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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. |
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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. |
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