Honoring the Alumni Who Helped Shape the Profession
As the nation’s second-oldest Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has a long history of advancing the field.
To recognize graduates who’ve made extraordinary contributions to osteopathic medicine, the Board of Trustees created the Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine designation. The honor has been bestowed upon seven alumni whose leadership, service and innovation have brought distinction to both the profession and their alma mater.
A physical tribute to these trailblazers is also featured on campus: the Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine display, located in the plaza on the west side of the Edge of Advancement, celebrating their impact in a place where students, alumni and visitors pass every day.
2022 Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine
Norman Rose, DO’63, FACOS, FICS, DFACOS (1939 – )
Norman Rose trained more than 20,000 osteopathic physicians and graduated more than 100 surgical residents in his career. As a clinical professor of surgery at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, he was named a Guardian of the Profession by the American Osteopathic Association, among many other honors. He is a DMU Legacy Society member.
2013 Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine
Sara “Sally” E. Sutton, DO’53, FAAO (1926 – 2024)
As president of the American Academy of Osteopathy, Iowa physician Sally Sutton led the development of a muscle energy technique curriculum still taught at DO schools. A past DMU trustee and faculty member, she received many honors, including the Andrew Taylor Still Medallion of Honor, the AAO’s highest award. She was the 1988 College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumna of the Year.
2010 Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine
Harry B. Elmets, DO’46, FAOCD (1920 – 2004)
Harry Elmets served Des Moines Still College of Osteopathy and Surgery, now DMU, as a faculty member for 55 years and a trustee for 31 years. He was a founding member, fellow, two-time president and chair of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. He was the 1980 College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumnus of the Year.
2009 Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine and Public Service
William G. Anderson, DO’56 (1927 – )
William G. Anderson began his medical career in Albany, Georgia, where he also was a founder and first president of the Albany Movement for civil rights. A surgeon and educator, he served on the American Osteopathic Association Board for 20 years and, in 1994, became the first African American AOA president. He was the 1987 College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumnus of the Year.
2008 Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine and Education
Myron S. Magen, DO’51 (1926 – 2008)
Founding dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Myron Magen was the first osteopathic physician to join the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. He was acting president of the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, now DMU, from 1992 to 1994, and the 1982 College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumnus of the Year.
2000 Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine and Public Health
Murray Goldstein, DO’50, MPH (1925 – )
Murray Goldstein was the first osteopathic physician appointed as a commissioned medical officer in the uniformed services, the first DO to achieve star rank (two-star admiral), and the first appointed to an institute of the National Institutes of Health, among other “firsts.” He was the 1990 College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumnus of the Year and is a member of the DMU Founder’s and Legacy Societies.
1999 Pioneer in Osteopathic Sports Medicine
Russell “Rusty” Wright, DO’29 (1904 – 2002)
The 1991 College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumnus of the Year, Rusty Wright served four Detroit professional sports teams and was a physician at five Olympic events from 1964 to 1984. He was a founding member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, which continues to sponsor the Rusty M. Wright Memorial Lecture to honor osteopathic sports medicine pioneers. He is a member of the DMU Founder’s Society.