It’s a tradition Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is proud to maintain: For the 22nd consecutive year, its graduating class has achieved 100% residency placement.
Congratulating the CPMS Class of 2024, Dean Kevin Smith, D.P.M.’95, Ph.D., M.S., FACFAS, told members that joining a “very select group of DMU alumni” comes with expectations, the first of which is helping future podiatric medical students.
“When you are a first-, second-, third-year resident and even practicing, make sure you’re helping DMU students, giving them advice and showing them the way,” he during a virtual celebration of Match Day. “That’s the DMU way.”
Laura Heath-Arme, D.P.M.’12, FACFAS, a member of the DMU Alumni Board and a podiatric physician with Associated Podiatrists PC in Phoenix, encouraged class members to approach each day of residency as a learning experience and to always be helpful to fellow staff.
“When the staff are happy to have you, your opportunities will skyrocket,” she said. “Don’t ever give up the chance to be in on a case, because it could be that one case when things go wrong and you learn new technique…Work hard every day, and always remember the pedigree Des Moines University has given you is far above what you could have gotten anywhere else. And remember your alumni network is coast to coast.”
Sean Grambart, D.P.M.’01, FACFAS, CPMS assistant dean for clinical affairs, told the class Match Day was “like a proud parent moment.” He praised the class for exceeding his high expectations.
“You should be very proud of your accomplishments. I can’t say enough good things about you,” he said.
Smith noted the class had been called the “COVID class,” since its members’ first year as DMU students began entirely online due to the pandemic.
“I’m going to officially retire that moniker. You are the Class of 2024 and the 22nd straight year of 100% matching for our college,” he said. “DMU will always be here for you.”
