Kevin Smith, D.P.M.’95, Ph.D., FACFAS, began serving as dean of Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in June 2021. Previously, he was professor and associate dean for clinical affairs as well as a podiatric physician in the DMU Clinic — Foot and Ankle. He continues his work as a physician and faculty member in the clinic.

Dean 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 CPMS. He was chief surgical resident during his two-year podiatric surgery residency at Passaic Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, NJ.

Dean Smith also earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska. He 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.