Bonded Through Baldness: DMU Students Shave Their Heads in Support of Pediatric Cancer Research
WEST DES MOINES, IA (04/14/2025) Medical school is often described as a journey filled with challenges, long hours and a commitment to helping others. For a few Des Moines University Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2028 students, that journey recently took on a more personal meaning. Mark Nemcek, Jackson Watson, Donald Walk and Lane Mulder shaved their heads as part of a St. Baldrick's Foundation event, standing in solidarity with their friend and fellow student, Tanner Kelm, who had childhood
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
DMU Psychiatrist Offers Techniques for Managing Big Patient Emotions
WEST DES MOINES, IA (04/02/2025) Autumn Brunia, D.O., a psychiatrist at Des Moines University Clinic - Behavioral Health, is helping equip physicians with tools to better manage emotionally intense patient encounters. She recently spoke at the Women Physician Wellness Conference, an international conference focused on supporting and empowering female physicians. The conference founded by Erica Howe, M.D., provides a space for women in medicine to develop leadership skills, practice self-care and advance
Valley High School Names New Principal
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Shane Christensen, Ed.D., current principal at Indian Hills Junior High, has been named the next principal at Valley High School. Christensen will begin his new role July 1, 2025, pending approval by the West Des Moines Community Schools Board of Education at its regular meeting April 14. “Dr. Christensen is an experienced educator, an innovative strategist, and a respected leader in our district,” superintendent Matt Adams said. “His passion for education and the care he
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for May 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 1, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the May Luncheon: Real Estate & Economic Development Trends, presented by Shive-Hattery, with supporting sponsor Samuels Group and non-profit spotlight Meals from the Heartland. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Arcadia Building, 7000 Vista Drive, West Des Moines, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. The annual West Des Moines Real Estate Trends & Investments Luncheon brings
DMU Researchers Present Forensic Anthropology Findings at National Conference
WEST DES MOINES, IA (03/31/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences anatomy professor, Heather Garvin, Ph.D., along with postdoctoral researcher, Stephanie Cole, Ph.D., and DMU students Meghan Gast, M.S.A.'28 and Gloria Eddy, M.S.A.'29, attended the American Academy of Forensic Sciences conference in Baltimore in February 2025. The annual national conference unites leading forensic scientists from across the world to exchange knowledge, advance research and foster collaboration. Garvin,
DMU Associate Professor Joins AACOM NAOME Fellow
WEST DES MOINES, IA (03/26/2025) The National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators, part of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, recently welcomed a new group of fellows in the Teaching and Evaluation category. Maria Barnes, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry and nutrition at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, has been named part of this cohort. "I envision this fellowship will increase my skill set and broaden my network outside of DMU. I anticipate
DMU Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2025 Achieves 99% Match Rate
WEST DES MOINES, IA (03/25/2025) The Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2025 has achieved a 99% match rate in the 2025 National Resident Matching Program. The results, announced March 21, mark another milestone in DMU's longstanding success in preparing future physicians. "We are incredibly proud of our students and the hard work they have put into reaching this moment," says David Connett, D.O., FACOFP (dist.), dean of DMU's College of Osteopathic Medicine. "Match Day is the
DMU Podiatric Students Achieve 100% Residency Placement for 23rd Consecutive Year
WEST DES MOINES, IA (03/26/2025) For the 23rd consecutive year, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery students retained a 100% residency placement rate on national Match Day. The CPMS Class of 2025 joins an esteemed group of alumni as they enter the health care workforce. "The consistent perfect match rate demonstrates the commitment to excellence displayed by our students, faculty and staff," says Kevin Smith, D.P.M.'95, Ph.D., FACFAS, DMU CPMS
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER LAUNCHES WEST YP APP & VYP PROGRAM
WEST DES MONES, IA (FEBRUARY 18, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is excited to announce the launch of the West YP App, a groundbreaking tool designed to revolutionize the way young professionals connect, learn, and grow. Available exclusively to members of the West YP program, this app is a reimagined experience tailored for Central Iowa’s next generation of leaders. West YP is the young professional program powered by the WDM Chamber that launched in 2021 and has since
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for February 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the February Luncheon: INSPIRE 2025, presented by Bank Iowa and featuring Non-Profit Spotlight on Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. February’s luncheon will feature insights from industry leaders on innovation, collaboration, and ignite action for the year ahead. “INSPIRE 2025 is an incredible opportunity to hear from thought leaders who are shaping our future,” said Katherine
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Unveils 515 West Magazine
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, December 3, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has officially launched the 2025 bi-annual edition of 515 West, a magazine showcasing the best of West Des Moines, during the Best of the West Awards Celebration on December 3, 2024, at The Rewind Hotel. The magazine features 50 advertisers and highlights the city’s strengths across six key sections:WDM Chamber – Celebrating a Century of Serving Our Community and Region This section honors the history
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Speakers for December Luncheon: Future of Tourism and Hospitality
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 19, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the lineup for its next luncheon set to take place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, featuring five expert speakers. The event, presented by Bank Iowa and Shive-Hattery, will focus on the future of hospitality, entertainment, and tourism in West Des Moines and Central Iowa. Industry experts will share insights on emerging technologies, changing consumer behaviors, and new market
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Nonprofits for November Luncheon: Nonprofit Spotlight
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 29, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the lineup for its next luncheon set to take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, featuring several nonprofit organizations. Presented by Bank Iowa and supported by Symetra, this event will showcase 23 organizations dedicated to serving and strengthening their communities in diverse ways. Participating in the luncheon include: ARL Avenue Scholars Big Brothers Big Sisters Boy Scouts
New Dean of Osteopathic Medicine at Des Moines University
Accomplished physician, educator and visionary in osteopathic medicine to spearhead college's futureWEST DES MOINES, IA (04/25/2024) After an extensive national search, David Connett, D.O., has been appointed dean of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, effective July 1, 2024. "An accomplished physician, educator and visionary in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Connett brings exceptional experience and qualifications to his new role. He is a recognized leader in osteopathic medicine
