Des Moines University Continuing Medical Education

09/18/2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: SOMATIC SYMPTOM AND RELATED DISORDERS

Learn how to confidently recognize, diagnose, and manage somatic symptom and related disorders using DSM-5 criteria and a biopsychosocial approach. This session will help participants gain practical strategies for patient communication, evidence-based treatment, and avoiding common diagnostic pitfalls to improve patient care and outcomes.

Join us for the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists CME conference on Friday, October 16, 2026, where experts from UnityPoint Health and Broadlawns Medical Center will share practical strategies for recognizing, differentiating, and managing somatic symptom and related disorders in clinical practice.

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

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

09/15/2026

Join us on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:00 am for the Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Grand Rounds.

UNDERSTANDING HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

This session will help differentiate palliative care and hospice, recognize when each may be appropriate, and understand how interdisciplinary care supports quality of life, comfort, and dignity. Participants will also explore effective communication strategies that promote informed decision-making and facilitate timely referrals for patients and families.

Presented by Aimee Spores, LMSW, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care, WesleyLife, and Patty Nance, RN, Hospice Case Manager, WesleyLife.

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

https://cme.dmu.edu/DMUGrandRounds-Oct-2026

09/14/2026

NEW ON-DEMAND CE WEBINAR!

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

This on-demand webinar explores person-centered neurorehabilitation strategies that extend beyond restoring physical function to support meaningful participation in daily life. Participants will gain practical insight into applying principles of neuroplasticity, fostering collaboration among patients, care partners, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, and using shared decision-making to develop individualized rehabilitation plans that promote recovery, independence, and a return to meaningful life roles.

Jillian Jones, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Department of Physical Therapy, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences; Leng Reiff, Spouse and Care Partner; Matt Reiff, Person with Lived Experience in Neurorehabilitation; and Emily Summerfield, OTD, MOT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, share their expertise and insights.

Person-centered neurorehabilitation integrates neuroplasticity, shared decision-making, and interprofessional care to promote recovery, independence, and meaningful life participation.

09/11/2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES: LEVERAGING ACTIVITIES AND PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS OBESITY (LEAP)

Discover how the Live Healthy Iowa LEAP (Linking Actions for Equity and Prevention) initiative addresses the upstream factors that influence obesity, physical inactivity, food access, and type 2 diabetes. This session will highlight practical strategies, including healthy food service guidelines, fruit and vegetable incentive programs, clinical-community partnerships, and activity-friendly community design.

Join us at the Iowa Diabetes + Wellness Summit CME conference on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, as Allie Burkey, MPH, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Grace Wood, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, share how the Live Healthy Iowa LEAP initiative leverages policy, systems, and environmental approaches to support diabetes prevention, improve health outcomes, and create healthier communities across Iowa.

Attendance costs $75 for professionals and $25 for students. Participate in person at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, IA.

https://cme.dmu.edu/diabetes-2026

09/09/2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: RECOGNIZING AND MANAGING TRAUMA IN PRIMARY CARE

Explore the impact of trauma on health and well-being. This session will examine trauma-related responses, trauma-informed care principles, recognition and diagnosis of PTSD and related disorders, and evidence-based treatment approaches that support compassionate, effective patient care.

Join us for the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists CME conference on Friday, October 16, 2026, where experts from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Broadlawns Medical Center share strategies for recognizing and managing trauma in primary care.

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

09/04/2026

On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) began this academic year's Grand Round Series with "Return to Purpose: Neuroplasticity and Person-Centered Care in Neurorehabilitation."

The session featured Matt Reiff, a person with lived experience in Neurorehabilitation; Leng Reiff, Mr. Reiff's spouse and care partner; Jillian Jones, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Department of Physical Therapy Program; and Emily Summerfield, OTD, MOT, Assistant Professor, Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.

Drawing from their unique perspectives, the presenters explored Mr. Reiff's rehabilitation journey through the lenses of lived experience, care partnership, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Their insights highlighted the importance of neuroplasticity, interprofessional collaboration, and person-centered care in supporting meaningful recovery and a return to purpose following neurologic injury.

We are grateful for their willingness to share their experiences, expertise, and perspectives as we begin another year of learning through the DMU Grand Rounds Series.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Summerfield, Dr. Jones, Ms. Reiff, and Mr. Reiff.

08/26/2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT: PEDIATRIC AUTISM

Gain a practical understanding of autism spectrum disorder, including key diagnostic features, screening and referral best practices, and patient- and family-centered care strategies.

Join us for the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists CME conference on October 16, 2026, where experts from Broadlawns Medical Center and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in supporting individuals with autism and their families.

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

08/25/2026

SESSION HIGHLIGHT - GUIDING THE JOURNEY: THE DOULA'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Join us for an engaging session exploring how doulas can support birthing individuals diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Participants will learn about the impact of gestational diabetes on pregnancy and postpartum health, while gaining practical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive strategies to help clients navigate lifestyle changes, medical recommendations, and emotional challenges.

Attend the Iowa Diabetes + Wellness Summit CME conference on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, where Latoya Lewis, MHA, MPA, BSW, Founder and CEO of Mahogany Doula Services LLC, will discuss the doula's role in supporting gestational diabetes.

Attendance costs $75 for professionals and $25 for students. Participate in person at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, IA.

Register today: https://cme.dmu.edu/diabetes-2026

08/24/2026

Discover how clinical expertise, neuroplasticity, and the lived experiences of patients and families come together to shape person-centered neurorehabilitation.

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

Join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 7:00 am for the Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Grand Rounds. Presenters include 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. Together, they will offer unique clinical and personal perspectives on recovery following neurologic injury.

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

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

08/20/2026

EXCITING NEWS - REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Join us January 16-17, 2027, for the Iowa Vestibular Symposium. Attend on-site at DMU32 Health and Business Complex, Olsen Center, or online via Zoom.

Continuing education credit will be available. Register today: https://cme.dmu.edu/ivs-2027

This interdisciplinary symposium brings together healthcare professionals from a variety of specialties to advance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of central and peripheral vestibular disorders while fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Topics:
- Acute and Chronic Neurological Conditions and Collaboration
- Patient Support
- Pediatric Autonomic Dysfunction
- Peripheral Vestibular
- Primitive Reflex and Sensory Integration
- Sports Psychology