Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences celebrated the success of students in its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at an awards ceremony on July 29, 2026.

Each year, the Iowa Medical Society Foundation awards Iowa medical students with funding for their global travels, where they participate in training experiences in a variety of countries, gaining real-world clinical and cultural experiences.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences embraces collaboration, a value that is core to the interprofessional education program that promotes multidisciplinary teamwork in health care. For the first time, DMU awarded students badges in recognition of their engagement in various activities aimed at building their skills in effective communication, teamwork and leadership.

Des Moines University's College of Health Sciences proudly congratulates the Class of 2025b graduates from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program who have received award recognition.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences champions community service, as evidenced by over 10,500 hours of volunteerism given by its students this academic year.

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.

More than 400 new health professionals graduated on May 30, 2025, with degrees from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences at the university's 125th Commencement Ceremony.

Nick Maxfield, DO'28, was selected to serve as a medical student director on the 2026-2027 Iowa Medical Society Board of Directors, a significant achievement that reflects his leadership, professionalism and commitment to advancing the practice of medicine in Iowa. Elected by IMS members statewide, Maxfield represents medical students at the highest level of physician advocacy in the state, contributing directly to discussions that shape health care policy, physician support and patient access during a critical time for Iowa's health care system.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is proud to announce its newest graduates and celebrate their success. More than 430 new health professionals graduated during DMU's 126th commencement ceremony on May 29, 2026. The event highlighted the achievements of the DMU Class of 2026, including dual-degree students and the first graduates of DMU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Big ideas. Bold research. Bright futures. Caroline VanSickle, PhD, and over 50 students presented at the 2026 Research Colloquium at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in April. DMU students and faculty took the stage to share their work, spark conversation and push their fields forward. The Research Colloquium reflects DMU's commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration and improving health care outcomes through cutting-edge research.

Big ideas. Bold research. Bright futures. Over 50 students presented at the 2026 Research Colloquium at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in April. DMU students took the stage to share their work, spark conversation and push their fields forward. The Research Colloquium reflects DMU's commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration and improving health care outcomes through cutting-edge research.

Several Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students are serving in leadership roles for 2026.

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

Over 110 students presented their research at DMU's 2025 Research Symposium held Nov. 14-15, 2025 at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, Iowa. The annual event highlights groundbreaking student, faculty and community research in health care and biomedical sciences. The symposium reflects DMU's commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration and improving health care outcomes through cutting-edge research. The 2025 Research Symposium included a variety of presentations, including oral talks and posters. For the second year in a row, the program welcomed 76 high school student presenters through 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.

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 honored nine graduates at its annual Military Commisioning Ceremony on May 29, 2025.

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.