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.

On Friday, Sept. 4, more than 450 students from five programs at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences received their first white coats during the university's annual White Coat Ceremony - an event that marks the beginning of students' professional journeys and their commitment to becoming compassionate and competent health care providers.

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 champions community service, as evidenced by over 10,500 hours of volunteerism given by its students this academic year.

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.

Callahan Domine, DO'29, has been selected to have his artwork featured in the in-person gallery and silent auction at the 2026 Gold Humanism Summit. The national summit brings together medical professionals, educators and students to explore best practices and strategies for making health care safer, more compassionate and more trustworthy.

At the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association's Upper Midwest Osteopathic Health Conference this past April, students from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences placed in the Student Poster Contest.

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.

For the 24th consecutive year, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery students achieved a 100% residency placement rate on national Match Day. This perfect match rate reflects DMU's reputation as one of the nation's leading podiatric medical schools and highlights the exceptional preparation of the CPMS Class of 2026.

The Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026 has achieved a 99% match rate in the 2026 National Resident Matching Program. The results, announced March 20, mark another milestone in DMU's longstanding success in preparing future physicians.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences student Arshi Sajid, DO'28, along with Jason Semprini, PhD, assistant professor of public health, published a paper titled "Nitrate and Brain/CNS Cancer Diagnoses in the First Year of Life," in Pediatric Blood and Cancer, a top tier international journal in the field of pediatric cancer.

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.

Syed Ahmad presented his abstract at the 2025 Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference in San Diego, California.

Jaden Harris has received the Avera Administrative Fellowship at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences congratulates Holland Taylor, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, Physician Assistant program director and department chair, on completing her Doctor of Medical Science degree at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and receiving the school's Excellence in PA Advocacy and Leadership Award, where she also served as keynote speaker at the Aug. 2025 hooding ceremony.

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.

OMM Fellows of 2026 from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences presented research at the Mayo Osteopathic Research and Education conference in Onalaska, Wisconsin, and their research study won first prize.

Rebekah Warga, D.O.'27, has been nominated as one of six finalists for the American Osteopathic Foundation Golden Ticket Scholarship. Golden Ticket Scholarships recognize those who, despite financial obstacles, have achieved academic excellence, display exemplary leadership, give of themselves through volunteer/community activities and embody osteopathic tenets and philosophy. As a finalist, she will receive a $5,000 educational scholarship.

63 students in Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' Doctor of Physical Therapy Program presented at the DPT Class of 2025b Case Report Poster Presentations on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

457 Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students from five programs received their white coat during the university's annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. The white coat symbolizes a student's transition into the medical profession.

Sarah Burau D.O.'28 and Jimmy Yang D.O.'28, participated in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) 2025 Medical Student Research program.

Lauren Mach, P.T., D.P.T, ATC, earns her sports specialist certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Des Moines University's College of Health Sciences proudly congratulates the Class of 2025 graduates from the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program who have received award recognition.

Tanner Wetzel, D.O.'27, Ph.D.'25, was awarded the 2025 AAI Trainee Abstract Award and invited to deliver an oral presentation during a block symposium at Immunology 2025, the annual meeting of the American Association of Immunologists held in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 3-7, 2025.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recognizes Spring 2025 award recipients.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Class of 2025 graduates join relatives in the university's Grand Family Society.