WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (March 25, 2026) — For the 24th consecutive year, Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery students achieved a 100% residency placement rate on national Match Day. This perfect match rate reflects DMU's reputation as one of the nation's leading podiatric medical schools and highlights the exceptional preparation of the CPMS Class of 2026.
Match Day is the annual event when medical students nationwide learn where they will complete their residency training.
"Having a 100% match rate over the past 24 years, which included some years in which there were more graduates than residency positions, is one of our most important outcomes because it demonstrates sustained success," says Kevin Smith DPM ('95) PhD FACFAS, DMU CPMS dean.
"Having a perfect match rate that spans over two decades is a sign that our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are deeply committed to creating a culture of excellence."
This year, for the first time, CPMS joined DMU's inperson Match Day event on Friday, March 20, on the university's campus, where students, faculty, and families gathered to celebrate. At 11AM, students opened their envelopes to learn where they will complete their residency training.
The Class of 2026 matched into highly-regarded podiatric-residency programs across the country. Top residency placement states include:
- Michigan — 8
- Pennsylvania — 5
- Texas — 4
DMU's CPMS is consistently one of the top podiatric colleges in the nation when it comes to board scores, residency placement, and graduation rates.
Visit dmu.edu/cpms to learn more about DMU's College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and its nationally-recognized outcomes.
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers eleven graduate-level professional-degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health-care administration, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician-assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' scores on national examinations, pass-rates on board certifications, and match-rates for medical-residency programs are consistently higher than national averages and rates at peer institutions.
