Des Moines University

Over 100 students Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, presented their research at DMU's 2024 Research Symposium. The annual event highlights groundbreaking student, faculty and community research in health care and biomedical sciences. The symposium, themed Path Forward: Technology-Driven and Patient-Centered, reflects DMU's commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration and improving health care outcomes through cutting-edge research. The 2024 Research Symposium included a variety of presentations, including oral talks and posters. This year's program also welcomed high school students through a new initiative called the Young Scientist Program, designed to inspire the next generation of health care researchers. DMU hosts the Research Symposium annually to celebrate and support interdisciplinary collaboration among students, faculty and regional partners.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences played a prominent role at the Iowa Physician Assistant Society Fall Continuing Medical Education Conference, held in October in Coralville, Iowa. Themed Healthcare in the Heartland, the event featured educational sessions, a student symposium and multidisciplinary presentations, showcasing the exceptional expertise and contributions of DMU faculty, students and alumni. Highlights of DMU Involvement Student Presentation MacKenzie Kort, M.S.P.A.S.'25, of West Des Moines, Iowa, presented a research poster titled "Strides to Safety: Promoting Skin Health in Runners." Her work highlighted the importance of dermatological care for athletes and underscored DMU students' commitment to innovative, impactful research. Multidisciplinary Presentation DMU faculty members Shawna Swain, M.S.P.A.S., PA-C, Jillian Jones, D.P.T., CBIS, and Emily Summerfield, O.T.D./L, CBIS, delivered a joint presentation, "Stay on Your Feet: A Fun Guide to Fall Prevention in Our Golden Years." This engaging session provided actionable strategies for addressing fall risks, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration. Faculty Speaker Yujiang Fang, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and immunology, shared his expertise in a presentation titled "Updates of Diagnosis and Management of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia." Alumni Contributions DMU alumni Britta TenHaken, M.S.P.A.S.'19, and Morgan McGinn, M.S.P.A.S.'18, returned to the conference as speakers, demonstrating the continued impact of DMU graduates in advancing health care education and practice.

Jacquine Egbon, D.P.M.'27, of West Des Moines, Iowa, has been selected as the recipient of the Joseph Dorgan Memorial Trust Scholarship. This distinguished endowed fund was established to aid, comfort, support and provide assistance to African American individuals, reflecting a commitment to fostering equity and opportunity in education. Awardees of the scholarship are nominated by their respective college deans, with one exceptional student chosen from the pool of nominees. Egbon's selection highlights her academic excellence, dedication to the field of podiatric medicine and embodiment of the values the scholarship represents. DMU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Egbon for this outstanding recognition and celebrates the continued impact of the Joseph Dorgan Memorial Trust Scholarship in supporting and empowering future leaders in medicine.

Chloe Van Vliet, D.P.M.'26, of Otley, Iowa, has been named the recipient of the Bako Pathology Scholarship. This scholarship, endowed by Bradley Bakotic, D.O., D.P.M., and Bako Pathology, recognizes third- and fourth-year podiatric medical students who demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication in the field of pathology. The Bako Pathology Scholarship reflects a commitment to advancing podiatric education through recognition of outstanding student achievement. Van Vliet's selection highlights her excellence in pathology and her dedication to advancing health care through a deeper understanding of diagnostic tools. Bako Pathology has long been a supporter of Des Moines University's College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, contributing to scholarships and innovative educational resources such as the Bako Clinical Skills Lab and Classroom. This lab, funded by a $100,000 gift from Bako Pathology, provides cutting-edge technology and learning spaces that enrich the student experience. Van Vliet joins a distinguished group of scholars who exemplify academic excellence and a commitment to elevating the podiatric profession. DMU congratulates her on this significant achievement and extends gratitude to Bako Pathology for its continued investment in the next generation of podiatric physicians.

Des Moines University's College of Health Sciences proudly congratulates the Class of 2024 graduates from the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program who have received award recognition.

Spirit Lake native Mikayla Brockmeyer, a student in Des Moines University's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, recently received a $500 award from the Polk County, Iowa, Medical Society to recognize her participation in global service and education. The scholarship is named in honor of PCMS Executive Director Kathie Lyman for her lifelong work furthering medical education. Brockmeyer is the daughter of Sharma and Keith Brockmeyer of Spirit Lake. She earned her undergraduate degree at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at DMU in 2019 before pursuing her osteopathic medicine degree. She will graduate from the university in May.

Edina Shu of Newton, Mass., was among the more than 400 new health professionals who graduated May 24 with degrees from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. Shu completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. She received a clinical discipline award in internal medicine and also was selected for membership in Sigma Sigma Phi, a national honorary osteopathic service fraternity. Only 25% of class members are chosen for membership based on academic achievement and service to the university, community and/or the osteopathic profession. Shu will begin an internal medicine residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Given the sheer volume of knowledge and skills that future health care providers and scientists must acquire, it is important to teach them in ways that optimize their learning. Toward this goal, research by Cali Bills and Andrew Mannisto, second-year students in the osteopathic medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, and Martin Schmidt, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and nutrition and a curriculum fellow in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, explored the benefits of small-group discussions among DMU students in different health professions programs. A poster summarizing their research, titled "Fostering Interprofessional Collaboration Skills Through Small Group Case-Based Learning," recently won first place among the faculty poster finalists in the poster competition at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine's annual conference.

Bryana Robinson of Atlanta, GA, a student at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, IA, was named one of two 2024 Student Leaders of the Year at the university. She is completing her second year in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program at DMU. Nominations for the honor were submitted by members of the DMU community to recognize selected students for demonstrations of leadership through class, clubs, service and campus involvement or by otherwise exhibiting exceptional standards of character.

Jaquine Egbon of Jonesboro, GA, a first-year student in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, IA, was named DMU's "Most Active and Engaged Student" for 2024. Nominations for the honor were submitted by members of the DMU community to recognize a selected student for demonstrations of leadership, involvement, service and exceptional standards of character. A Nigerian American first-generation medical student, Egbon graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a pre-medicine concentration. She was involved in several organizations and actively involved in community service. She was also a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. At DMU, Egbon has been a teaching assistant in surgical skills; an alternate delegate for DMU's College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery to the American Podiatric Medical Students' Association; and a CPMS student ambassador. She is president-elect of the Student National Podiatric Medical Association and the Podiatric Medical Advocacy organization as well as co-president-elect of the Student National Medical Association, which supports current and future under-represented minority medical students. She also has served on the special events committee of DMU's Multicultural Affairs Student Advisory Council.

Grace Jedidiah of Rockaway, NJ, was among 146 students honored in May by Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences for volunteering more than 50 hours during the 2023-2024 academic year. Jedidiah is enrolled in DMU's Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. Grace Jedediah of Des Moines, IA, was among 146 students honored in May by Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences for volunteering more than 50 hours during the 2023-2024 academic year. Jedediah is enrolled in DMU's Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. In its seventh year, the DMU Student Awards program recognizes those who commit to representing DMU with integrity and upholding its institutional values of accountability, collaboration, honesty, inclusiveness and wellness while volunteering, reporting and reflecting on their experiences.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in May honored 146 students in its 10 graduate degree programs who demonstrate efforts to improve lives in our global community through volunteerism. Each student volunteered more than 50 hours during the 2023-2024 academic year. In its seventh year, the DMU Student Awards program recognizes those who commit to representing DMU with integrity and upholding its institutional values of accountability, collaboration, honesty, inclusiveness and wellness while volunteering, reporting and reflecting on their experiences.

Several Des Moines University students are serving in leadership roles for the 2023-24 academic year.