The mission of the anatomy department is to engage future health care providers, educators, scientists and community members in a dynamic evidence-based discipline that fosters a professional environment of scholarly activity and service.
The anatomy department's faculty offers instruction in courses and systems in the major areas of the discipline: gross anatomy, histology, embryology and neuroanatomy. Anatomical knowledge provides the foundation for other basic medical sciences and is the keystone of physical diagnosis.
The very essence of anatomical learning is the dissection of the cadaver, an experience once limited to only medical students, and still a privilege reserved for a select group of health practitioner students. The ultimate gift of body donation remains essential to this unique instruction.
Community Outreach — Anatomy Ambassadors
Anatomy Ambassadors is a student-led organization at DMU that welcomes any student with an interest in anatomy, teaching and community engagement.
We share our passion for the human body by giving interactive organ demonstrations both on and off campus. Our outreach includes elementary, middle and high schools, as well as local colleges throughout the Des Moines area. In addition to hosting groups on campus, we regularly participate in STEM events, career fairs, library programs and other community activities that connect science and medicine with the public. Through these experiences, we provide students and community members with an early introduction to the health care field and the many paths it offers.
By combining education with hands-on experiences, Anatomy Ambassadors inspires curiosity, supports learning and builds meaningful connections between DMU and our community.
