What: Governor Terry E. Branstad, president and CEO of Des Moines University (DMU), will visit Fort Dodge to meet with the Sertoma Club and network with local DMU alumni. While in Fort Dodge, Governor Branstad will be available for media interviews from 2:30 – 5 p.m.
Governor Branstad will discuss the importance of access to quality health care in rural communities, highlighting DMU’s Physician Recruitment Program that places DMU students in rural Iowa communities where they practice for at least four years. He will also address the changing face of medical education, particularly integrating wellness and lifelong prevention of disease into the curriculum. His stop in Fort Dodge is the second in a statewide tour visiting DMU alumni and community groups.
When: Thursday, June 23, 2005. Media interview opportunities available between 2:30 and 5 p.m. To set up an interview, please contact Megan McGurk, 515.271.1576 or megan.mcgurk@dmu.edu.
Where: Location to be determined based on media interest.
Etc: Former Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad was named the new president and CEO of Des Moines University in August 2003. Branstad is the 14th president in the University’s 107-year history. Governor Branstad served four consecutive terms as governor of Iowa, from 1983 – 1999. When elected, he was the youngest governor in Iowa history; and, when he left office, he was Iowa’s longest-serving governor. A native of Leland, Iowa, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in 1969 and a law degree from Drake University in 1974. He was a partner in general law practice in Lake Mills, Iowa, from 1974 through 1982.
Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration and public health. Founded in 1898, the University offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students’ pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.
