All 49 members of Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Class of 2023 achieved residency placement during its Match Day celebration via Zoom March 17. This marks the 21st consecutive year students of the college have achieved 100% residency placement.
“All the faculty and staff of CPMS and DMU are extremely proud of you,” said CPMS Dean Kevin Smith, D.P.M.’95, Ph.D., M.S., FACFAS. He commended the podiatric faculty, the university’s basic sciences faculty and the students’ families for their roles in educating and supporting class members: “Certainly, it’s a team effort.”
That “team” includes Sean Grambart, D.P.M.’01, FACFAS, the college’s assistant dean for clinical affairs, and Emily Marble, clerkship coordinator. “We cannot be more proud of you,” Grambart told the class. “This is such a great day for you all. It’s like my kids are getting something today, is how it feels.”
DMU Alumni Association Board members Kelly John, D.P.M.’99, M.H.A.’99, FACFAS, and Marc Jones, D.P.M.’11, FACPM, FASPS, took turns during the celebration to congratulate the students. John is a podiatric physician and surgeon at OrthoIllinois’ Rockford – Roxbury Clinic, who developed the podiatry residency program at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, and directed it through January 2022. She challenged students to seek learning and skill-building opportunities and appreciate their patients during their residency.
“It’s the final step of your education in your chosen profession. Although the work is hard, enjoy the process,” she said. “Engage with your patients. Remind yourself with every encounter it’s a privilege to participate in their care, and if you let them know this, you will reap the benefits 10 times over.”
She also encouraged students to “be confident” in their DMU education. “I can assure you it has served you well for what’s coming up… You get to join the family of thousands of DMU alumni across the world. Your DMU family is very proud of you and very excited as your career path continues to unfold.”
Jones, a Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs Medical Center podiatric physician in Spokane, Washington, told the students to “give back to those behind you as others have given a lot to you.” He joined Smith and Grambart in encouraging class members to promote the podiatric profession to high school and undergraduate students.
“Show them the DMU way,” Smith said. He also encouraged students to lead in the profession, as other CPMS graduates have done. Jones, for example, is chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. Eric Barp, D.P.M.’01, FACFAS, is president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Jeffrey Giesking, D.P.M.’99, M.H.A.’99, DABFAS, and Nicole Bauerly, D.P.M.’04, DABFAS, are president and president-elect, respectively, of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. In addition, Lee Rogers, D.P.M.’04, is president of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
“We know we have the top-notch education and best podiatric program in the nation,” Smith said.
