Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences’ continuing medical education program provides evidence-based health education and professional development opportunities that support lifelong learning, encourage interprofessional collaboration, and enhance learners’ competence, performance, and patient outcomes. The program is committed to educating compassionate, lifelong learners and supporting the health and welfare of diverse populations. Educational offerings address identified professional practice gaps and include updates in clinical medicine and basic science, current and best-practice recommendations, quality improvement, procedural and communication skills, professional development, academic and leadership development, and patient safety. The primary audience includes DMU faculty, preceptors, alumni, staff, and students, while activities are also available to other healthcare professionals whose practice is relevant to the educational content.

Educational activities are planned based on identified professional practice gaps, desired outcomes, and the needs of the intended learners. Activities may include didactic presentations, workshops, professional development programs, simulation and performance assessment, case presentations, regularly scheduled series, tumor boards, and enduring materials and may be offered in person, virtually, or through a combination of formats. Instructional methods are selected based on the content, learners, and intended outcomes and may include case-based presentations, panels, question-and-answer sessions, audience response technology, breakout sessions, and hands-on learning. Activities are designed to improve learner competence and performance and, when appropriate, patient and community health outcomes, while also supporting interprofessional collaboration and the development of teaching, leadership, communication, and other professional skills.