A Growing Partnership: Des Moines University and Mercy College Health Sciences Expand Student Opportunities

Published in Science and Technology on Monday, August 18th 2025 at 18:28 GMT by Tim Hastings, ABC Kcrg 9
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Des Moines University (DMU) and Mercy College Health Sciences are forging a stronger alliance, significantly expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. The partnership, announced August 18th, focuses on providing DMU medical, osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, and physical therapy students with invaluable hands-on experience through clinical rotations and interviews at Mercy’s various facilities across Iowa. This collaboration promises to benefit both institutions and, most importantly, the future of healthcare in the state.

The core of this expanded partnership revolves around a robust interview program for DMU students seeking residency placements within the Mercy network. Traditionally, these interviews were limited, creating a competitive bottleneck for aspiring physicians and other healthcare professionals. Now, Mercy College Health Sciences is committing to significantly increasing the number of student interviews offered, providing more opportunities for DMU graduates to secure coveted residency positions. This increased access is particularly crucial given the ongoing physician shortage facing Iowa and the nation as a whole.

Beyond residency placements, the partnership aims to deepen clinical rotation experiences for DMU students. While existing agreements allowed some rotations at Mercy facilities, this new agreement formalizes and expands those opportunities across a wider range of specialties and locations. Students will gain exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings, enriching their education and preparing them for the realities of practicing medicine in Iowa communities. This includes access to Mercy’s hospitals in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, and surrounding areas, as well as its numerous clinics and outpatient centers.

Dr. Angela Walker, Dean of Clinical Affairs at DMU, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. "This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to educating compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals," she stated. “The increased interview opportunities and expanded clinical rotations will provide our students with invaluable experiences that will shape them into exceptional physicians and healthcare providers.”

Similarly, Dr. Matthew Naughton, Chief Medical Officer at Mercy College Health Sciences, highlighted the mutual benefits of the agreement. "We are thrilled to deepen our relationship with Des Moines University," he said. “This partnership allows us to invest in the future of healthcare by providing students with unparalleled training opportunities while also ensuring a pipeline of qualified professionals to serve our communities.” He further noted that the increased interaction between students and Mercy’s medical staff will foster mentorship relationships, benefiting both parties involved.

The agreement isn't just about increasing numbers; it's about quality. Both institutions are committed to ensuring that these expanded opportunities provide meaningful learning experiences for DMU students. This includes incorporating feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the clinical rotations and interview process. Mercy College Health Sciences is actively working to structure the interviews in a way that allows students to showcase their skills and personality, moving beyond traditional metrics to assess potential fit within the organization's culture.

The partnership also acknowledges the evolving landscape of healthcare education. With increasing emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, both DMU and Mercy are exploring opportunities for joint training programs involving students from different disciplines – medical, osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, and potentially others in the future. This integrated approach aims to prepare graduates who can effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues across various healthcare specialties, a critical skill in today’s complex healthcare environment.

The initial focus of the expanded partnership is on residency interviews and clinical rotations for medical students, but plans are already underway to extend these benefits to other DMU health science programs. This phased approach allows both institutions to carefully manage resources and ensure the success of each initiative before expanding further. The long-term vision includes creating a formalized mentorship program pairing DMU students with experienced Mercy physicians and healthcare professionals, providing invaluable guidance and support throughout their training.

The collaboration represents a significant investment in Iowa’s future healthcare workforce. By strengthening the ties between Des Moines University and Mercy College Health Sciences, both institutions are actively contributing to addressing critical healthcare needs within the state and ensuring that Iowans have access to high-quality medical care for years to come. The increased opportunities for students, coupled with a commitment to quality training experiences, promise to cultivate a new generation of skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals ready to serve Iowa communities.

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A Growing Partnership: Des Moines University and Mercy College Health Sciences Expand Student Opportunities