As a podiatric medical student at DMU you will take the same basic science courses as students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine during your first year and part of year two. You will benefit from a breadth of teaching methods and learning opportunities including online applications, computer animation, motion analysis and lifelike models in state-of-the-art facilities.
DMU invests in technology-driven tools that make learning more efficient and real-world - a key advantage in fast-paced medical fields. DMU's doctor of podiatric medicine curriculum lets you specialize in the lower extremity but ensures you will be knowledgeable in using a variety of specialties - vascular, surgical, therapeutic, dermatological and more - to assess and treat patients.
See a schedule of the D.P.M. curriculum over 4 years
Hands-on learning
Students gain a competitive edge with skills learned in our Standardized Performance Assessment Lab, Iowa Simulation Center and Human Performance Lab.
Anatomy lab
The gross anatomy lab at DMU is state-of-the-art. It includes flat-screen monitors at each dissection station.
Integrated classes
D.P.M. students take their basic science courses alongside students from our D.O., M.S.A. and M.B.S. programs during much of the first two years. This collaboration prepares students for their future career working as a member of a healthcare team.
Student outcomes
Over the past five years, the average first-time board pass rate of D.P.M students is 96% on Part 1 and 95% on Part 2.
Clinical experience
Students receive expert education during year three clinical rotations in our on-campus Foot and Ankle clinic and numerous hospitals and clinics throughout Iowa. Year four clinical rotations are scheduled throughout the nation to provide the best opportunity for exposure to podiatric medicine and residency programs.
Evidence-based medicine
The keystone to the curriculum is small-group problem-based learning where students apply the principles of evidence-based medicine to solve clinical cases.
Research
Students may choose to get involved in the Summer Research program on campus, or take advantage of other research opportunities throughout the curriculum.
Student clubs
There are over 70 student clubs, special interest groups and honorary societies at DMU for students to get to expand their social and professional network into the Des Moines community and beyond.
Experienced faculty
Our faculty have diverse clinical backgrounds. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including case studies, problem-based learning, lectures, group projects, labs and community-based labs.
Residency in Des Moines
Des Moines is home to a 3-year residency program within the Iowa Health System.
Dual degree
Students can explore the health of their community, learn the business aspects of health care, develop their understanding of anatomy or enhance their studies with scientific research by pursuing a dual degree. DMU offers four dual degree options leading to a Master of Public Health, a Master of Health Care Administration, a Master of Science in Anatomy and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences.
Global health
Students can participate in medical service trips during spring break and summer, or complete elective rotations overseas through the global health department.