Crystal Gorden Earns D.O. Degree from DMU

2012 May 29

Des Moines University awarded 529 degrees at its 2012 Commencement Ceremony May 26 at 10 a.m. at Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines. The dean from each of the three DMU colleges presented their classes and DMU President Angela Walker Franklin, Ph.D., conferred degrees.

Crystal Gorden from Elk Point, SD earned a D.O. degree. Gorden is the child of Jeffrey and Diane Gorden of Elk Poinnt, SD.

Continuing a tradition started in 1899, the College of Osteopathic Medicine will award the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree to 218 graduates. The college will also confer the master of science in anatomy and master of science in biomedical sciences degrees to 13 graduates. The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery will award the doctor of podiatric medicine degree to 57 graduates. The College of Health Sciences will recognize 241 degrees to graduates from five programs – doctor of physical therapy, post-professional doctor of physical therapy, master of science in physician assistant studies, master of public health and master of health care administration. Some students earned dual degrees.

The commencement speaker, David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., was presented with an honorary doctor of science degree. He is director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, which he established in 2006 to improve public health policy for all Americans. From 1998 to 2001, Satcher was simultaneously the surgeon general of the United States and assistant secretary for health in the Department of Health and Human Services. He has numerous honorary degrees and awards, including top awards from the National Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

A photo of the graduate is available at https://dmu.wufoo.com/cabinet/m7q8a1/W3HNx8fTl9c%3D/gorden_c.jpg.

Des Moines University has three colleges (listed below). An explanation of degrees awarded follows:

College of Osteopathic Medicine:

Osteopathic Medicine Program – Graduates of this program earn a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

Anatomy Program – Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in anatomy. This is a 40.5 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (A), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

Biomedical Sciences Program – Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in biomedical sciences. This is a 40 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (BS), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery:

Graduates of this program earn a doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

College of Health Sciences:

Physical Therapy Program – Graduates of this program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 34-month educational program, including clinical internships.

Postprofessional Physical Therapy Program – Graduates of this postprofessional program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 17-23 credit educational program. Graduates will be listed as having earned a (PP)D.P.T., but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a D.P.T.

Health Care Administration Program – Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of health care administration (M.H.A.) degree. The degree provides an educational foundation for careers and leadership in management, planning policy analysis and similar roles in long-term care or other health care settings.

Public Health Program – Graduates of this program complete at least two years of education, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of public health (M.P.H.) degree. The program provides students with the skills to lead community efforts in improving health.

Physician Assistant Program – Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in physician assistant studies. The program provides students the skills necessary to become certified physician assistants. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S. (PA), but this is just to differentiate the program completed. The actual degree earned is a M.S.

Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration, anatomy, biomedical sciences and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.