Health P.A.S.S. 2025
June 7-27, 2025
*Applications and supplemental materials due by Feb. 15
Becoming a well-rounded healthcare professional goes beyond clinical knowledge — it’s about understanding your patients,their backgrounds and unique needs.
At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, you’ll gain the cultural awareness and communication skills that today’s health care professionals need to build trust, improve patient compliance and deliver the best patient-centered care.
The U.S. faces a growing physician shortage — up to 124,000 doctors by 2034, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. That means the demand for skilled, adaptable and collaborative health care professionals is higher than ever. Begin your health sciences education in DMU’s Health Professionals Advanced Summer Scholars Program to develop clinical, interprofessional and problem-solving skills to thrive in medical school, residency and beyond.
Your future in health care starts here. Let DMU prepare you to make a difference for every patient and in every community.
Jump Start Your Future in Health Care With Health P.A.S.S.
Thinking about medical or health professions school? DMU’s Health P.A.S.S. gives you a competitive edge. Designed for undergraduate students, this free three-week program helps you explore careers in medicine, health care and science while building skills that set future health professionals apart.
Get GRE/MCAT and Interview Prep
Boost your confidence with test prep, mock interviews and application insights.
Develop Real-World Communication Skills
Earn a certificate in cultural competency while taking a course that focuses on research and case studies that explore how patient backgrounds and experiences impact health care.
Experience Graduate-Level Learning
Attend interactive lectures on occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and podiatric medicine. The program’s first week will be held virtually and the final two weeks will be held in person.
Connect With Mentors and Experts
Get insider advice from current students, faculty and admissions staff who can help you take your next step.
Health P.A.S.S. will give you hands-on experience that makes a difference, not just in your application but in how you’ll care for patients in the future.
What’s Included?
As a Health P.A.S.S. participant, you’ll focus on learning, networking and preparing for your future in health care. Here’s what’s provided:
- Lodging: During the last two weeks of the program, stay in a fully furnished apartment at Drake West Village, just minutes from DMU’s campus.
- Transportation: We’ll arrange your ride to and from DMU’s campus so you can focus on your experience.
- Meals: Enjoy breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. You’ll just be responsible for dinner and weekend meals.
- $750 Travel Stipend: Get help covering your travel costs to Des Moines, Iowa, reimbursed at the conclusion of the program.
For questions about DMU’s application and admissions process, contact 515-271-1499 or DMUAdmit@dmu.edu.
For questions about the Health P.A.S.S. program, contact 515-271-1678 or healthpass@dmu.edu.
“The DMU Summer Health P.A.S.S. program allowed me to be my curious self, explore areas of interest and connect with scholarly individuals! This program motivated me to apply to DMU as my top DO school!”
- Huzaifa Khawaja, University of California-Berkeley
“The DMU Summer Health P.A.S.S. program was the most impactful experience of my academic career. It did not only teach me about the health care field but also about the importance of cultural awareness.”
- Andrea Guzmán Martínez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
“The DMU Summer Health P.A.S.S. program was an insightful experience that has proven to be helpful in my medical school journey ever since. Thanks to my two mentors from the Heart2Heart Mentoring experience!”
- Oluwaseyi Adeoshun, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
“The DMU Health P.A.S.S. program as the best three weeks of my life. The schedule was jam-packed with fun lectures and activities, but the people you met were the best part.”
- Alexis Buckner, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
“Words cannot fully express how grateful I am for such a wonderful and life-changing opportunity that I had as a participant in DMU’s Summer Health PASS program. Not only did I learn so much about the different health science programs, the university, the city, and the people, I was also able to learn more about myself. The Summer Health PASS program had such a positive impact on me.”
- Jessica Chu, Xavier University
“As a recent immigrant to this country, Health P.A.S.S. provided me with an inclusive atmosphere where I obtained clinical experience focusing on the importance of cultural competency.”
- Koushik Paul, University of Minnesota
“Health P.A.S.S. not only motivated me to continue on my journey to medicine, but it taught me a wealth of knowledge that has proven to be invaluable.”
- Ashley Costello, CUNY-Lehman College
“The DMU Summer Health P.A.S.S. program was a very eye-opening experience to me I was able to gain a better understanding of the health professions and how to prepare for medical school. I believe that the skills I have learned through my experiences with the DMU Health Pass program will be very valuable in the future when choosing a career path.”
- Stevie Wilson, Grambling State University
“So grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn from such passionate and inspiring people.”
- Isabella González, Grand View University