WEST DES MOINES — Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences names its 2026 Alumni of the Year honorees, recognizing graduates whose careers reflect exceptional leadership, service and impact.

Selected by the DMU Alumni Board and university leadership, this year’s honorees are advancing patient care, shaping future health professionals and improving health systems in communities across the country.

An alumni awards ceremony will be held Sept. 18, on the DMU campus to celebrate these distinguished alumni and their contributions to DMU and the communities they serve.

The 2026 College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Alumnus of the Year

Jeffrey Dikis, DPM’12, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and partner at McFarland Clinic in Marshalltown. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including fractures, tendon injuries, diabetic wounds and reconstructive cases.

Dikis has built a career that combines clinical practice with education and outreach. In addition to his work in the clinic, he co-founded a social media platform and podcast focused on foot and ankle education. The nationally recognized platform helps engage and educate students and early-career physicians.

A native of Des Moines, Dikis earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from DMU in 2012. He is actively involved in mentoring DMU students and providing hands-on learning opportunities in his practice.