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
Strengths of our program include:
Integrated classes
D.P.M. students take their basic science courses with the D.O. students during much of the first two years.
Diverse clinical rotations
Students experience a variety of clinical rotations within Iowa and throughout the nation during their third and fourth years.
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.
Technology
Technology is incorporated throughout the D.P.M. program. The University uses wireless technology for access to the network and the Internet. Mobile computing devices are issued to new students. Campus clinics utilize electronic medical records as well.
Hands-on learning
Students complete a comprehensive course in physical diagnosis using DMU’s nationally recognized Standardized Performance Assessment Lab. Students gain real-life experience working with simulation teaching tools and in the Iowa Simulation Center and Human Performance Lab.
Research
Students may choose get involved in the Summer Research program on campus, or take advantage of other research opportunities throughout the curriculum.
Student Clubs
There are many opportunities for students to get involved in clubs outside the classroom 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.
Anatomy lab
The gross anatomy lab at DMU is state-of-the-art. It includes flat-screen monitors at each dissection station.
Core classes
D.P.M. students have a solid foundation in comprehensive foot and ankle medicine, including two years of didactic instruction and two years of clinical training.
Clinical experience
Students have learning opportunities at the Des Moines University Foot & Ankle Institute, the largest team of podiatric physicians in Iowa. Part of year three is spent rotating within our on-campus clinic.
Residency in Des Moines
Des Moines is home to a 3-year residency program within the Iowa Health System. Read about the first resident.
High test scores
Over the past five years, D.P.M. students have averaged a first-time pass rate of 96% on Part 1 and 95% on Part 2 of the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.
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 unique 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, or even choose to complete an elective rotation overseas through the global health department.