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US Medicine · 2027 Entry

Des Moines University COM (DO) Medical School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Des Moines, IA, United StatesEstablished 1898Interviews September–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions
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Full guide

How to get into Des Moines University COM (DO) medicine

Step-by-step: entry requirements, MCAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.

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Interview guide

Prepare for the Des Moines University COM (DO) interview

Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.

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Overview

About Des Moines University COM (DO)

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM), founded in 1898, is one of the oldest health sciences universities in the United States and a long-standing osteopathic training institution in the Midwest. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the school is part of Des Moines University — a health professions university also housing physician assistant, physical therapy, and podiatric medicine programs. DMU-COM has a strong primary care and rural medicine focus serving Iowa and the surrounding region.

What makes it different

Applications via AACOMAS. DMU-COM is one of the oldest health professions schools in the US. The interprofessional campus with PA, PT, and podiatry programs is distinctive. Iowa's strong rural health mission makes this a compelling option for applicants interested in Midwest or rural practice.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout. DMU's interdisciplinary health campus enables interprofessional education. Clinical rotations in Years 3–4 at Iowa Health System (now UnityPoint Health) affiliated hospitals and rural community health sites across Iowa.

Research strengths

Des Moines University COM (DO) has notable research strength in Rural health, Osteopathic manipulative medicine, Primary care, Interprofessional education.

Interview

Des Moines University COM (DO) interviews via Traditional one-on-one interview.

Intake

Approximately 225 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1898, based in Des Moines, IA. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Rural Medicine, Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Internal Medicine.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to Des Moines University COM (DO)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. AACOMAS application. CASPer is not required; the AAMC PREview exam is optional but encouraged. Midwestern rural medicine commitment is valued. Healthcare experience and DO shadowing expected.
MCAT median
505 (range 499–511)
GPA median
3.60 overall / 3.55 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
6.0%
Class size
225
In-state preference
None
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Rural medicine commitment, healthcare experience, osteopathic philosophy, interprofessional interest.
Notes
MCAT/GPA hedged estimates from publicly available DMU-COM and AACOMAS data.
Specialities offered
Primary Care, Rural Medicine, Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Internal Medicine
Interview

How Des Moines University COM (DO) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one interview
Interview window
September–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 25–35% post-interview (estimated).
Tutor insight
Emphasize rural or Midwest healthcare experience if applicable — DMU-COM strongly values candidates committed to serving Iowa and surrounding states. The interprofessional environment means team-based care experience stands out. Early AACOMAS application is particularly important given rolling deadlines.
Practice

Practise for your Des Moines University COM (DO) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank621 medicine questions inside

Interview questions matched to Des Moines University COM (DO)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Des Moines University COM (DO)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

HardMMI · PanelQ1

US Healthcare Ethics: Undocumented Patients and the Healthcare System

An undocumented 45-year-old patient has been managing insulin-dependent diabetes without a primary care provider for years, using emergency departments for acute complications. He has multiple diabetes-related hospitalisations but cannot access Medicaid in your state and cannot afford private insurance. He presents to your federally qualified health centre. What is your legal obligation to treat him, what care can be funded, and what does this case reveal about the structural gaps in US healthcare for undocumented immigrants?

Likely follow-up · EMTALA requires hospitals to stabilise emergency conditions regardless of immigration status. Does any coverage for undocumented patients exist beyond emergency stabilisation at federal law?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumPanel · MMIQ2

Holistic Review: First-Generation College Student

You are the first person in your family to attend college and are now applying to medical school. Your parents worked hourly-wage jobs and could not provide the financial support, networking advantages, or pre-medical advising that many peers received. You navigated the application process largely on your own and sought out opportunities -- research, clinical exposure, volunteering -- without guidance. What strengths has this background given you, and what challenges has it imposed that you believe medical school should understand?

Likely follow-up · How has your socioeconomic background shaped your understanding of the patients you want to serve?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for Des Moines University COM (DO)Browse 1,106 free questions →
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FAQ

Des Moines University COM (DO) — frequently asked questions

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