Des Moines University Continuing Medical Education

Join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 7:00 am for the Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Grand Rounds.

RETURN TO PURPOSE: NEUROPLASTICITY AND PERSON-CENTERED CARE IN NEUROREHABILITATION

This Grand Rounds session features occupational and physical therapy experts, along with an individual and spouse who will share their lived experience following neurologic injury. Presenters will explore how collaborative, person-centered rehabilitation can optimize recovery through the application of neuroplasticity, shared decision-making, and interprofessional care. By connecting clinical expertise with personal perspectives, the session will highlight how purposeful, evidence-informed interventions and meaningful partnerships with patients and families can support functional independence, recovery, and a return to the activities and roles that matter most.

Presented by Dr. Jillian Jones, Assistant Professor, DMU Physical Therapy Program; Dr. Emily Summerfield, Assistant Professor, DMU Occupational Therapy Program; Leng Reiff, spouse and care partner; and Matt Reiff, person with lived experience in neurorehabilitation.

Attendance is FREE. Participate in person or online. Continuing education credit will be available.

https://cme.dmu.edu/dmuGrandRounds-Sept-2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Discover practical approaches to recognizing the psychiatric effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), understanding its relationship to mental health symptoms, and exploring evidence-based pharmacologic treatment strategies that support patient care.

Join us for the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists CME Conference, where local experts from the Iowa Veterans Home and Broadlawns Medical Center will share practical insights to help participants identify, assess, and manage psychiatric symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury.

The cost to attend is $99. Participate in person at DMU32 Health and Business Complex in Des Moines. IA, or virtually via Zoom.

REGISTER TODAY: https://cme.dmu.edu/pnp-2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY

Explore practical approaches to evaluating a patient's ability to make informed healthcare decisions, identifying factors that may influence decision-making capacity, and applying ethical considerations to support patient-centered care.

Join us for the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists CME Conference, where local experts from UnityPoint Health and Broadlawns Medical Center will share strategies and guidance to help participants navigate complex decision-making capacity evaluations.

The cost to attend is $99. Participate in person at DMU32 Health and Business Complex in Des Moines. IA, or virtually via Zoom.

REGISTER TODAY: https://cme.dmu.edu/pnp-2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: BENZODIAZEPINE ADDICTION AND MANAGEMENT

Strengthen your skills in recognizing and managing benzodiazepine use and dependence. Learn to identify benzodiazepine use disorder, assess withdrawal risks, distinguish appropriate use from problematic use, and develop safe, patient-specific tapering strategies.

Join us for the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists CME conference, where local experts from Broadlawns Medical Center will share practical strategies and evidence-based approaches to help participants better understand benzodiazepine use.

The cost to attend is $99. Participate in person at DMU32 Health and Business Complex in Des Moines, IA, or virtually via Zoom.

REGISTER TODAY: https://cme.dmu.edu/pnp-2026

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Join us on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, for the Iowa Diabetes + Wellness Summit CME activity. Attend on-site at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa.

The Summit will provide an engaging forum to discuss the latest practices, opportunities, resources, and tools for diabetes prevention, control, and management. National, state, and local experts will share innovative and best practice strategies to reduce the burden of diabetes and empower patients and their families to live healthier lives.

TOPICS:
• Diabetes Mellitus Medications
• Diabetes Technology Rapid Review
• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
• Hypercortisolism and Its Connection to Resistant Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Move Your Way
• Nutrition

REGISTRATION:
• Professionals: $75
• Students: $25

Reserve your spot today at https://cme.dmu.edu/diabetes-2026

NEW ON-DEMAND CE WEBINAR!

** EFFECTIVENESS OF ADAPTIVE WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH ACQUIRED NEUROLOGICAL INJURY **

Discover how adaptive wellness programming can support recovery and improve outcomes for individuals with acquired neurological injuries in this on-demand webinar, presented by Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy students Bailee Alberts, Macy Muller, Ashley Telleen, and Jaci Whitten.

This webinar explores the role of adaptive wellness programs in an inpatient rehabilitation setting and examines their potential impact on self-efficacy and physical health outcomes for patients with acquired neurological conditions. Participants will also gain insight into the future implications of adaptive wellness programming within occupational therapy practice and the evolving role of occupational therapists in promoting long-term health and well-being.

https://cme.dmu.edu/content/effectiveness-adaptive-wellness-programs-individuals-acquired-neurological-injury

NEW ON-DEMAND CE WEBINAR!

** RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF A SENSORY-MOTOR INTENSIVE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS **

This on-demand webinar examines the effectiveness of a 12-week sensory-motor intensive occupational therapy program in improving sensory processing skills among children with neurodevelopmental concerns. Participants will explore how outcomes may relate to factors such as age, gender, race, and primary medical diagnosis, while gaining insight into the clinical implications for occupational therapists providing sensory-motor intensive interventions.

Presented by Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy students Brooklyn Dvorsky, Jaice Johnsen, and Claire Stogdill.

https://cme.dmu.edu/content/retrospective-review-sensory-motor-intensive-occupational-therapy-program-children

The CME team spent the day volunteering at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa!

From helping care for animals to supporting the ARL's mission, it was a rewarding opportunity to give back to an organization that makes a difference for thousands of animals each year.

We're grateful for the chance to serve our community and spend time with some incredible four-legged friends.

NEW ON-DEMAND CE WEBINAR!

** PHENOMENOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THERAPIST EXPERIENCE IN THE MOBILE THERAPY MODEL **

What is it like to provide therapy in a mobile practice setting? This on-demand webinar explores the unique experience of therapists delivering care beyond traditional clinical walls.

Presented by Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy students Joaquin Chavez-Martinez, Stephanie Magner, and Maggie McDermott, this session shares findings from their qualitative research, highlighting key themes that emerged from therapist interviews, the benefits and challenges of mobile therapy related to job satisfaction, and the implications of these findings for clinical practice.

Phenomenological Exploration of Therapist Experience in the Mobile Therapy Model | DMU CME There is no cost to participate. This on-demand course will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. After the assessment, learners will be asked to complete an activity with a passing score of 75%.

NEW ON-DEMAND CE WEBINAR!

** EFFECT OF PREFABRICATED ORTHOSES ON PAIN AND WEIGHT-BEARING CAPACITY FOR CONSERVATIVELY MANAGED TFCC INJURIES: A PILOT STUDY **

Interested in the conservative management of TFCC injuries? This pilot study examines the structure and function of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), reviews commonly used prefabricated orthoses, and compares the study methodology and findings to existing literature. Gain insight into the effectiveness of the WristWidget®️ and Bullseye WristBand™️for individuals with conservatively managed TFCC injuries.

Presented by Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy students Abigail Blum, Riley Ericson, and Jack Fuchs, this on-demand webinar explores the effectiveness of prefabricated orthoses for pain reduction and improved weight-bearing capacity.

https://cme.dmu.edu/content/effect-prefabricated-orthoses-pain-and-weight-bearing-capacity-conservatively-managed-tfcc