Kevin Smith, D.P.M., Ph.D., FACFAS, has been named the new dean of Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (CPMS). A 1995 graduate of the college, he will assume his new position on June 1, 2021. He currently serves as a professor and CPMS associate dean for clinical affairs as well as a podiatric physician in the DMU Clinic Foot and Ankle.
As dean, Smith will lead the process of assessing the college’s opportunities for innovation and growth and help drive positive changes to both the academic programming and research within the college and services offered by the DMU Clinic Foot and Ankle.
“Dr. Smith has demonstrated leadership by embracing our new virtual platforms permitting the smooth continuity of college operations including lectures, journal clubs and grand rounds, simulations and advising for our students,” said DMU Provost Ralitsa Akins, M.D., Ph.D., in announcing the appointment.
Smith joined the CPMS faculty in 1998 after working in private practice in New Jersey. Board-certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery, he is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa, a master of science degree from Drake University and a doctor of podiatric medicine degree from Des Moines University. He was chief surgical resident during his two-year podiatric surgery residency at Passaic Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, NJ.
Smith also earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska, giving him additional valuable insights to prepare him for this next step in his career.
“As an alumnus and longstanding leader in the college, together with his specific experience in accreditation and podiatric education, Dr. Smith will help ensure we maintain high-quality education and a seamless accreditation standing,” Provost Akins said.
Smith has frequently published and presented on aspects of medical education, including cultural competency program assessment, clinical evaluation of podiatric medical students and interprofessional learning, as well as on podiatric medical procedures. He has received awards at DMU for clinical teaching, faculty service and scholarship. He also was honored with the William J. Stickel Gold Award, the highest honor given for a research publication by the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
