Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences proudly congratulates Chloe Van Vliet, D.P.M.'26, of Otley, Iowa, on receiving the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society Designated Scholarship. This scholarship reflects Van Vliet's dedication to advancing podiatric medicine and her commitment to improving health care access and quality in the state of Iowa. The IPMS scholarship program supports outstanding students preparing for careers in podiatric medicine, recognizing their potential to make meaningful contributions to the field and the health of Iowans. Chloe's achievement highlights her excellence in academics and her passion for patient care. DMU and the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery commend Van Vliet for this well-deserved honor and extend gratitude to the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society for its continued support of future podiatrists.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery proudly announces that Zach Katzman, '26 of Waukee, Iowa, has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the American Podiatric Medical Association Educational Foundation for the 2024-25 academic year. This prestigious scholarship recognizes Katzman's academic excellence and his commitment to advancing podiatric medicine.

Des Moines University Students Recognized With APMA Educational Foundation Scholarships Sixteen podiatric medical students at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery have been awarded scholarships from the American Podiatric Medical Association Educational Foundation for the 2024-25 academic year. These scholarships, totaling $1,500 each, recognize academic excellence, financial need and a commitment to advancing podiatric medicine. In addition, a special $5,000 scholarship was awarded to DMU student Zach Katzman, '26 of Waukee, Iowa.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is proud to announce that Meagan Hartman, D.P.M.'26, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Grant Brouwer, D.P.M.'27, of Sibley, Iowa and Joseph Barnett, D.P.M.'27 of West Des Moines, Iowa, have been awarded the prestigious Rebecca A. Stills Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy of Rebecca Stills, a much-loved DMU CPMS staff member who dedicated her life to supporting students and advancing podiatric medicine. The Rebecca Stills Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004 to commemorate Stills' invaluable contributions to the CPMS community. Known for her professionalism, compassion and unwavering dedication, Stills guided countless students through their academic journeys while at DMU. Supported by alumni and friends of DMU who recognize the importance of providing financial assistance to exceptional students pursuing careers in podiatric medicine, the scholarship fund continues to grow. This endowed scholarship fund reflects Stills' deep commitment to the CPMS community. It offers vital financial support to students, enabling them to focus on their education and professional development while honoring Stills' legacy of care and mentorship. For more information on the Rebecca Stills Memorial Scholarship and how to contribute to this fund, please contact the DMU development office at 515-271-1387 or visit www.dmu.edu/donations.

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.

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 recently inducted 31 students into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.