"We Should Not Admit Women into Medical School!" Doctor Couple Reflects on Journey

Описание: A medical school couple whose journey began in an organic chemistry lab and led them to Des Moines University: that's Thomas Benzoni, D.O.’83, AOBEM, FACEP, ABFM, and Noreen O’Shea, D.O.’84, FAAFP. In this heartfelt alumni profile, they share memories of meeting in college, navigating early challenges, finding belonging at DMU, and building lifelong careers in medicine.

Noreen describes overcoming barriers as a woman in medicine, receiving a warm welcome at DMU, and discovering her calling. Tom reflects on the importance of bedside teaching, relationship-building, and the supportive culture that shaped his education.

Their story highlights what makes Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences unique: compassion-centered training, interprofessional education, supportive faculty, and a learning environment where students feel seen and encouraged.

Whether you're a future medical student researching D.O. schools, an alum reconnecting with the DMU community, or someone curious about the difference between M.D. and D.O. training, this video offers an inspiring look at what it means to learn, grow, and serve through medicine.

Learn more about DMU: https://www.dmu.edu/

Chapters:
00:00 – Laughing intro & how they met
00:06 – Meeting at Creighton & organic chemistry lab
00:21 – “Goofball” first impressions & 45-year partnership
00:26 – Discovering the D.O. path (“Doctor of the Obvious”)
00:43 – Noreen’s difficult, sexist med school interview
01:13 – Moving to Des Moines & working at Iowa Methodist lab
01:21 – “I’m at least as smart as you” – deciding on medical school
01:39 – Feeling welcomed at Des Moines University
01:51 – DMU yearbooks, campus picnics, and the rabbi president
02:06 – Relationship-building as the heart of good medical care
02:15 – Bedside teaching and why patients love it
02:36 – Cohesiveness at DMU then and now
02:48 – Learning interprofessional care at DMU
02:58 – “You’re going to work hard” – advice to future students
03:10 – “I married him for his family” – partnership & love
03:32 – “Home is where you rebuild your spirit”

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