About Us
Our Story: Leaders in Innovation, Grounded in Compassion
Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa / Bunion Surgery Specialists was founded in 2018 by Drs. Mindi and Paul Dayton with a shared vision: to revolutionize bunion surgery and provide state-of-the-art, evidence-based care for all foot and ankle conditions. Their goal was to create a practice environment where patients from the Des Moines Metro, the Midwest, and across the country could receive advanced, individualized care rooted in compassion, innovation, and education.
Today, Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa is co-owned by Drs. Mindi Dayton, Paul Dayton, and Jesseka Kaldenberg-Leppert—three experienced foot and ankle surgeons united by a deep commitment to surgical excellence and the patient experience.
Our Founders
Drs. Mindi and Paul Dayton are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in foot and ankle surgery, medicine, and clinical research. Their extensive work studying the anatomy and etiology of bunions since 2009 led to the development of groundbreaking techniques that have transformed the field of bunion correction. Dr. Paul Dayton is one of the original design surgeons behind the patented Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction system and holds multiple medical device patents in this domain. His work with Treace Medical Concepts Inc., alongside a team of leading orthopedic and podiatric surgeons, helped establish a standardized, triplanar approach to bunion correction—addressing the root of the deformity and improving surgical consistency and outcomes.
Together, Drs. Mindi and Paul Dayton have played a key role in pioneering and teaching triplane bunion correction to surgeons across the country. Their mission is not only to innovate but also to educate—ensuring that every patient receives the most advanced, reliable, and effective care available.
Their private-practice setting enables them to spend more meaningful time with patients, foster continuity of care, and build lasting relationships with individuals and their families—one step at a time.
Our Growth
In 2022, Dr. Jesseka Kaldenberg-Leppert joined the practice as an associate and quickly became an essential part of the team. In 2023, she became a partner and co-owner. Like the Daytons, Dr. Kaldenberg-Leppert is deeply passionate about bunion surgery and committed to delivering a world-class patient experience. She is highly skilled in Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction and has contributed to ongoing research initiatives within the practice. Her dedication to innovation, surgical precision, and compassionate care furthers the Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa’s legacy of excellence.
In 2024, Dr. Jeff Olson joined the Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa as an associate, bringing with him years of experience caring for patients in small-town Iowa. His decision to join the team reflects a shared dedication to expanding access to innovative foot and ankle care throughout the region. Dr. Olson is passionate about sports medicine and is highly skilled in Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction. He looks forward to continuing to grow his practice while contributing to the clinic’s mission of delivering exceptional outcomes through patient-focused, forward-thinking care.
