Angela Grundmeyer, DMSc, PA-C, has been named inaugural director of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences’ new Doctor of Medical Science program, which welcomed its first cohort of students this fall.
The new role brings together many of the areas Grundmeyer — who has served in numerous positions at DMU since 2011, most recently as clinical coordinator and associate professor in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program — is most passionate about, including PA education, scholarly development, leadership and the future of the profession.
“The development of the DMSc program represents an important expansion of our graduate education offerings and reflects the university’s commitment to preparing PAs for the evolving needs of health care and the profession,” Grundmeyer says. “I am honored to have the opportunity to help lead this program from its beginning and look forward to building something that reflects the academic excellence of DMU while contributing to the continued growth and advancement of the PA profession.”
As the first director of the DMSc program, Grundmeyer is excited to establish a strong academic foundation, develop a program that responds to the evolving needs of PAs and the profession and create an educational experience that will have a lasting impact on students. She’s particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth of PA scholarship.
“One of the most rewarding parts of leading this program will be watching our students apply what they learn and see the meaningful impact they can make in health care,” Grundmeyer says.
Grundmeyer got her start as an emergency medicine PA at Emergency Practice Associates in Webster City, Iowa, after graduating from DMU’s MSPAS program in 2007. She later worked in other emergency medicine and family practice roles, including at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton and Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. In 2011, she joined DMU as clinical coordinator in what was then called its Iowa Simulation Center.
Grundmeyer earned her DMSc with a physician assistant education specialization from the University of Lynchburg in 2021, which culminated in her final paper, “The effect of pass/fail grading on physician assistant students’ well-being.”
“As the newest program director within the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Angela Grundmeyer has been a forward-thinking developer of the new DMSc degree program at DMU,” says Wallace Boeve, EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA, dean of the college. “From her proven dedication as one of the first PA faculty members to pursue her own DMSc degree, she knows firsthand the field and the positive difference it has made in her own professional journey. She brings that same pioneering spirit to the three strategic concentration options offered to students in this degree. She is the right leader for this value-added degree for the PA profession for meeting the health care needs across Iowa and the Midwest, both now and well into the future.”
As she blends her DMSc experience with years of work in the PA profession in clinical and academic settings, Grundmeyer looks forward to making her mark on the DMSc program at DMU.
“I believe the PA profession is continuing to evolve, and doctoral education can play an important role in preparing experienced PAs to contribute not only as clinicians, but also as educators, leaders, researchers and advocates for the profession,” she says. “Being able to help establish a program that supports and advances that growth is incredibly rewarding.”