Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences enjoyed a grand year of celebrations and achievements for students, faculty and staff. Let’s take a look back at the last 12 months at some of the greatness that happened on and off campus.
Purple and Proud Campaign Completion
The Purple and Proud Campaign began in 2018 with a vision of something bigger. July 2024 marked its completion, with an astounding $57.1 million raised. In September, alumni, families and friends returned to Des Moines for a weekend celebration on the new campus at 8025 Grand Ave. Dedicated donors and supporters gathered for the Purple & Proud Finale while all alumni had two opportunities to reunite with friends old and new. A ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed the community into DMU’s doors and a Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine ceremony honored seven alumni, two in attendance, who paved the way for generations of health care providers to come.
New Leaders, Continued Excellence
With new leaders come fresh ideas and goals for ways to continue DMU’s excellence in medical and health sciences education. David Connett, D.O., FACOFP (dist.), was appointed dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in July, bringing with him a distinguished career spanning decades. DMU’s new chief human resources officer, Maureen De Armond, J.D., SHRM-SCP, began in August and brings extensive knowledge in HR and law. DMU’s governing board appointed three new members, one of whom is a DMU alumnus. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program named one of its own faculty, Julie Ronnebaum, D.P.T., Ph.D., MPT, GCS Emeritus, as the new program director and department chair of the program and P.T. clinics.
Groundbreaking Research Advances Health Care
In his first year as executive director of research, Pravin Mishra, Ph.D., M.B.A., has taken the department to a new level of excellence. Breakthroughs were made in DMU’s labs for potential cancer therapy using COVID-19 vaccine-related spike proteins as well as a potential link between THC and weight loss. Funding from NIH was awarded to Kim Tran, M.D., Ph.D., for his research on hypertension, which will allow him and his team to further develop enhancing cardiovascular health. Assistant professor in the anatomy department, Zoe Lambert, Ph.D., was featured in the CDC journal for her study on the spread of prion diseases between animals and humans. In addition to these achievements, many other impactful studies were conducted, too numerous to list, contributing significantly to advancements in health and medicine.
Astonishing Accolades Across DMU
From its students to its faculty, staff and leadership, it’s no secret everyone who walks DMU’s halls is there to make health care better for all. President and CEO, Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., received a distinguished alumni award from her alma mater. DMU as a university was nationally recognized for its excellence in rural and primary care education. We can’t forget about a first-place prize awarded to a professor and his students though AACOM and a national grant awarded for forensic research.
DMU Honored Alumni of the Year and Rising Star
The 2024 alumni honorees are remarkable individuals who are educators and passed their knowledge on to thousands of DMU students. They each bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to their fields, significantly advancing health care and making the world a better place. They are Thomas Benzoni, D.O.’83, AOBEM, FACEP, ABFM, and Noreen O’Shea, D.O.’84, FAAFP, College of Osteopathic Medicine 2024 Alumni of the Year; Joshua M. Vest, D.P.M.’08, FACFAS, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery 2024 Alumnus of the Year; Stephen DeVries, M.S.P.A.S.’12, PA-C, College of Health Sciences 2024 Alumnus of the Year and Kelsey Millonig, D.P.M.’17, M.P.H.’17, FACFAS, DABPM, Rising Star Award recipient.
Admissions Partnerships Bring Opportunities to More Students
DMU continues to forge new partnerships with colleges and universities near and far to enhance pathways to medical and health sciences education. The partnerships, which include guaranteed interviews and/or concurrent enrollment, are intended to foster student opportunities while building the nation’s health care workforce. New partnerships were secured with Edgewood College, Simpson College, Hastings College, Benedictine University and Voorhees University.
Connecting to the Greater Des Moines Community
Students and staff have taken time away from the classroom to serve the community in a number of meaningful ways. Free back-to-school physicals were offered for Des Moines metro students again this year to prepare them for returning to the classroom. Free screenings and resources were offered at the 50 and Better Health Fair. DMU also continues to offer free classes for students with the Mini Med School series, which gives learners a taste into hot medical topics.
Serving Patients with Compassion and Care at the DMU Clinic
The DMU Clinic welcomed new members to join the team and treat patients so that they can receive the care they need to continuing living their best lives. The physical therapy clinic gained Heather Alaniz, P.T., D.P.T., OCS, bringing a wealth of knowledge with her. Two alumni returned to their alma matter; Jill Johnson, D.O.’07, started in the osteopathic manual medicine clinic and Kelly John, D.P.M.’99, M.H.A.’99, FACFAS, DABPM, began offering bunion relief with Lapiplasty surgery. Virtually, the clinic educated the community with a number of health topic articles, including how to avoid pickleball-related injuries, what parents should know about infant torticollis and a rise in a new tickborne syndrome.
Students Shape the Future of Medicine
Students from all 10 of DMU’s academic programs never cease to amaze with their dedication, compassion and ability to shape the future of medicine. In March, osteopathic and podiatric medicine programs’ Class of 2024 once again achieved 100% match rates. In May, DMU proudly graduated over 400 new graduates into the health care workforce and then celebrated over 400 current students as they donned their first white coats in September. Jayce Clark, D.O.’27, was awarded placement in the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program, which aims to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in clinical research. The DMU Department of Occupational Therapy partnered with the University of Iowa Health Care to welcome the first O.T.D. DMU student, Morgan Leach, O.T.D.’27, to the Iowa LEND Program, which trains individuals to become leaders for people with disabilities. Finally, a D.O. student shares her experience attending the 2024 American Medical Association’s Medical Student Advocacy Conference.
Magazine Stories Captivate Audiences
DMU’s award winning magazine engaged alumni, family and friends both on and off the page this past year. Readers enjoyed hearing about an anatomy professor who helps provide analyses in suspected murder cases, the importance of alternative therapies to promote well-being and a beloved professor’s reflection on his 24 years at DMU. We can’t forget about the alumni who were featured for their work in making the world of health care a better place for everyone and alumni of the Waukee APEX program who discovered DMU during their time in the program.
