DMU-COM

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine is located in metropolitan Des Moines, Iowa and prides itself on educating physicians with superior skills that will serve in rural communities. DMU stands apart from many other osteopathic colleges by its strong focus on Osteopathic Manipulative Technique (OMT). DMU is one of the first osteopathic medical schools to open in the United States and it has a rich history which of creating top class physicians in many specialties. DMU also has a top-notch website which provides a ton of information for prospective students. School Mission/Focus: “To educate tomorrow’s osteopathic physicians, health educators and scientists in a collaborative environment where the principles of health, wellness and research foster effective, professional and empathic care of individuals and populations.”(www.aacom.org) Location: DMU-COM is located in Des Moines, IA. Des Moines, Iowa was rated the #9 “Best City to Live, Work and Play” by Kiplinger Magazine, and rated on the “Top 100 Best Cities to Live 2008” by RelocateAmerica.com. Akeny, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines was rated one of the “10 Best Towns for Families” by Family Circle Magazine. Application Requirements:Application filing dates: June 1 – Feb 1 GPA (Cumulative): 3.0 minimum MCAT: Required. No data is available for a minimum score required on the MCAT (average MCAT score for ’07 matriculates was 26.63, with an O on the writing sample) In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree, student must have completed the follow undergraduate course work:

  • English (6 semester hours)
  • Biology (8 semester hours) – must include a laboratory
  • Physics (8 semester hours)
  • General or Inorganic Chemistry (8 semester hours) – must include a laboratory
  • Organic Chemistry (4 semester hours) – must include a laboratory
  • Biochemistry (3credit hours) – lab not required

Background check required: Yes All students meeting the minimum application requirements will be sent a secondary application (via email) which should be returned as soon as possible. Secondary applications will require:

  • Letters of reference – 1 letter from a physician (MD or DO – DO is preferable), and 1 letter from Admissions Committee Boards or 2 Science Faculty members
  • $50 application fee

Curriculum:DMU-COM follows a traditional method of medical education, the first and second years being dedicated to learning the basic sciences and principles of medicine and the last two years spent in clinical rotations. Intensive OMT techniques are also taught during the first two years of school. Here is a typical course schedule:

1st Year

  • Introduction to Osteopathic Medicine
  • Introduction to Medline and the Internet
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
  • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine I
  • History of Medicine
  • Behavioral Science
  • Anatomy
  • Cell and Tissue Biology
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Microbiology/Immunology
  • Physiology
  • Physical Diagnosis I
  • Basic Life Support
  • Geriatrics
  • Pathology
  • Radiology
  • Introduction to Medical Ethics and the Doctor-Patient Relationship

2nd Year

  • Pharmacology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Preventive Medicine/Nutrition
  • GI
  • Cardiovascular
  • Physical Diagnosis II
  • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine II
  • Medical Ethics II
  • Respiratory
  • Hematology/Oncology
  • Endocrine
  • Infectious Disease
  • Renal
  • Reproduction
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Rheumatology/Orthopedics
  • Ophthalmology
  • ENT
  • Dermatology/Allergy
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Neonatology Laboratory
  • Ophthalmology Laboratory
  • ENT Laboratory
  • Gynecology Laboratory

3rd Year Rotations Click here for 2008 D.O. rotation schedules. 4th Year Rotations Click here for 2008 D.O. rotation schedules.

School Demographics:

Total Enrollment: 824

Total Male: 433

Total Female: 391

First Year Enrollment: 216 Average student age: 25 (ages range between 21 – 40) 25% of DMU students are married with families 32% of DMU students are from multicultural backgrounds. 25% of students are from Iowa.

Cost of Attending:

Tuition: $34,140 Fees: $588 Click here for additional DMU-COM financial info.

Living in Des Moines, IA:

Population: Des Moines has an estimated total population of 193,886. It is located in the heart of Iowa and is the state’s most populous city. Demographics: Des Moines is predominantly Caucasian (about 80%) but claims a fairly diverse mix of races within the area. About 8% of the population is black and another 8% claims Hispanic ethnicity. Housing: Des Moines housing costs are slightly lower than the average housing costs across the US. Median home value is approx. $142,000. Cost of Living: Cost of living in Des Moines is significantly lower than the national average.The cost of utilities are slightly higher than the national average but this cost is compensated for by the low cost of food and other necessities. Employment Opportunities: The economy in Des Moines is very stable and finding an adequate job should not be difficult although the median income is slightly lower than average. Weather: Des Moines has wildly varying temperatures year round. Summer weather can often be hot and humid while winters are frequently cold and snowy. Here are average temperatures for January and July (in Fahrenheit):

January: High = 29, Low = 12

July: High = 86, Low = 66

Things to do: Des Moines has many historical attractions and a wide variety of entertainment. The internationally acclaimed Des Moines Art Center and Salisbury House & Gardens are must see attractions in the area. Shopping and dining opportunities are plentiful throughout the city.

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