Giving students exceptional opportunities
Beginning in 1996 with Human Simulation, and later adding Manikin Simulation in 2007, the Simulation Center at Des Moines University gives students and residents exceptional opportunities to experience clinical scenarios, learn procedures and hone evidence-based practices in diagnostics, work-up and treatment — before they treat actual patients.
The state-of-the-art facility — encompassing the Simulation Laboratory, Surgery Skills Lab, Basic Life Support Laboratory and Human Simulation Lab, Telehealth Training Center and Apartment for OT training — allows students to develop and improve their diagnostic and clinical skills and patient care abilities using medical mannequins, cutting-edge technology and trained simulated patients, all with the supervision, guidance and feedback of outstanding faculty and experienced medical professionals.
Training our students throughout all levels of their education
The simulation center is used for training DMU students in the osteopathic, podiatric, physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy programs throughout all levels of their education. The exposure to immersive simulated medical scenarios reinforces what they are learning in the classroom and other labs and better prepares them for clinical practice. Students learn the science and fine arts of triage, bedside care, problem-solving and adaptability. Additionally, the simulation center stresses the importance of communication skills, leadership, teamwork and interprofessional training.
The simulation center is part of Des Moines University’s commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities.
Help Shape the Next Generation of Health Care Professionals
Standardized patients play a critical role in the education of future health care professionals. They enable DMU students to gain and improve clinical and professional skills before they interact with “real” patients.
Meet our Faculty and Staff
We are committed to training competent, passionate professionals. Our expert faculty make DMU a powerful place to learn.
“At the time, no center in the U.S. had performed an adult DCD heart transplant. I built the surgical recovery protocol for this program and worked directly with the Organ Procurement Organization regarding logistics for this type of recovery, and did outreach to other OPOs to educate them about DCD heart recovery and donor management. It was truly surreal to be at the forefront of something that will have a huge impact on heart transplantation worldwide, and to see all the hard work we’ve put in for months come to fruition in such a remarkable way.”
Stephen DeVries, PA-C'12
Stephen is one of two physician assistants in the country credentialed by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations Credentials Information Network, which qualifies him to procure hearts and lungs independent of physician supervision.