1. See Yourself in a Whitecoat When You Discover Podiatric Medicine
Thanks for downloading the AACPM’s DPM Presentation. This is a completely customizable presentation where we encourage you to add details about your practice, experiences becoming a DPM, residency training or other factors that helped you to decide to become a DPM. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices. We’re happy to help:
Take this time to introduce yourself, welcome everyone for coming.
Items in the “Notes” section are talking points for each slide.
Please feel free to add additional slides as you see fit and as time allows. Students enjoy seeing the surgical photos, specifically the “before and after” shots. The APMA Slide Databank (on the APMA website – may be of assistance to you as well.
Your name, degree
Location, date

2. What is Podiatric Medicine?
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), known also as a podiatric physician or surgeon, is qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
DPMs are defined as physicians by the federal government.
“Our feet and our ability to walk seems as basic as breathing, yet how often do we think about our feet. I simply want people to add foot care to their daily routine.”
Full name: Morgan MacLean
Class of 2021, KSUCPM
Hometown & State: Westlake, OH
Undergraduate school and major: John Carroll University, Biology
Because podiatric physicians deal with more than just the foot, they address more than just how the foot feels. DPMs often study the action of the ankle and lower leg by conducting gait analysis, the study of how people walk, and other research related to the foot and ankle.
Doctors of Podiatric Medicine provide a vast array of care to their patients. They prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, conduct examinations, set fractures, take x-rays, and perform surgery, both reconstructive and trauma. They also fit orthotics and design custom-made shoes. No other medical specialist enjoys such a wide range of care options.
The human foot is a complex structure. Designed for balance and mobility, the foot is made up of 26 bones and numerous muscles, nerves and ligaments. With all of these complex elements working together, it is easy to see how a specialist for this area of the body is necessary.
Podiatric medicine deals with the medical and surgical care and treatment of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists can have general practices or choose to specialize in specific areas such as sports medicine, surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, pathology or diabetes, wound care or dermatology.
Podiatric medicine plays an important role in the overall wellness for each individual. Since the foot may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, it is critical to get the specialized attention your feet need.

3. Do any of these specialties sound exciting?
Certified Specialties: medicine, surgery, orthopedics, or public health
Practice Specialties: sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care
First-Responders: diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease
The Choice to Become a DPM:
Surgical Specialist with the variety of general practitioner (see approximately 100 patients per week).
Wide range of practice opportunities.
Excellent Work-Life Balance (40-60 hours per week).
Opportunities in academics, research, and teaching.
Rewards include:
Relieving pain. When our feet hurt, it is different than when another part of us is in pain. Pain in our feet can restrict our movements and take away our independence very quickly. Being in a position to help people remain independent is a great place to be.
Keeping people active. In the same way that taking people out of pain makes you feel good, keeping people living active lifestyles is rewarding. As a doctor of podiatric medicine, you will help your patients participate more fully in their lives and in the activities that are important to them.
Podiatric medicine, like many medical careers, has outstanding earning potential. Currently there are approximately 14,000 DPMs in active practice. That is an average of one podiatric physician for every 20,408 people. Podiatrists receive 60 million patient visits a year.
Do any of these specialties sound exciting?

4. On average, DPMs work 40-60 hours/week
“I can build my career around my life, and not have to build my life around my career.”
Full Name: Victoria Adeniran
Class of 2020, TUSPM
Hometown & State: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate School and Major: Trinity University, Biology
Describe what you do on a daily basis. This is the most important part of the presentation. You will want to spend time reviewing a typical day (highlighting the vast variety of patients and conditions you see). We recommend that you insert your own experiences and background.
SEE THE NEXT SLIDE

5. In a typical day: (insert your own photos)
How did you “discover podiatric medicine” and why did you choose podiatric medicine as a career?
How many patients do you see on a typical day?
When do you get to work? When do you leave work?
What kind of care do you deliver in a normal day?
How much of your time is spent in surgery?
Are there patient success stories you can share?
Some sample discussion topics include: Trauma, Sports Medicine, Radiology, Endocrinology, etc.
Insert personal slides or slides of surgical procedures here. Feel free to visit the APMA website to download slides from the Slide Databank.

