WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (December 8, 2025) — Robert J Loch PhD MBA CNMT, Associate Dean of Clinical and Student Affairs in the College of Health Sciences at Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences, has been selected to participate in the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section's Leadership Academy.
The two-day program, held in January 2026, brings together emerging leaders for focused development through lectures, team-building exercises and networking opportunities. Its goal is to cultivate future SNMMI-TS leaders who are committed to advancing the profession and the organization.
"Being selected recognizes my contributions to the field of nuclear medicine," Loch says. "The academy will help me grow in my leadership, expand my network, and open doors to serve professionally. I will get to know people with strengths different than my own and vastly expand my collegial circle that I can lean on for mentorship and resources."
Loch says the skills and connections he builds through the academy will directly benefit DMU students. He anticipates the program will enhance his ability to support their clinical education by helping him identify new potential partners and opportunities for continued learning and future research collaboration.
Looking ahead, Loch sees the academy as a springboard for deeper involvement in SNMMI and its technologist section.
"This really is an opportunity to prepare me to seek leadership roles within the society and engage in conversations about how the profession takes shape," he says.
Loch has nine years of experience as a program director and eleven years in leadership roles, including Associate Dean, Dean, and provost.
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers ten 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.
