Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine​ program at 51¶¯Âþ’s is a four-year, patient-focused doctorate program that prepares students to become specialists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury to the ankle, foot and lower extremities. The curriculum blends coursework with instruction in preclinical and clinical sciences.ÌýGraduates will be well-prepared to pursue postgraduate residencies and pass the two-part National Board Exams required to obtain their license to practice.

Doctors of podiatric medicine studyÌýthe interplay of muscles, bones and nerves in order to diagnose and apply practical treatment techniques to ailments spanningÌýnail disorders,Ìýhammer toes,Ìýheel pain, fractures,Ìýsprains and more. Foot pain can affect the whole body and indicate a much larger health issue. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart and kidney disease have symptoms that can manifest first in the lower extremities making podiatrists essential in the early detection of serious health problems.

At TUSPM, the patient experience is just as important as the treatment we deliver. Students in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program learn from how to infuse the human element into the practice of podiatry. With access to multiple facilities that feature advanced technology, students get a hands-on education that leaves them ready for the next phase of training as residents.

Program graduates will enter their surgical residencies able to evaluate the general medical status of their patients, including medications and possible drug interactions, as they manage lower-extremity problems. They will have the skillsÌýto determine whether symptoms result from a localized disease or indicate a larger systemic disease.

Podiatric students practice new skills under faculty guidance.
Photo credit: Joseph V. Labolito

Why choose 51¶¯Âþ for podiatry?

TUSPM is located in —a thriving city, full of renowned institutes of higher education and teaching hospitals where students can complete their clerkships, gain practical experience and develop professional connections.

The patient experience. At TUSPM, our program places patients at the forefront. Our students not only develop their clinical aptitude, but also learn the importance of a patient-focused approach and compassionate care. This enables our graduates to become more effective members of a healthcare team, prioritizing the patient experience every step of the way.

Hands-on training. As a student at TUSPM, you will have access to on-campus surgical and clinical skills labs where you can hone your techniques and competencies. In addition, under the supervision of TUSPM’s experiencedÌýfaculty, third-year students receive practical training in patient care at the , which has over 32,000 annual patient visits.Ìý

A strong network. TUSPM is part of 51¶¯Âþ, which has a comprehensive allopathic and a healthcare system that owns and operates four hospitals and the Foot and Ankle Institute. These resources provide options for you to complete your required externships within a familiar system and, if you choose, continue yourÌýclinical training as a podiatric resident at 51¶¯Âþ.

Student support.ÌýThrough careful placement into small advising groups, TUSPMÌýhelps you develop strong relationships with faculty whose practical experience and mentorship are often the basis of lifelong associations.

Program Format & CurriculumÌýÌýÌý

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at TUSPM is designed to prepare students for clinical practice in podiatric medicine. The curriculum includes didactic laboratory and workshop instruction in the preclinical and clinical sciences as well as 20 months of supervised clinical practice. With a total of 196 credit hours, the program is designed to be completed in four years.

Students must pass the first part of the and have attempted AMPLE Part II in order to graduate.ÌýPart I of the exam addresses basic science and is taken at the end of the second year. Part II is composed of a written portion that covers clinical areas and the Clinical Skills Patient Encounter component that evaluates competency in clinical tasks.Ìý

Progression through the program is as follows.ÌýÌý

  • Year one: One semester each of preclinical science instruction and clinical science training.
  • Year two: Continued clinical training throughout the year.
  • Year three: 11 months of clinical training internal rotations.
  • Year four: 10Ìýmonths of clinical training, a one-month community clerkship in private practice and a one-month clerkship in a hospital.

ÌýÌýCourses you can expect to take include the following.ÌýÌý

  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical NeurologyÌýÌý
  • Foot and Ankle RadiologyÌýÌý
  • General AnatomyÌýÌý
  • General OrthopedicsÌý
  • Introduction to General Podiatric PrinciplesÌýÌý
  • Lower Extremity Anatomy
  • Pediatric Foot and Ankle OrthopedicsÌýÌý
  • Physical Medicine and RehabilitationÌýÌý
  • Principles of Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and LegÌýÌý

Read more about course requirements for the Podiatric Medicine DPM.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Podiatric Medicine DPM offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.Ìý

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.Ìý

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Average estimates for additional expenses are as follows.Ìý

Item

Estimated cost

Books, equipment and supplies

$1,200.00

Room and board

$17,950.00

Personal expenses

$5,300.00

Tuition and fees are subject to change. You can view the full .

PM-PODM-DPM

Additional Program Information