DMU Professor Selected as National Research Champion
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/19/2025) Jason Semprini, Ph.D., MPP, assistant professor of public health at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, was named to the inaugural cohort of AcademyHealth's Champions for Health Services and Prevention Research program. Supported by the Doris Duke Foundation, the program will foster connections between researchers and policymakers in communities across the nation. Through the program, the 21 selected research champions - mostly early-stage academics - will
New Research Shows Collaborative Care for Plantar Heel Pain Leads to Long-Term Savings and Better Outcomes
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/17/2025) A multi-year study led by Shane McClinton, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., shows that combining physical therapy with standard podiatry care for plantar heel pain improves patients' quality of life while also cutting long-term health care costs. McClinton is a physical therapist at Des Moines University Clinic - Physical Therapy and also teaches at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. The research project, "Cost Effectiveness of Physical Therapist Treatment in
DMU Researcher Publishes Article
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/14/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences doctoral researcher, Stephanie Cole, Ph.D., recently authored an article on dismemberment trauma titled, "Deciphering Dismemberment Cuts: Statistical Relationships Between Incomplete Kerf Morphology and Saw Class Characteristics." It's the first publication funded by a grant from the National Institute of Justice supporting Cole and Heather Garvin, Ph.D., as they evaluate the forensic utility of tool marks left in bone in
Icons of Impact: One-of-a-Kind Mentorship Showcase Launches November 12th
[Des Moines, IA – November 13, 2025] – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa presents Icons of Impact: Mentorship Showcase, a new fundraising initiative co-chaired by Connie Wimer and Mike McCoy. This event brings together influential leaders, executives, and changemakers for a unique one-to-one mentorship experience. The public can make pledges on exclusive 1.5–2 hour mentorship sessions, available virtually or in-person, with some of Central Iowa’s most respected figures. The highest pledges will win
DMU Faculty Win AACOM Compassionate Community Grants
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/12/2025) Three faculty members from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences were awarded the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine inaugural Compassionate Community Grant. The grant program, launched in connection with the Educating Leaders 2025 Friday Forum, provides small grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to pre-accredited and accredited Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine to spark actionable culture change. The 2025 recipients were selected for
Des Moines University Wins National 2025 UCDA Design Award
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/10/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has earned an award of excellence in the 2025 University & College Designers' Association's Design Awards. The award-winning entry - a recruitment box for the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery - was among the 195 projects selected for recognition. The recruitment box included a stress toy in the shape of a white coat, a "Future D.P.M." lapel pin and a welcome card for newly admitted students. Kathryn Finney,
DMU and Regis University Announce Partnership to Expand Graduate Health Sciences Opportunities
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/05/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Regis University, a Jesuit Catholic university in Denver, Colorado, have entered a new partnership that opens doors for Regis students in its Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program who are seeking graduate-level health sciences education at DMU. Effective October 2025, eligible Regis students who meet academic benchmarks will receive guaranteed interview opportunities for admission to the following DMU
Mishra Named Chief Research Officer at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/29/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has promoted Pravin Mishra, Ph.D., M.B.A., to the role of chief research officer. In this role, he will continue to lead the university's strategic research priorities and further advance the strong foundation he has built since joining DMU in 2023. While at DMU, Mishra has launched several key initiatives to expand research, including: The Innovation Tank, which helps advance promising health care ideas through expert
DMU Professor Co-Authors Visual Atlas of the Human Skeleton from Birth to Adulthood
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/27/2025) With the recent publication of "A Visual Atlas of Skeletal Growth and Development," Heather Garvin, Ph.D., D-ABFA, professor of anatomy at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, is helping provide a much-needed resource for students and practitioners in anatomy, biological anthropology, human biology and health sciences. The atlas, co-authored with Kyra Stull, Ph.D., D-ABFA, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno, illustrates
Celebrating Impact and Championing the Future: Highlights from the 2025 Glanton Event
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/23/2025) On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and the Des Moines community came together for an evening of celebration, inspiration and powerful storytelling at the 2025 Glanton Event presented by UnityPoint Health. Hosted at The Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa, the event honored the legacy of Judge Luther T. Glanton Jr. and Willie Stevenson Glanton while raising support for the Glanton Fund. The fund invests in the next
Sarina (Lily) Jorgensen Joins DMU Clinic - Physical Therapy
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/23/2025) Sarina (Lily) Jorgensen, P.T., D.P.T., has joined the providers at the Des Moines University Clinic - Physical Therapy. Jorgensen will bring a wealth of experience to the clinic, located at 3200 Grand Ave. at the DMU32 Health and Business Complex in Des Moines. Jorgensen earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in 2021, following a Bachelor of Arts degree in exercise science from Hope College in Holland, Michigan,
Des Moines University and Beloit College Launch Partnership to Expand Health Sciences Pathways for S
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/22/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Beloit College, a private liberal arts institution in Beloit, Wisconsin, have entered a new partnership that opens doors for Beloit students seeking graduate-level health sciences programs at DMU. Effective October 2025, Beloit students who meet academic benchmarks will be eligible for guaranteed interview opportunities at DMU in the following programs: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Podiatric
West Des Moines Chamber Launches High School Leadership Academy to Empower Future Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (February 25, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the launch of the High School Leadership Academy (HSLA), a new initiative designed to equip students with leadership skills, real-world experience, and career exploration opportunities. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and direct engagement with professionals, HSLA will help students in grades 9-11 within the West Des Moines Community School District develop the confidence and
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY, November 25, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors, a diverse group of leaders that will guide, serve, and shape the WDM Chamber and West Des Moines community. “Our 2025 Board of Directors are made up of key leaders in our city and region who represent a wide range of industries and businesses from small, medium, and large.” said Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
