Steven J. Halm, D.O., FAAP, FACP, will bring a wealth of clinical practice, teaching and service experiences to DMU when he takes the reins as dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) on July 8, 2019.
Since 2015, Dr. Halm has been serving as assistant dean and chair of simulation medicine at Campbell University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. Concurrently, he is associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics and the faculty advisor for the Campbell University Community Care Clinic, a student-run free clinic.
“I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to join the leadership team of Des Moines University, especially at a time when the institution is embracing great change and new commitments to innovation in all dimensions of the University,” he said. “I have been impressed with the quality of students and the curriculum, and I appreciate the hard work the faculty has applied to ensure the College of Osteopathic Medicine delivers the strongest student outcomes among all medical schools nationwide.”
Prior to his work at Campbell University, Dr. Halm was the medical director of the Clinical Evaluation Center (Simulation Center) and associate professor of clinical sciences for the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Earlier, he served as chief of service for the medical staff for Cone Health in Greensboro, NC. He also ran his own private practice in Reidsville, NC, Triad Medicine and Pediatric Associates PLLC.
“Dr. Halm was distinguished from a field of strong candidates because of his deep personal commitment to the education of future leaders in medicine and the richness of his portfolio including extensive clinical, educational and service experiences,” said Ralitsa Akins, M.D., Ph.D, provost at DMU. “He also has deep experience with two other colleges of osteopathic medicine that will serve DMU well as we advance our mission.
“Additionally, the campus community was also very impressed with his positive personality, steady leadership style, deep understanding of the dynamics of the health care industry, and his outlook for the future of the University and the strong prospects for COM,” she added. “Dr. Halm has also been consistently active in volunteering in his communities including service for the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis International and other nonprofit organizations.”
Dr. Halm earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine after graduating with a bachelor of science degree in biology from Allegheny College.
His postgraduate training includes holding an American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine/American Osteopathic Association Health Policy Fellowship at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine; participating in the comprehensive instructor workshop at Harvard University’s Institute for Medical Simulation; and completing the internal medicine and pediatrics residency program of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey, PA.
