Podiatry

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) describes doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) as clinicians who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government and by most states. They are licensed by the state in which they practice. DPMs receive four years of graduate medical education comparable to medical doctors and two or three years of residency training. This field offers some of the same benefits as a career in medicine such as direct patient care, autonomy, intellectual challenge, high pay, and the opportunity to significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. For most podiatrists, the regular hours also allow for a good work-life balance.

 

*Please note that WashU does not offer a podiatry program. This page provides information for those interested in applying to programs offered elsewhere.

Exposure to the Field

Shadowing & Volunteering

Some programs will not accept an applicant who has not visited a podiatric practice. A letter of recommendation from a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is commonly required to apply. You can use the DPM Mentor Network to find podiatrists and current podiatric medicine students who are willing to discuss their career choice with prospective students.

The Application Process

Undergraduate Experience
Any undergraduate major can be studied but students should also incorporate the standard premedical lab science core courses into their curriculum. Courses in cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, biochemistry and psychology are commonly recommended to provide additional background.

Application Service
There are nine colleges of podiatric medicine. Applications are coordinated by the AACPM Application Service which opens in August. Interviews may be held from September until May, although it is advantageous to apply early in the cycle.

Extracurricular
AACPMAS allows students to enter information about their shadowing, work, volunteer and other extracurricular activities. It is important to shadow a DPM and have sufficient exposure to the field to acquire an understanding of the role of podiatric physicians within medicine today. Community service and leadership activities are favorably regarded.

Letters of Recommendation
Most programs require two to four letters of recommendation, to include a letter from a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and at least one letter from a science instructor.

Standardized Testing
The MCAT is required. Some schools may accept the DAT on case by case basis; check with each admission office before applying.

Professional Opportunities

Podiatrists have a broad range of practice options open to them including pediatrics, dermatology,
sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, surgery or primary care. Many choose to go into private practice but other common practice settings include hospitals, clinics, health networks, assisted living facilities, and government agencies such as the US Public Health Service and the Department of Veteran Affairs.

On a daily basis podiatrists treat foot and ankle conditions of patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, obesity, heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Good podiatric care may prevent complications from resulting from these conditions. Podiatrists may be involved in treating a wide range of other problems including trauma, pediatric deformities, and heel pain. They can help patients become more mobile and participate in daily activities with greater ease.

Fast Facts about the Foot from APMA
• Each foot has 26 bones – both feet contain nearly one quarter of all the bones (206) of the body.
• Each foot is made up of an intricate network of over 100 tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
• Every step places 1.5 times your body weight of pressure on your foot (a 150-pound person places 225 pounds of pressure on the foot with every step).
• The average person walks 5,000 to 7,000 steps a day. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) estimates that the average person will walk nearly 100,000 miles in a lifetime, between three to four times the earth’s circumference.

Resources