David Connett, D.O.

David A. Connett, DO, FACOFP dist., serves as the Dean of Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. With over 40 years of experience in family medicine, he has developed a special focus in dermatology. He completed his medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences and his post-graduate training in family medicine at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before pursuing a medical career, Dr. Connett worked as a computer programmer. Dr. Connett has played a prominent leadership role in the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), currently serving on the Iowa board and previously serving on the boards of Michigan, Colorado, and California. He has held the position of president for both the Colorado and California chapters. Throughout his career, Dr. Connett has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing family medicine residencies. His efforts have supported the establishment of programs at over 105 hospitals nationwide, with family medicine as the core residency in most of these institutions. In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Dr. Connett served as a Major in the United States Air Force, where he practiced as a family physician, flight surgeon, and emergency medicine provider. He also held the position of Chief of Aerospace Medicine. His military service instilled in him a strategic, team-based approach to leadership and management, qualities that have guided his success as a healthcare educator and leader.