital is located just north of The James.

 

All of the previously mentioned locations are in the same area. No need to drive or change your parking space; they’re all connected by a tunnel, hallway or corridor. OSU East is the only exception. It’s located a few miles down the road (near the airport) and functions more like a community hospital. It houses 190 beds and sees patients with all types of medical conditions.

And last but not least, we’re adding a new tower to the west side of The James. Interested in learning about our new facility? Check out this video.

Welcome to Ohio State!

Well, hello! Welcome to the Internal Medicine Recruitment Blog (not a very fancy name, but it does the job).

As a fellowship/residency/employment candidate, you’re going to get bombarded with all kinds of information that you need to know. But what about the information that you want to know??

Stuff like: How long is the average work-home commute in Columbus, Ohio? How much will a trip to the grocery store or gas station cost me? And, of course, the all-important question: What are different ways to have fun in Columbus, Ohio?

Lucky you – that’s the whole point of this blog! Check back often for updates and new information. We hope you take this opportunity to get some sense of our awesome town and of course, Go Bucks!