DMU Appoints Two to Alumni Board of Directors
WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/25/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has appointed two new members to its Alumni Board of Directors: April Bisaga-Carr, D.O.'03, and Emily Hurst, D.O.'05, FACOI. Each will serve a three-year term, providing leadership and support in engaging DMU alumni and advancing the university's mission. "We're excited to welcome Dr. Bisaga-Carr and Dr. Hurst to the alumni board," says Lauren Dixson, senior director of development and alumni relations. "Their insights
DMU Names New Chief Information Officer
WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/23/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has appointed Erfan Mojaddam, Ed.M., as its new chief information officer. He will start his duties September 15, 2025. Mojaddam brings nearly two decades of experience in educational technology, data innovation and digital transformation, including leadership roles at Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley. A former Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia, Mojaddam discovered his passion for teaching
Des Moines University Simulation Center Earns New SSH Accreditation in Human Simulation
WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/17/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has achieved a significant milestone, with its state-of-the-art simulation center earning accreditation in the new human simulation standard from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. This prestigious recognition places DMU among an elite group of only eight simulation centers worldwide to be accredited in the new standard. Human simulation in health care refers to the use of life-like scenarios involving trained
Bucs and DMU Team Up for Athletic Training Partnership
WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/10/2025) The Des Moines Buccaneers are pleased to announce its exclusive athletic training partnership with Des Moines University Clinic for the 2025-26 season. DMU's athletic training program is sure to provide the Buccaneers with world-class injury prevention and keep athletes in peak performance mode all season long. "We are excited to continue raising our standard of care and support partnering with the DMU Clinic as our athletic training and rehabilitation partner this
DMU Launches Innovation Think Tank to Spark Health Care Breakthroughs
WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/09/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recently hosted its inaugural Innovation Tank, a new competition designed to spark creative thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling real-world health care challenges. Organized by the Office of Research, the team-based event brought together six interdisciplinary groups of students, faculty and staff across DMU's colleges. Each team pitched a "best idea" to a panel of DMU judges and an audience of more
Des Moines Clinic Acquires Cutting-Edge Portable 3D Motion Capture Lab
WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/04/2025) Des Moines University Clinic is now equipped with a state-of-the-art portable 3D motion capture laboratory, the only one of its kind in the Des Moines metro. Made by Noraxon, this innovative system enhances DMU's capabilities in clinical applications, research and education, benefiting programs in physical therapy, sports performance and broader research initiatives. The motion capture lab includes 16 movement sensors, eight EMG sensors for muscle activity, specialized
West Des Moines Leadership Academy Graduates Class and Breaks Fundraising Record
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, congratulates the Class of 2025 on graduating. During the nine-month program, participants built leadership skills through hands-on learning, critical thinking, and a Community Impact Project that set a new fundraising record. The 33-member class supported West Des Moines Human Services through its Community of Care Campaign. Instead of hosting one large fundraiser, they took a multi-faceted
DMU Graduates Over 400 Health Care Professionals During its 125th Commencement Ceremony
WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/03/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences awarded graduate degrees in medicine and health sciences to over 400 new health care professionals at its 125th Commencement Ceremony on May 30, 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of the DMU Class of 2025, including many dual degree students and the first graduates from the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program, Tanner Wetzel, D.O.'27, Ph.D.'25, and Elizabeth McConnaha, Ph.D.'25. The ceremony
West Des Moines Chamber Extends Nomination Deadline for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 30, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the nomination period for Reignite CommUNITY 2025. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. “There are incredible individuals and organizations across Iowa driving real change,” said Kara Matheson, vice president of workforce development & culture for the WDM Chamber. “This extension gives more people the opportunity to highlight their impact and be recognized for their
WDM Chamber Announces Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum Series and Featured Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 6, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has launched the Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum, a new monthly speaker series featuring influential Iowa executives who are nearing or have recently entered retirement after decades of service. Each forum highlights a leader’s personal career journey, key lessons learned, and the legacy they aim to leave behind. The series is designed to inspire both emerging and established professionals through the stories of those who have
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
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
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
