DMU Gift Expands Hands-On Anatomy Training at Simpson

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has donated four professional-grade body donor tables to Simpson College. Designed specifically for anatomical study and dissection, the tables will be used extensively by students preparing for careers in nursing, physical therapy, and allied health fields.

The gift was coordinated with support from Donald Matz, Ph.D., longtime professor and chair of DMU’s anatomy program, and Edward Christopherson, body donation coordinator at DMU.

“At Des Moines University, we believe that collaboration strengthens all of us,” said Matz. “Our donation of four dissection tables to Simpson College reflects our shared commitment to advancing the life sciences and preparing the next generation of health and science leaders. We are honored that this gift will support Simpson students in their academic and professional journeys.”

Dr. Lauren Points, assistant professor of biological and environmental science at Simpson,said the generous gesture by DMU will make a major difference in elevating student learning.

“We are so grateful to our partners at DMU,” said Points. “The tables are already enhancing the functionality of our lab, allowing students to focus more fully on learning and hands-on instruction. Access to high-quality equipment like this will have a profound impact on hundreds of Simpson students, providing valuable experience that opens doors to outstanding career and graduate school opportunities.”

The body donor tables serve as powerful complements to the Anatomage Table (AT) and 14 touchscreen tablets Simpson acquired last fall, thanks to a $135,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The AT and accompanying tablets offer the latest innovations in interactive learning technology, providing students unprecedented ways to study anatomy and conduct virtual dissections. “