Program Overview

Podiatric Medicine

Introduction to Podiatric Medicine

Podiatric medicine is a branch of the medical sciences devoted to the study of human movement, with the medical care of the foot and ankle as its primary focus. A doctor of podiatric medicine is to the foot what a dentist is to the mouth or an ophthalmologist to the eye - a specialist who has undergone lengthy, thorough study to become uniquely well-qualified to treat a specific part of the body.

Role of a Podiatrist

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders, diseases, and injuries. A DPM makes independent judgments and performs or orders all necessary diagnostic tests. They perform surgery; administer medications, including DEA-restricted medications; and prescribe physical therapy regimens.

Health Problems Detection

DPMs often detect serious health problems that may otherwise go unnoticed, because a number of diseases manifest first through symptoms of the lower extremities (i.e., diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or kidney disease). Podiatric physicians are educated in state-of-the-art techniques involving surgery, orthopedics, dermatology, physical medicine, and rehabilitation.

Academic Preparation

Recommended Major

Although the majority of Podiatry Schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, due to the academic preparation required for the application, the most common Pre-Podiatry major is: Biology

Required Courses

• General Biology (BIOL 2610G/2610L and BIOL 2110G/2110L)
• General Chemistry (CHEM 1215G and CHEM 1225G)
• Organic Chemistry (CHEM 313, 314 and 315)
• Biochemistry (BCHE 395)
• Physics (PHYS 1230G/1230L or PHYS 2230G/2230L & PHYS 1240G/1240L or 2240G/2240L)
• Human Anatomy & Human Physiology: BIOL 353/BIOL 353L and BIOL 354/BIOL 354L or SPMD 2210/2210L and SPDM 3210/3210L
• General Microbiology (BIOL 311/311L)
• English Composition (ENGL 1110G and 2210G)

Recommended Courses

• Calculus
• Genetics
• Cell Biology
• Zoology
• Immunology
• Embryology
• Medical Terminology
• Communication
• Psychology

Career Opportunities

Podiatrists treat a variety of foot and ankle ailments, including calluses, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and arch problems. They also treat foot and leg problems associated with diabetes and other diseases. Some podiatrists spend most of their time performing advanced surgeries, such as foot and ankle reconstruction. Others may choose a specialty such as sports medicine or pediatrics. Podiatrists who own their practice may spend time on business-related activities, such as hiring employees and managing inventory.

Salary and Job Outlook

• Median Salary: $116,440 per year/$55.98 per hour
• Projected 23% growth from 2012 to 2022

Podiatric Medicine Schools

• Midwestern University School of Podiatric Medicine: Glendale, Arizona
  • Seats: 29
  • Average GPA (Science): n/a
  • Average GPA (Overall): 3.65
  • Average MCAT Score: n/a
• Western University of Health Sciences: Pomona, California
  • Seats: 50
  • Average GPA (Science): 3.11
  • Average GPA (Overall): 3.26
  • Average MCAT Score: 22
• Samuel Merritt University School of Podiatric Medicine: Oakland, California
  • Seats: 111
  • Average GPA (Science): 3.06
  • Average GPA (Overall): 3.25
  • Average MCAT Score: 23
• Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine: Des Moines, Iowa
  • Seats: 53
  • Average GPA (Science): 3.30
  • Average GPA (Overall): 3.45
  • Average MCAT Score: 23.7