There are two basic types of medical training: allopathic and osteopathic. Allopathic physicians earn an MD, may choose from a range of specialties, and complete four years of medical school followed by residency training. Allopathic medical schools such as Carver College are typically very competitive. Osteopathic physicians earn a DO degree, and study the same basic and clinical sciences as MD students in addition to osteopathic manipulative techniques. Osteopathic medical schools such as Des Moines University tend to be somewhat less competitive than traditional allopathic medical schools.
The physician assistant training program at UI's Carver College was recently ranked first in the country by U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News also ranked Carver College fifth for physical therapy, 10th in primary care, and 13th in rural medicine. Rankings for Des Moines University were not provided by U.S. News and World Report.
Iowa's Carver College is one of 12 medical schools to host a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship Program, which provides medical students with a chance to explore research careers. Students who pursue research experience can earn a special distinction on their degree. Des Moines University offers a mentored research program for students, and holds an annual Research Symposium for student and faculty research.
The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, and in 1855 became the first public university in the country to accept both male and female students on an equal basis. The College of Medicine was founded in 1850, and today is one of the nation's largest university-owned teaching hospitals. Des Moines University was founded as the Still College of Osteopathy in 1898, and underwent several name changes before adopting the name Des Moines University in 1999. The college has educated approximately 8,000 osteopathic physicians, and has also developed specialty programs in podiatric medicine and physical therapy.