Dr. Kevin Smith, the Dean of Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, discusses his journey to academia and the challenges of teaching in the modern era. He emphasizes the importance of engaging students through active learning methods and adapting teaching styles to meet the needs of different learning styles. Dr. Smith also highlights the impact of technology, social media, and changing attention spans on education. He shares insights on the benefits and drawbacks of remote learning and the importance of social interaction in the classroom. The conversation progresses with a discussion on the evolving role of faculty in creating engaging and effective learning experiences. He also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly in areas such as transcription and diagnosis. The conversation also touches on the accreditation process for medical schools and the challenges and surprises of being a dean.