Dr. Shari Nichols named 2025 Alumna of the Year by Des Moines University

Shari Nichols, DPM, FACFAS, a long-time podiatrist at UHS and graduate of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, is the recipient of the 2025 College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Alumna of the Year Award. 

She received this award in recognition of her exceptional service to DMU, its students, and her profession, her demonstrated commitment to community service at the local, state, and/or national level, and her active involvement in the DMU Alumni Association.

Dr. Nichols has served the Binghamton area for the past 27 years. Throughout her career at UHS, Dr. Nichols has helped expand the UHS Podiatry program and has served in numerous roles, including clinician and associate director. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Podiatry Department, the Director of UHS Podiatry Residency Program, and the Director of UHS Center for Advanced Wound Care.

“My focus has shifted to guiding the next generation of podiatrists. I’m very proud of my residents and the residency program we have here at UHS. It brings me so much joy to foster those relationships and pass along my knowledge to the residents who then put it in their practice.”

Although her residents come from diverse backgrounds, many are DMU students. Through her guidance and mentorship, she plays a significant role in shaping their professional development. She starts from the residents’ current level of understanding and helps them build skills through observation and hands-on practice while emphasizing the importance of listening to patients and ensuring their comfort and care. 

Dr. Nichols was in the middle of resident interviews when she received a call from Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of DMU, congratulating her on being named the CPMS Alumna of the Year. 

“I was in work mode when I took the call, so the initial shock didn’t really happen until I shared the news with the residents after the call,” said Dr. Nichols. Thinking about everything I’ve done in my career and knowing it started at DMU, seeing it come full circle with the students who come through on rotations or the residents, it’s all excellent. I’m proud and I’m humbled.”

Dr. Nichols and other distinguished alumni were honored at the Alumni of the Year Award Ceremony on September 12 for their impact on DMU and the healthcare community.