Des Moines University

Elizabeth Gajardo-Sitt, a fourth-year student in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, has been selected as this year's American Podiatric Medical Student Association National Student of the Year.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recently inducted 31 students into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

438 Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students from five programs to receive their white coat during the university's annual White Coat Ceremony Friday, Sept. 13.

Matthew Dandan, a fourth-year student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has been awarded the 2024 Sterling K. Welch Scholarship by the American Osteopathic Foundation.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences selected four students in its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program for Osteopathic Manual Medicine Fellowships. Students complete the one-year OMM Fellowship program in addition to the four-year osteopathic medicine curriculum. Students are chosen to participate in the program based on their knowledge and skill in osteopathic manual medicine, used to treat structural and functional issues in the bones, joints, tissues and muscles of the body. Fellows provide care to patients with musculoskeletal disorders, teach first- and second-year osteopathic medical students and research osteopathic manual medicine. They receive a waiver of a portion of their tuition and a monthly stipend while participating in the program.

Christian Low, a third-year student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, has been awarded the 2024 medical student tuition scholarship by the Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation. This prestigious award recognizes Low's dedication to osteopathy and his commitment to serving his community. "I am extremely grateful to the CSOF for this wonderful opportunity," Low says. In addition to the scholarship, Low sought the foundation's advice about the medical journey during his interview process. "They shared their insights on finding strength to persevere through the difficult times that will come with the profession. Both retired and practicing providers clarified that while being a physician is the job, taking care of others should be a part of the passion - regardless of the reason for choosing this path. I will carry their advice with me through rotations and in my future career." Low is actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities, which have enriched his medical school experience. He received the Diversity Health Series certificate for cultural humility training and was awarded the Muscle Energy Band "Rockstar" award as one of the student band leaders. Moreover, he served as president of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association from Feb. 2023 to Feb. 2024 and was the secretary for DMU Health Leaders during that same period, where he focused on promoting Asian culture in Iowa and improving the medical student journey.

Margret Roberts, a second-year student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, from Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, recently attended the American College of Emergency Physicians Leadership and Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C. Representing all four of Iowa's congressional districts, she joined fellow emergency medicine physicians, residents and students to discuss critical issues such as the national boarding crisis, workplace violence, Medicare reimbursement and mental health access. Roberts and her colleagues met with Iowa legislators, including Senator Chuck Grassley and Representatives Zach Nunn, Randy Feenstra, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson, to advocate for bipartisan acts aimed at improving patient and staff safety in emergency departments. "It was a great opportunity to earn Continuing Medical Education credits and meet colleagues from around the nation with similar interests and passions," Roberts says. "With another successful trip to ACEP LAC behind me, I look forward to continuing my advocacy work at the Capitol throughout my career in medicine."

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.

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.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences congratulates more than 400 future health professionals who received their academic degrees on May 24, 2024.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences congratulates more than 400 future health professionals who received their academic degrees on May 24, 2024.

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.

Courtney Maire, a student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, was named one of two Student Leaders of the Year at the university. A graduate of Ankeny High School and the University of Iowa, she was nominated by her peers for the honor.

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 honored second-year students with preclinical awards on May 14. The awards recognize academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated by students during their first two didactic years at the university prior to beginning of their clinical 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.

Elizabeth Gajardo-Stitt, a student in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, Iowa, has been named the 2024 CPMS Student of the Year. From Lincoln, Nebraska, she is a graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School and Nebraska Wesleyan University. Gajardo-Stitt was selected for the honor by her CPMS classmates.

John Albert and Alana Parkey Hay, two students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, received honors for their service, leadership and research at the 82nd annual scientific conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons this spring in Tampa, Fla.

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.

Des Moines University congratulates Alex Martinez, a fourth-year student in its College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, for receiving the 2024 Michael L. Stone, D.P.M., Outstanding Professional Conduct Award from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Jung Li, a student in Des Moines University's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, presented two posters at the 2023 DMU Research Symposium.

Six Des Moines University students won awards for research posters they presented at the 2023 DMU Research Symposium Nov. 30.

Des Moines University applauds the 67 DMU students who presented posters and gave oral presentations about their research at the 2023 DMU Research Symposium on Nov. 30.

Des Moines University applauds the 67 DMU students who presented posters and gave oral presentations at the 2023 DMU Research Symposium on Nov. 30.

Des Moines University student Tanner Wetzel won the top award for his oral presentation at the 2023 DMU Research Symposium.

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

On Sept. 15, 431 Des Moines University students in five clinical programs accepted their white coats and the responsibilities that attire represents in the university's White Coat Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines. Across the country, the White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for students as they begin their medical education and prepare to become compassionate, competent health care providers. Participating in DMU's ceremony were 149 students in the College of Health Sciences' Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs; 56 students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery's Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program; and 226 students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.

Michelle Vu, a student in Des Moines University's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, completed an eight-week virtual internship with the United States Global Change Research Program during Summer 2023. She was selected to participate in this internship as part of the Distinguished Global Health Internships program of DMU's Department of Global Health.