Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Baylor University Partner to Create Health Sciences Pathways
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/02/2026) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Baylor University, a private university in Waco, Texas, have announced a partnership designed to expand educational pathways for Baylor students interested in pursuing graduate-level health sciences degrees. Effective July 2026, qualified students in Baylor's Master of Science in Medical Science program will be eligible to apply for five reserved seats annually in DMU's Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. In
A Routine Visit That Changed Everything
The Impact of Advancing Research - and One Doctor's Instinct by Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/01/2026) In 2018, Karla Peiffer met with her primary care provider, Sarah Tallman, DO'09, at The Iowa Clinic for a routine checkup. Peiffer had been seeing Tallman for nearly a decade and knew the visit would be thorough. The one thing Tallman had been encouraging Peiffer to do was undergo genetic testing for the breast cancer gene due to her family history. When
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Hosts Mental Health CME Conference
WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/31/2026) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences will host the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists CME conference on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. This conference equips non-psychiatric health care professionals with practical knowledge and skills to recognize, assess, and manage common mental health concerns encountered in clinical practice. Topics will include benzodiazepine addiction and management, somatic symptom and related disorders, personality disorders, recognizing and
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty Member Publishes Research on Improving Food Allergy Treatment Decision-Making
WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/26/2026) A new paper published in "Frontiers in Allergy," an international peer-reviewed research journal, explores the significant gap in clinical decision-making regarding which food allergy patients are most likely to benefit from specific allergy treatments and at what level of risk. Heather Opseth, DMS, PA-C, assistant program director of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, published "Bridging
Des Moines University Clinic Welcomes First Psychology Intern
DES MOINES, IA (08/26/2026) For the first time, Des Moines University Clinic has a psychology intern on its team, providing advanced clinical training while expanding access to mental health care. "Bringing on our first psychology intern is an historic step for us," says Autumn Brunia, DO, a 2019 graduate of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program and psychiatrist at DMU Clinic - Behavioral Health. "It's an opportunity to do our part in addressing the
Beyond the Textbook
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Anatomy Ambassadors Program Lets Students Hold Science in Their Hands WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2026) At an Anatomy Ambassadors Program event at Ankeny Centennial High School this past spring, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students fielded questions from high schoolers in Chad Fickbohm's anatomy classes. The curiosity in the room was unmistakable - and so was the impact of seeing human anatomy up close. Through hands-on exposure to
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty Help Shape Understanding of Ancient Human Relatives
WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2026) Two Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences researchers are helping unravel one of the most intriguing mysteries in human evolution. New findings from the ongoing Homo naledi project suggest that all 20 fossil individuals from a cave in South Africa were female - a discovery that is prompting scientists to reconsider assumptions about this ancient human relative's behavior, social structure and treatment of the dead. Heather Garvin, PhD, a forensic
WDM Chamber Releases 2025 Workforce Survey Results Highlighting Hiring Demand, Skills Gaps and Youth
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has released the results of the 2025 Central Iowa Workforce Survey, providing insight into hiring expectations, workforce challenges, and talent readiness across the region. The survey points to strong employer confidence heading into 2026, alongside growing concern about skills gaps and the need for earlier, more coordinated workforce development strategies. “Businesses across Central Iowa are preparing for growth,
City of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Chamber Release Findings from 2025 Business Survey
WEST DES MOINES, IA (September 16, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of West Des Moines, has released the results of its 2025 Business Survey, conducted in May to better understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing the local business community. The survey gathered input from businesses and the community across the region. Responses will help shape future policies, programs, and initiatives designed to support economic growth, enhance city
