Private, public universities develop medical science doctoral programs

Des Moines University is now accepting outside applications for the state’s first Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, and the University of Iowa will soon be joining the ranks with its own program.

The private medical university announced in a news release applications are open to the program for those who have already completed a master’s-level physician’s assistant program.

“The DMSc program provides PAs with an opportunity to build on their professional expertise while developing advanced skills in leadership and scholarship,” said program director Angela Grundmeyer in the release. “We are excited to offer this pathway at DMU and to prepare PAs for expanded roles in health care administration, public health and health sciences education, equipping them to lead, educate and advance the PA profession.”

Graduates of DMU’s physician assistant program started their doctoral education this fall semester. According to the release, the new four-term program is offered fully online with eight-week courses provided asynchronously for easier integration with work or other obligations.

Students can select a 12-credit concentration for their degree pathway, the release stated, spanning health sciences education, public health and health care administration.

“As a graduate medical and health sciences university, DMU is highly successful and experienced in offering top quality, high-demand programs like the DMSc,” said Wallace Boeve, dean of the College of Health Sciences, in the release. “This unique program aligns with DMU’s mission to educate diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals to meet the health care imperatives around the world.”

The Iowa Board of Regents last week gave the University of Iowa approval to create its own doctor of medical science program, one of multiple new degrees and centers brought to the board for consideration.

According to board documents detailing the request, the UI was aware of DMU’s program and had communicated with the institution about its plans. The doctorate degrees are “expected to serve Iowa without conflict or limitation due to estimated demand for the degree,” the document stated. With board approval, the UI program is set to begin in January.