Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Our reputation means your success
Hands-on, relevant and real-world: DMU's D.O. program will prepare you for a rewarding career
Des Moines University’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program offers students the top advantages in medical education. The rigorous curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities give students a solid foundation and preparation for success. DMU’s diverse research enterprise stimulates collaboration and discovery. Students also enjoy a collegial, supportive community of students and faculty who are engaged in learning and service.
Quick facts:
Quick
facts
#1
school for Family Medicine, based on a three-year average from AAFP
98.1%
COMLEX Level 1 pass rate (Class of 2022)
16
number of medical specialties represented by the class of 2020
100%
of students receive behavioral health training
Program Highlights
The four years of study are divided into pre-clinical and clinical phases. The first year focuses on fundamental scientific principles, while the second year builds on that with an integrated organ system approach encompassing basic and clinical sciences. In the third and fourth years, students are fully immersed in clinical training in rotations in diverse practice settings.
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An osteopathic approach
Osteopathic physicians offer the most comprehensive care available. In addition to being trained to practice in all medical specialties and settings, they emphasize whole-body health and training in osteopathic manual medicine, which is the ability to use one’s hands to diagnose, treat and prevent various conditions, illness and injury.
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Graduate among the best
High student outcomes on board exam scores, pass rates and residency placement are among the advantages of DMU’s D.O. program. All DMU programs are in medicine and the health sciences, which creates opportunities for collaboration and interprofessional learning.
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Stretch your horizons
DMU offers students many ways to maximize their time in medical school. The University offers a one-year fellowship in osteopathic manual medicine in addition to the four-year curriculum. The Global Health Program offers short-term service trips, research internships and rotations at sites around the world. On campus, students and faculty conduct research on a variety of topics.
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Diversify your degree
Osteopathic medical students at DMU can pursue a master’s degree in health care administration, public health, anatomy or biomedical sciences.
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Innovative teaching
You will develop clinical, communication and interprofessional teamwork skills in DMU’s Simulation Center. It combines real-world clinical scenarios with lifelike, high-fidelity mannequins and equipment, allowing students to perform hands-on assessments and procedures.
Learn MoreThe Standardized Performance Assessment Lab (SPAL) enables students to interact with and examine people trained to portray a variety of medical conditions. Students review videos of their patient encounters and learn from evaluations by faculty and “patients.”
Learn MoreThe Surgery Skills Center includes simulation model labs, a computer lab, an operating room, laparoscopic and other special equipment. Students train in suturing, surgical instrumentation, dissection, intravenous insertions and other clinical and surgical procedures.
Learn MoreClinical students learn how to use ultrasound technology, beginning in their first year, in anatomy and clinical medicine/diagnoses courses.
In the anatomy lab, students dissect and analyze cadavers at 43 stations, each equipped with a 40-inch flat screen monitor, connected to an iPad that offers instructions linked to anatomical images online.
Meet Your Faculty
We are committed to training competent, passionate professionals. Our expert faculty make DMU a powerful place to learn.
“During our pre-clinical years, we are immersed in a curriculum that balances innovation and technology. We gain early exposure to ultrasound, patient simulations and surgery labs, and are given the resources and opportunities to become compassionate, empathetic and competent clinicians.”
Neel Patel, D.O. student
Diversity at DMU: Your culture creates ours
Cultural competency is part of the personal and professional development that happens at DMU. Our campus environment is shaped by individuals who bring cultural differences, life experiences and distinct characteristics.
Welcome to campus: See for yourself what we're all about
DMU offers opportunities to get involved in experiences outside the classroom. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all our students.
Living in Des Moines: Your new favorite city
Besides being a great place to live and work, Des Moines is a vibrant city with communities from all walks of life. Ethnic grocery stores, restaurants and year-round events ensure that there’s always something for everyone.
