Free Conference Highlights Research Projects from Around Iowa

See Students' Research at Des Moines University

DES MOINES, IA (04/07/2009)(readMedia)--

If current medical and health care research interests you, plan to attend the sixth annual Des Moines University Student Research Symposium on April 23.

Des Moines University (DMU) will host the public and students from area colleges for the symposium from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Olsen Medical Education Center, 3200 Grand Avenue.

The symposium is sponsored by DMU's Oncology Club and the DMU Research department and is designed to emphasize the importance of medical research, promote education and advance the medical research field.

"When you consider the immense change that has taken place in the treatment of disease over the past century, consider the amount of seemingly insurmountable obstacles that have been overcome. At the heart of these improvements of health and treatment lies research. Research allows clinical medicine to move forward providing ever increasing hope for the future" said Travis James, D.O. class of 2012 and member of the symposium committee.

At least 28 research posters will be presented on topics in genetics, foot biomechanics, pharmacology, cardiology, physiology, podiatry, medical mycology and cancer immunology. The presentations will be from the following research investigators, among others: all three DMU colleges, the Iowa Heart Center, Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota, University of Illinois, Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory. DMU students hope attendance from other institutions fosters an environment of camaraderie within the Iowa research field.

The keynote speaker, Jan Franko, M.D., Ph.D., surgical oncologist at Surgical Affiliates, Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines, will present "Evolution of treatment for colorectal cancer: progress, failures and opportunities."

The event is free and dinner is included.

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Des Moines University (DMU) is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences, anatomy, 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.