The field of podiatry deals mainly
with the feet and ankles. Advances in treatment of
sports injuries along with the active lifestyle that
most Americans enjoy has increased the demand for
foot care specialists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine
(DPM) are licensed in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and
the District of Columbia. These professionals work
in private or group medical practices, hospitals,
extended care facilities, the Armed Forces, and government
agencies. There are over 15,000 practicing podiatrists
in the United States and nearly all private and public
health insurance plans provide coverage for the services
of DPMs.
Works hours for podiatrist tend to
be more flexible and comfortable for individuals who
want time for family and friends. The typical podiatrist
work hours vary from less than 40 to 50 or more hours
weekly. According to a 2002 survey by the American
Podiatric Medical Association the average DPM net
income for 2001 was $134,414. Podiatry is considered
a medical specialty, but many practitioners focus
on a particular area of podiatric medicine. These
areas include surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics,
geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, and primary care.
The American Association of Colleges
of Podiatric Medicine has a mentor network
that matches students with podiatrists
in their area. These mentors provide an opportunity
for shadowing and serve as a source of information
for students interested in learning more about podiatry.
Schools of Podiatric
Medicine
There are eight colleges
of podiatric medicine in the United States. All of
the colleges grant the degree of Doctor of Podiatric
Medicine (DPM). Students are encouraged to contact
any college in which they are interested in attending
directly. The prerequisite courses are the same as
for MD programs (8 hours of biology with labs, 8 hours
of general chemistry with labs, 8 hours of organic
chemistry with labs, 8 hours of physics with labs,
6-9 hours of English) and applicants must have earned
a minimum of 90 hours of course work at an accredited
undergraduate college or university. 95% of all entering
students in colleges of podiatric medicine have completed
the minimum of a baccalaureate degree and 10% have
advanced degrees. Applicants are required to complete
the Medical College Admission Test as a prerequisite
although some schools will accept the Graduate Records
Examination (GRE) as well.
The DPM degree course of study is
four years in length. The first two years are devoted
mostly to classroom instruction and laboratory work
in the basic medical sciences. The final two years
are concentrated on courses in the clinical sciences,
gaining experiences in clinics and hospitals. After
completing the four-year course of study and receiving
the DPM, the doctor typically begins postdoctoral
residency programs of two or more years.
Candidates can apply for admission online by contacting
the
Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine.
