Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa: Where Bunion Surgery Innovation Meets Education in Podiatric Medicine

When people think of advanced podiatric care in Iowa, one name consistently rises to the top - the Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa (FACI), led by Dr. Paul Dayton, Dr. Mindi Dayton, and Dr. Jesseka Kaldenberg-Leppert. Known nationally and internationally for their expertise, they have built more than a clinic. They have created a hub for innovation, research, and training that sets the standard for exceptional patient care.

Drs. Mindi Dayton, Paul Dayton and Jesseka Kaldenberg-Leppert

A Vision Beyond Patient Care

Founded in 2018, FACI began with a simple but powerful mission: to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered foot and ankle care while driving new standards in surgical excellence. What makes their work unique is the dual focus on treating patients today while training tomorrow’s surgeons. With offices in Ankeny, Grimes, Sac City, and Fort Dodge, FACI brings world-class care close to home for patients across Iowa.

Meet Dr. Paul Dayton: Co-Founder of Foot and Anke Center of Iowa || Innovator in Bunion Surgery

Dr. Paul Dayton is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in triplane bunion surgery. He was one of the original design surgeons behind the patented Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ and Adductoplasty® Midfoot Correction systems, techniques that transformed how surgeons correct complex bunion deformities. His collaborative research with Dr. Mindi Dayton, focused on bunion deformities and patient outcomes, has been widely published, and his patented devices are utilized by surgeons throughout the United States.

Beyond innovation, Dr. Dayton has dedicated his career to mentoring and educating surgeons globally. He serves as a section editor for the profession’s most prestigious research journal and has contributed to numerous committees focused on advancing foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on clinical and surgical education. He continues to lecture nationally and internationally on topics related to bunion surgery. For nearly two decades, he served as a Residency Director, training the next generation of podiatric physicians and surgeons, and he is a past president of the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society.

Meet Dr. Mindi Dayton: Co-Founder of Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa || Leader in Education & Administration

Dr. Mindi Dayton brings equal distinction to the practice. A graduate of Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and holding a Master of Health Care Administration, she is a leader in clinical, surgical, and business aspects of podiatry. She has served as a clinical faculty member and attending surgeon, guiding countless young physicians in their training.

Along with Dr. Paul Dayton, she was integral to the research that led to the development of Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction. She plays an active role in committees advancing the profession and in the development of board certification exams, ensuring high standards for surgeons nationwide. Dr. Dayton has served as the Young Member appointed to the American Podiatric Medical Association Board of Trustees, as a member of the House of Delegates, and as president of the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society.

Meet Dr. Jesseka Kaldenberg-Leppert: Surgeon, Partner & Co-Owner

Dr. Jesseka Kaldenberg–Leppert trained under Dr. Paul Dayton, where he was able to directly see her excellent surgical intuition and skills, along with her passion for providing the best patient care. Dr. Kaldenberg-Leppert joined the Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa in 2022, quickly becoming an integral part of the team. She is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a distinguished Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ Centurion Surgeon.

Her active involvement in research with the FACI team reflects her commitment to advancing the field. Recognizing the value she brings, Dr. Kaldenberg–Leppert is now a partner and co-owner of the practice. She serves patients across the Ankeny, Grimes, Fort Dodge, and Sac City offices, where she is known for her compassionate, thorough, and highly skilled approach to care. She has also led the Assistants Program for the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society continuing education conference.

Training That Reaches Far Beyond Iowa

At FACI, education isn’t confined to classrooms. The Drs. Dayton regularly speak at national and international conferences, leading workshops on advanced bunion correction and other complex surgical procedures. Through these efforts, podiatrists from across the world learn from their expertise, making FACI a bridge between residency training and surgical mastery.

Research at the Core

Research is central to FACI’s mission. The entire surgical team actively engages in clinical studies, particularly in complex bunion correction cases, and contributes regularly to peer-reviewed publications. Their work continues to set new standards in foot and ankle surgery, improving outcomes for patients everywhere.

What This Means for Patients

For patients, the impact of this expertise is life-changing. At FACI, you are cared for by surgeons who:

• Specialize in innovative, state of the art, and proven bunion correction techniques.

• Offer compassionate, personalized treatment grounded in research.

• Remain at the forefront of surgical education and innovation.

A Center of Excellence for the Future

Together, Drs. Paul Dayton, Mindi Dayton, and Jesseka Kaldenberg-Leppert have built more than a practice; they have created a true center of excellence. They are recognized not only as the best in Iowa but among the most respected leaders in podiatry worldwide. Patients benefit from their unmatched expertise and genuine compassion, while other surgeons learn from their groundbreaking work.

While bunion surgery has been a primary focus of their professional careers, driven by the passion and commitment to improving patient outcomes, patients can feel confident that their expertise extends far beyond bunions. At the Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa, our experts treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions with the same level of rigor and dedication. In recent years, FACI has also expanded its focus on regenerative medicine, offering advanced therapies such as robotic MLS Class IV laser, Swift® microwave therapy, and biologic injection treatments that go well beyond traditional steroid options. These innovative therapies allow patients to realize a more holistic approach to surgery and injury recovery; promoting true healing of the body rather than simply addressing symptoms.

Why Choose FACI

Local care with global expertise. Leaders who design and teach the very techniques used worldwide. A team that is not only highly skilled but also kind, compassionate, and truly dedicated to their patients.

FACI is more than a clinic; it is a center of excellence built on innovation, education, and heartfelt compassion. For those seeking the highest level of foot and ankle care, the Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa stands apart as the true experts and the best in the region.