Et cetera : Benjamin Miller Graduated from Des Moines University on May 28

Des Moines University (DMU) awarded 499 degrees at its 2011 Commencement service May 28 at 10 a.m. at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St. The dean from each of the three DMU colleges presented their classes and DMU president, Angela Walker Franklin, Ph.D., conferred degrees.

Benjamin Miller of Van Horne, IA earned a D.O. degree. Miller is the child of Mark and Cindy Miller of Van Horne, IA.

Continuing a tradition started in 1899, the College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded the doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree to 200 graduates, the master of science in biomedical science to one and the master of science in anatomy to nine graduates. The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery awarded the doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degree to 60 graduates and the College of Health Sciences awarded degrees from five programs - doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) to 47, post-professional doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T) to 69, master of science in physician assistant studies (M.S.) to 48, master of public health (M.P.H) to 27 and master of health care administration (M.H.A.) to 38 graduates. Some students earned dual degrees.

The commencement speaker, Jim Leach, will be presented with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. Leach was appointed in 2009 by President Barack Obama as the ninth chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Before that he represented southeastern Iowa for 30 years in the U.S. House. In 2007 he became the John L. Weinberg visiting professor of public and international affairs at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School. He has eight honorary degrees and many awards including the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United Nations Association and the Norman Borlaug Award for Public Service.

You may download a photo of your local graduate, if available, from www.dmu.edu/2011grads.

Des Moines University has three colleges (listed below). An explanation of degrees awarded follows:

College of Osteopathic Medicine:

Osteopathic Medicine Program - Graduates of this program earn doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

Anatomy Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in anatomy. This is a 40.5 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned M.S (A). This is just to differentiate the program completed. The degree earned is an M.S.

Biomedical Sciences Program - Graduates of this program earn a master of science (M.S.) degree in biomedical sciences. This is a 40 credit hour program. Graduates will be listed as having earned M.S.(BS). This is just to differentiate the program completed. The degree earned is an M.S.

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery: Graduates of this college earn a doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degree. They complete a comprehensive four-year medical education program, including 18 months of clinical training.

College of Health Sciences:

Physical Therapy Program – Graduates of this program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 34-month educational program, including clinical internships.

Postprofessional Physical Therapy Program – Graduates of this postprofessional program earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degree. They complete a 17-23 credit educational program. Graduates of this program will be listed as having earned a (pp)D.P.T. This is just to indicate which program they completed. The degree earned is a D.P.T.

Health Care Administration Program – Graduates of this program complete at least a two-year educational program, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of science degree in health care administration (M.H.A.). The degree provides and educational foundation for careers and leadership in management, planning policy analysis and similar roles in long-term care or other healthcare settings.

Public Health Program – Graduates of this program complete at least a two-year educational program, attending full- or part-time, and earn a master of science degree in public health (M.P.H.). The program provides students with the skills to lead community efforts in improving health.

Physician Assistant Program – Graduates of this program earn a master's of science degree in physician assistant studies (M.S.). The program provides students the skills necessary to become a certified physician assistant. Graduates will be listed as having earned a M.S.(PA) degree. This is just to differentiate the program completed. The degree earned is an M.S.

Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions. For more info, visit www.dmu.edu.