6. DPMs Practice In: Private, Group or Hospital based practices
Veteran’s Affairs Facilities
Military
“Lifestyle is huge to me. You can choose to work 6 days a week or you can work 3.5 days per week and earn a great salary.”
Full Name: Trent Brookshier
Class of 2019, WUCPM
Hometown and State: El Cajon, CA
Undergraduate School and Major: University of California, Irvine, Biology.
In addition to many geographic choices available to the podiatric physician, there are a variety of settings or types of practices from which to choose. Explain the differences between private, group and hospital based practices.
As you review the list, you might cite podiatric physicians you know who work in these different areas:
Private or group practices
Health maintenance organization (HMOs)
Preferred provider organizations (PPOs)
Hospitals
Government (Public Health, V.A., etc.)
Medical and podiatric medical schools
Military
University Teaching Hospitals

7. The Licensing and Certification Process for DPMs
National boards are taken while in podiatric medical school. Some states also require a written and/or oral exam prior to licensure. Board certification is available in podiatric orthopedics & primary medicine (ABPM) and in podiatric surgery (ABFAS)
“I was drawn toward the medical field at a young age because of my interest in science and desire to help others.”
Full Name: Amanda Niester
Class of 2021, DMU-CPMS
Hometown & State: Rochester Hills, Michigan
Undergraduate School and Major: Michigan State University, Human Biology
To become a licensed podiatric physician, students must complete a two-part National Board while in podiatric medical school and another part upon completion of the podiatric medical school program. Part One covers basic science areas; Part Two covers clinical areas and clinical judgment.
After completing the National Board Examinations, some states may also require another written and/or oral examination prior to licensing.
Podiatric physicians may also become certified in one (or both) of two specialty areas —primary medicine/orthopedics or surgery. National podiatric specialty boards grant certification to qualified podiatric physicians who have completed the specified educational requirements and who successfully complete written and oral examinations.

8. What Are the Admission Requirements?
“Being a science major in college prepared me well for podiatric medical school because I have been exposed to many of the courses like Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Physiology.”
Full Name: Thomas George Jr
Class of 2021, KSUCPM
Hometown & State: Frisco, Texas
Undergraduate School and Major: Texas A&M University: Biology and Sociology (Minor)
While Life Sciences do dominate as choices for undergraduate prep, students are encouraged to pursue academics in areas that they enjoy. Students with backgrounds in Communications, Business and other non-science disciplines are just as successful.

9. College-level Academic Requirements and Experience Desired :
8 Hours of Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics
6 Hours of English
MCAT required
Volunteer or Work Experience, Community Service and Leadership
Prerequisites for colleges of podiatric medicine include: biology (with lab), general & organic/inorganic chemistry (with labs), physics (with labs) and English. The colleges do accept community colleges credits in partial completion of the science and non-science pre-requisites. If they have specific questions about what will meet the admissions requirements, they should contact the specific schools they are considering applying.
The Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT, is the only standardized test required for admission to the colleges of podiatric medicine. Currently, scores for admissions have been in the ranges, on average.
Volunteer and Work experience may be in areas that are non-medical; schools desire to see progressive experience in community service and leadership areas.

10. Applicants have…
at least 3 years, or 90 semester hours, at an accredited institution
shadowed a DPM and have a Letter of Recommendation, and
Office MCAT scores to submit
“For anyone considering a career in this field, all you have to do is give it a chance.”
Full Name: Emma Otieno
Class of 2020 at NYCPM
Hometown and State: Arlington, TX
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Missouri - Kansas City, Biology & Chemistry
To enter a college of podiatric medicine, you must first complete at least three years or 90 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution with an emphasis on sciences or pre-med curriculum. Undergraduate degrees do not have to be in the sciences, any major is acceptable.
About 97 percent of the students who enter a college of podiatric medicine have a bachelors degree. Many have also completed some graduate study.
Shadowing is required for entrance into all 9 colleges; DPM Network is an excellent resource for locating a DPM to shadow. There is also a DPM Letter of Recommendation available at the DPM Network Website:
To learn more about the MCAT, students can visit

11. Application Process
Application service opens first Wednesday in August
August 1st, 2018 – Current
August 7th, 2019 – Next Cycle
Deadline is June 30.
One application, all nine colleges: portal.aacpmas.org
"I find it amazing that a podiatric physician can notice a cardiovascular problem based on the condition of the blood vessels in structures as small as the toes.“
Full Name: Christen Canada
Class of 2021, SCPM
Hometown and State: Decatur, GA
Undergraduate School and Major: Alabama A&M University, Biology
Applying to a college of college of podiatric medicine is not complicated, but does take some time and preparation.
Visit the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) website at
Each of the nine colleges also has an individual website. Links can be found on the AACPM site.
All students MUST complete their application online. Follow the directions on the AACPM’s website.
Other requirements for admission include letters of recommendation, transcripts from all undergraduate institutions previously attended, as well as a personal interview.
Financial aid packages are an integral part of each student’s application and admissions process. All of the colleges offer financial aid and participate in many national and state financial aid programs. In addition, the profession supports a scholarship foundation which provides individual scholarships to students in their junior and senior years.
To access the AACPMAS application service, log onto the web at portal.aacpmas.org

