The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was established in 1981 as a fully integrated college of the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines, Iowa, becoming the only school in the profession to be part of an academic health science center. Thus, this college provides a unique opportunity for the students and the podiatric medical profession to receive a multidisciplinary education, preparing them for podiatric medical practice as an integral part of total health care.