Application

Thank you for your interest in the early enrollment (3+4) program (EEP) for the doctor of osteopathic medicine program at Des Moines University. Please read the following for instructions and guidelines on how to apply. We look forward to receiving your application.

EEP applicants must submit the following letters of recommendation:

  • Medical exposure letter:A letter written by a physician (preferably a D.O., but not required) who can document your clinical experiences. This letter must describe your exposure to patients, ability to perform in a clinical setting, interpersonal skills and experience with health care situations. Your exposure may occur from shadowing a doctor, a volunteer position, or a paid position. Medical experience is required of all applicants.
  • Academic letters:Letters from two (2) hard science faculty with whom you have had class. Hard science is defined as biology, chemistry, and physics only. Letters from social science professors (psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.) will not count towards this requirement.
  • Character reference letter:This letter should be written by someone who can describe your character and attributes that make you a desirable applicant. Note: Character references may not be written by family members.Please do not send more than the requested number of letters. Letter writers should be as objective as possible. Therefore, the following letters will not count toward completion of your admission file:
    • letters from relatives, spouses or family friends
    • coaches or personal trainers
    • chiropractors, veterinarians or dentists
    • your family physician or pediatrician (unless you have shadowed or worked with the doctor)

Applicants must also submit:

  • A letter from the undergraduate institution agreeing to award a bachelor’s degree following successful completion of the first year of the D.O. program
  • A one-page personal statement
  • A resume detailing medical exposure and volunteer/service activities
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Send supporting documents and letters of recommendation to:

Des Moines University
EAP/EEP Admission
3200 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312

Don’t forget about prerequisite courses. Here’s what you need:

You don’t need to have them all completed before you apply, but they must be finished before you enroll.

  • Biology – 8 semester hours with lab
  • General chemistry – 8 semester hours with lab
  • English (composition, speech or literature) – 6 semester hours
  • Organic chemistry – 4 semester hours with lab
  • Biochemistry – 3 semester hours
  • Physics – 8 semester hours with labs (will accept one semester of physics and one semester of statistics)

Suggestions for letter writers

Medical exposure letter writer, please describe a few of the following:

  • How does the applicant interact with patients?
  • How well did the applicant perform in a medical setting?
  • How did he/she respond to stressful situations?
  • What was the level of awareness of patient, diagnosis, or health care issues?
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Level of clinical experience
  • Did he/she demonstrate any exceptional initiative and/or professionalism?
  • How long have you known or had contact with the applicant?
  • Did they shadow or observe your practice?
  • Any other relevant information that might give us insight about the applicant.

Academic letter writer, please describe the candidate in the following ways:

  • Academic performance of the applicant
  • Level of interest in the subject or in science in general
  • Assessment of their potential as a physician
  • Ability to use deductive reasoning
  • Did he/she demonstrate any exceptional initiative in the class?
  • Applicant’s professionalism and collegiality
  • How does the applicant respond to deadlines and/or stressful academic situations?
  • Any other relevant information that might give us insight about the applicant

Character reference letter writer, please address the following:

  • In what capacity and for how long have you known the applicant?
  • In what respects is this person exceptional to others you have known in a similar capacity, if applicable?
  • Characteristics you feel will make them a successful physician
  • Communication skills
  • Any other relevant information that might give us insight about the applicant

The admission office will confirm your status via email when ALL supporting materials have been received and processed. It is your responsibility to complete your application, but we will be happy to assist you. Inquiries about the status of your application can be requested by email at DOadmit@dmu.edu or telephone at 515-271-1499.

All completed applications will be reviewed. Invitations to interview will be extended by email to only the most qualified applicants. You must be invited for an interview in order to receive final consideration. Candidates who are not invited will be notified of the status of their application. All interviews are held on campus in Des Moines, Iowa.

The online early enrollment (3+4) program application form (below), $50 non-refundable fee, and all supporting documents must be received no later than March 1of your sophomore year. Applications not completed by this date will not be reviewed.

Note: Candidates can apply to only one Des Moines University clinical program at a time.

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