DMU Student Recipient of APMSA National Student of the Year Award 

Elizabeth Gajardo-Sitt, a fourth-year student in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, and a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, has been selected as this year’s American Podiatric Medical Student Association National Student of the Year. This award comes after she was selected as one of 11 College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Student of the Year Award recipients in April 2024. The award ceremony was held at the American Podiatric Medical Association National Scientific Conference in August 2024 in Washington, D.C.   

“Elizabeth is deserving of this award because she is a selfless leader. She has done so many things to help her class, the college and the university,” says Kevin Smith, D.P.M., PH.D., FACFAS, dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. “She puts others before herself and can be counted on to get things done.” 

Gajardo-Sitt knew from a young age she wanted to pursue a career in medicine and help people connect with the resources they need to thrive and succeed.  

“This award truly was an honor and a privilege to receive. As a little girl, I said I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to help people. I still do,” Gajardo-Sitt says. “Des Moines University is known for continuously producing physicians who are leaders of their profession and at the forefront of advocating for growth and improvement. This achievement aligns with my goals by providing opportunities for further learning and professional development, reinforcing my desire to contribute meaningfully to my future profession.” 

Each year, a third-year student is nominated by classmates or faculty, to receive the APMSA Student of the Year Award, selected by the AMPSA Presidents’ Committee. The recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship applied to tuition from the APMA Educational Foundation.