DMU Recognized for Excellence in Rural and Primary Care Medical Education

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recently received top placement in the U.S. News & World Report's 2024 edition of Best Graduate Schools. DMU was nationally ranked:

• #2 for most graduates practicing in primary care.
• #8 for graduates practicing in rural areas.

"We are proud to be recognized for our efforts in training competent, compassionate health care providers who are ready to serve in underserved communities," says David Connett, D.O., FACOFP (dist.), dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. "At DMU, we strive to equip our students with the skills and experiences necessary to make a tangible impact in the health care landscape."

The U.S. News & World Report's rankings, developed in collaboration with the Robert Graham Center of the American Academy of Family Physicians, underscore DMU's dedication to producing graduates who serve in primary care and rural settings.

According to research completed by the Association of American Medical Colleges, there is a projected shortage of up to 86,000 primary care physicians by 2036. Considering the data, DMU's focus on primary care education is more important than ever. DMU's second-place ranking reflects its success in preparing graduates to enter primary care fields.

With rural areas facing a significant physician shortage both historically and currently, DMU's eighth-place ranking underlines its impact on improving health care access in underserved regions. The university's commitment to rural health is evident in its curriculum and support for students pursuing careers in rural medicine.

Initiatives like the rural medicine elective, hands-on training in simulated rural emergencies and Iowa's loan repayment programs for new physicians further support DMU's students' journeys into rural medicine. Encouraging students to practice in rural Iowa is part of DMU's mission, as a significant portion of graduates choose to enter family medicine or internal medicine residencies in rural areas. Initiatives like DMU's rural medicine elective, hands-on training in simulated rural emergencies and Iowa's loan repayment programs for new physicians further support DMU's students' journeys into rural medicine.

DMU's national recognition underscores its dedication to mitigating the physician shortage in primary care and rural areas. By providing comprehensive training and support, the university ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of the health care sector. As DMU continues to cultivate future leaders in medicine, its contributions will play a pivotal role in enhancing health care accessibility and quality, particularly in underserved regions.