Central Iowa Program by the numbers:

• 2 residents are accepted each year

• 4 positions are approved for our program

Central Iowa Program Quick Facts

Where is Des Moines?

Des Moines is centrally located in Iowa, about 330 miles west of Chicago and roughly a 3-hour drive from Omaha, Kansas City, and Minneapolis. As the state capital, Des Moines has the cultural energy, economic opportunity, and professional infrastructure of a larger city, but with the approachability, affordability, and ease of life you expect from the Midwest. It’s clean, safe, and easy to get around—most places are within a 15- to 20-minute drive. The metro area has a growing public transit system, bike trails that crisscross the city, and plenty of parks and green space. It’s a place where you can enjoy a high quality of life without sacrificing time, money, or peace of mind. Des Moines airport handles over 3 million passengers annually, with nonstop flights to 33 destinations, including major hubs like Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Atlanta

How diverse is the patient population?

Des Moines has become increasingly diverse over the past two decades. It has a wide range of cultural backgrounds in clinical settings, especially among immigrant and refugee populations. Significant communities include Latino, African American, Southeast Asian (especially Burmese and Karen), and East African (including Sudanese and Somali) residents. Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, and Karen are commonly spoken in clinics and hospitals. There are also growing numbers of Bosnian and Congolese families. This creates a rich learning environment for those interested in global health, refugee health, and community-based care. Many healthcare organizations work closely with interpreters and cultural liaisons to provide inclusive and equitable care.

What is there to do in Des Moines when you’re not working?

Des Moines is big enough to have a little bit of everything—without the stress or cost of a major metro area. You can catch a Broadway show at the Des Moines Civic Center, wander the outdoor Pappajohn Sculpture Park, or explore the Des Moines Art Center—all within a few minutes of downtown. There are seasonal festivals nearly every weekend from spring through fall, including the world-famous Iowa State Fair. Foodies will enjoy the growing restaurant and brewery scene, while outdoor enthusiasts can bike the 600+ miles of paved trails, kayak at Gray’s Lake, or hike in nearby state parks. Sports fans can watch minor league baseball, hockey, or Iowa Cubs games, and live music is easy to find—from big-name acts to local performances in neighborhood bars or parks.

What’s Des Moines like for kids and families?

Des Moines consistently ranks as one of the best cities in the Midwest for families. The cost of living is low, housing is affordable, and the metro area offers an impressive range of activities for kids. There are over 70 city parks, several major playgrounds and splash pads, and a top-rated public library system. Families can explore the Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa, Living History Farms, and the Botanical Garden. The Des Moines Public Schools system serves a diverse student body, and many nearby suburbs (like West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Urbandale) are known for excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods. Organized youth sports, dance classes, STEM clubs, and art programs are widely available. It’s a place where families can truly put down roots.