12. What do DPM Students Study?
Year 1 & 2
Basic Science Coursework
Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, Lower Extremity Anatomy
Introductory Clinical Study
Year 3 & 4
Clinical Skills, Patient Care
Physical Diagnosis, Surgery, Neurology, Dermatology, Biomechanics, etc.
The doctor of podiatric medicine degree or DPM is awarded after four years of study at one of the nine colleges of podiatric medicine in the United States.
Feel free to elaborate about your experience.

13. Where can you study Podiatric Medicine?
Miami Shores, Florida (BUSPM)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (TUSPM)
New York, New York (NYCPM)
Independence, Ohio (KSUCPM)
North Chicago, Illinois (SCPM)
Des Moines, Iowa (DMU-CPMS)
Glendale, Arizona (AZPOD)
Oakland, California (CSPM)
Pomona, California (WUCPM)
There are nine colleges of podiatric medicine located in the United States:
Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences in Miami Shores, Florida
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio
Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, Illinois
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa
California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California
Arizona Podiatric Medical Program at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, and
Western University of Health Sciences School of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California
Here is where you can tell people where you went to school and how you chose to go there. Feel free to elaborate about how many interviews you attended, etc.

14. Podiatric physicians are required to complete a 3 year (36 month) residency program
“Podiatric Medicine gives you the opportunity to work with a wide range of the population, whether it’s children, elderly or athletes. You can pursue your emphasis in foot and ankle surgery. You can specialize in diabetic wound care, sports medicine or podo-pediatrics.”
Full Name: Parneet K. Randhawa
Class of 2020, BUSPM
Hometown & State: El Dorado Hills, California
Undergraduate School & Major: University of California, Davis, Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior
After completing four years of podiatric medical training, the podiatric physician is required by nearly all states to complete three years of postgraduate residency training in an approved healthcare institution.
Residency programs are designed to strengthen and refine the practitioner’s podiatric medical and surgical knowledge and skills. The training program consists of a number of rotations, such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, radiology, infectious disease, surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedics, emergency room and pediatrics.
All residency training includes non-surgical skills (medicine, biomechanics) and surgery, including advanced surgical experiences during the third year. Some students opt to continue training after the three year surgical programs with fellowships.
Feel free to elaborate about your experience with respect to residency. If you have not completed a three-year residency personally, feel free to elaborate about the evolution of the profession. If you are unsure how to address these questions, please contact for additional information on three-year residency training.

15. Ready For More? Find a DPM Mentor to shadow:
“The most important lesson I learned from the DPM I shadowed was to not lose sight of my end goal. He often said that Podiatric Medicine was not a sprint, but a marathon. I have taken this and used if often during my own schooling. When I have a difficult semester, or things seem very strenuous, I remind myself why I entered Podiatry in first place and it brings me back on track.“
Full Name: Christina Ma
Class of 2020, CSPM
Hometown and State: Fresno, CA
Undergraduate School and Major : University of California, Davis, Neurology, Physiology, and Behavior
Tell students what the NEXT STEP is: Shadowing a DPM to learn more. If you are also willing to see students in your clinical facility, please feel free to disclose that you are a Mentor willing to allowing shadowing.
It’s free and all students are welcome to register and use the Network to locate a DPM to shadow!
to learn more and register.

16. American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine: www.aacpm.org
DPM Mentors Network: DPMNetwork.org
Council on Podiatric Medical Education:
American Podiatric Medical Association:
To Apply: portal.aacpmas.org
Online Resources
These students are naturally “digital natives” they love having resources online to go learn more.
If your presentation falls in the application cycle, it is appropriate to let students know they may apply for the upcoming fall cycle if they meet the minimum standards (courses and MCATs) for admissions. The application cycle runs from AUGUST to APRIL. After April 1st, applicants should check with the schools they are considering applying to determine if that school is still accepting applications.

17. You can also find us at: Facebook.com/AACPM @PodMedColleges
#DiscoverPodiatricMedicine
#IChoosePodiatry

18. Thank you!
Questions?
Your name, Degree and Contact Info