Volunteer Opportunities

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Take Your Learning Into the Community

With more than 40 community partners, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is committed to engaging beyond campus — and you’re a key part of that. There are countless ways for you to get involved and make a difference.

You’ll find more than 50 student clubs, many with ongoing volunteer relationships and outreach events, giving you ample opportunities to get out into the community and put your skills to work.

Here are some other places to plug in and give back:

A young patient smiles while a DMU student puts a blood pressure cuff on their arm at the annual Back to School Physicals event.

Back-to-School Physicals

Each summer, DMU hosts a free back-to-school physical event for area K–12 students. Students from all programs can volunteer to support the event or provide physical exams, often working in interprofessional teams and gaining experience with colleagues across a range of specialties.

A DMU student leads a patient in a resistance exercise at the annual 50 and Better Health Fair.

50 and Better Health Fair

Volunteer at this annual event, which draws hundreds of attendees 50+ for free health screenings, a resource fair and socializing at the DMU Clinic.

Two DMU students assist a runner with stretches at the DMU Des Moines Marathon recovery zone.

IMT Des Moines Marathon

Work on an interprofessional team to provide recovery treatment to runners at the IMT Des Moines Marathon, held every fall.

A DMU student works with a patient at a clinical volunteer event.

Free Clinics of Iowa

DMU partners with Free Clinics of Iowa to give eligible students opportunities to build clinical experience, learn from established health care professionals and serve the community.

Two boys attending DMU’s annual BROS event pose for a photo while wearing surgical gowns, caps and gloves.

GEMS and BROS

Inspire future health professionals by leading hands-on activities for fourth- through seventh-grade students at GEMS (Girls Exploring Medicine and Science) and BROS (Boys Reaching Out in Science). Guide participants as they explore anatomy, practice surgical prep and create casts in a fun environment that sparks curiosity and confidence.

A student participating in a virtual call waves at her computer.

Pre-Health Summit

Share your experience and insights with high school and college students exploring careers in medicine and health sciences. This virtual event, led by DMU students, helps future professionals learn what it takes to join the field and shows them what’s possible.

A DMU student speaks with attendees of the annual Mini Med School event during a group exercise.

Mini Medical School

Help high school and college students gain hands-on insight into the world of health care. Work alongside DMU faculty and peers to demonstrate how clinicians evaluate symptoms and understand the causes, management and prevention of various conditions.

A DMU student poses for a photo with a woman participating in the "Connecting Older Adults to Students" program.

COATS Program

The Connecting Older Adults to Students program* pairs you with active older adults in the Greater Des Moines area to build meaningful one-on-one relationships. You’ll share experiences, explore health and wellness topics and gain valuable perspective on aging and patient-centered care.

If you are 50 or older and are interested in being a COATS mentor, apply online or contact StudentLife@dmu.edu for more information.

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