FAQs

1.Why Podiatric Medicine?
The ability to do surgery, diabetic limb salvage, sports medicine, assess shoe-wear, personal interaction with patients, and the chance to work in private practice.

2.What title does a Podiatric physician carry? 
Podiatrists attain a D.P.M. title which stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

3.Do podiatric physicians practice “real” surgery?
Yes, absolutely. This includes amputations, lower extremity trauma, ankle reconstruction surgery, bunion surgery, etc.

4.How long does it take?

  • 4 years – Undergraduate
  • 4 years- Podiatric Medical School
  • 3 years- Residency
  • 1 year- Fellowship (optional)

5.Do I need to be a pre-med to apply?
No.You can be any major, as long as you complete the minimum required credit hours and science course prerequisites. Visit the AACPM admission requirements.

6.Where can I shadow a Podiatrists?
Talk to a local Podiatric clinic. Say you are highly interested in the field and wish to spend a day shadowing. To “find a Podiatrist” near you, visit the APMA website,  http://www.apma.org/Directory/FindAPodiatrist.cfm .

Schools

7.Why 9 schools? 
Podiatric medicine is specialized from the beginning, with an emphasis in the lower extremities. We have our own schools and do not need to apply to a general medical school. This field of medicine gains exposure to several unique areas including sports medicine, biomechanics, neurology, pediatrics, orthopedics, dermatology, internal medicine, diabetic care, and surgery.

8.What is the top school?
There is no specific “top school”.  Each of the nine schools has their own criteria, learning curriculum, reputation, and traditions. You can attend open house events, participate in summer or winter shadowing programs, or set up a one-on-one time with a representative to learn more.

9.What kind of classes I will take?
Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, histology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology and definitely lower-extremity anatomy. Each school has its own unique curriculum, but the above are definite that will be offered at each podiatry school.

10.Average class size?
Depending on the program, class size can range from  30 to 125 students. For specific demographics of each school, visit AACPM.

11.Average debt?
On average you may see anywhere from $35,000 to $65,000 per year (*plus your loan interest rate). Note: the cost of the school and living varies depending on the program’s tuition, location, and your living accommodations.

Application Process

12.Where can I apply?
The official website is AACPM, visit them at www.aacpm.org .

13.Scholarships?
Aside from offering government loans through FAFSA, each school hands out a number of academic scholarships to the entering class based on GPA, MCAT score, and overall application package. (Ask the school about their scholarship information specifically for your entering class.)

14.Do I apply for the FASFA?
Yes, the same process that you have done in your undergrad you will have to continue to do during the next four years. This is the only method to receive Financial Aid. Keep a good record of your FASFA pin number and personal information on file. 

15.Need more info. on a school?
Go to the specific school’s website and you can either A) call or B) email their recruitment representative to send you a packet about their school’s program.

Best of all, it’s free! Do not be afraid to ask for more information through the mail.

 

*Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is for informational purposes only and is not represented to be error free. Our opinionated information is not intended to constitute a promise or contract of any kind