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Podiatric Medicine in Glendale

College of Health Sciences

Podiatric Medicine professor and students

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Fast Facts

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Degree

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.)

General Requirements

Length of Program

4 years, full-time

Class Size

30

2015 Class Profile

Board Examination Pass Rate (2008-2011)

Graduation Rate (Class of 2011):  72%

Residency Placement Rate (2010-2011):  96%

Career Opportunities

Career Placements

US Employment Projections through 2014

2,000+ needed to serve growing demand and to replace retiring practitioners

Median Salary (2011)

$176,000 - $195,000

Admission Requirements

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To be considered for admission to AZPod, the successful candidate must submit the following documented evidence:

  1. Minimum cumulative GPA and science GPAs of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
  2. Ability to successfully complete a rigorous curriculum which requires critical thinking skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and voluminous reading, as well as the capacity for responsible, self-directed learning.
  3. Competitive scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
  4. Completion of the necessary course prerequisites. The candidate must complete a minimum of 90 semester hours at regionally accredited colleges or universities. A bachelor's degree or higher is preferred.
  5. Two letters of recommendation.
  6. A good understanding of podiatric medicine and a sincere interest in a career in the field. Candidates will not be accepted if they have not visited at least one podiatric practice.
  7. Demonstration of extracurricular or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a service orientation.
  8. Medically-related experiences that indicate sufficient exposure to allow an informed decision about medical careers.
  9. Personal integrity and sound moral character.
  10. Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others.
  11. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.
  12. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

Application Deadline

Students must apply for admission via the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). The deadline for the AACPMAS application is June 30th. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are advised to complete their application files as early as possible to ensure timely consideration.

Additional Application Information

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Program Description

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Podiatric Medicine is a branch of the medical sciences devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, diseases and injuries. The growing demand for high quality care of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg is driven in large measure by the critical role of podiatrists in sports medicine, in diabetic foot care, and in the care of the geriatric population. The profession requires four years of rigorous study at an accredited podiatric medical school/college after four years of pre-medical education. Podiatric medicine as a career opportunity provides outstanding quality-of-life benefits for practitioners. Podiatrists experience the education of a medical specialist, the variety of a general practitioner, and the freedom of an entrepreneur.

The Midwestern University (MWU) Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine (AZPod) is a 4-year program whose core curriculum is similar to that of other medical schools. Courses in the clinical sciences are integrated with basic science courses during the first two years of the curriculum.  Clinical courses continue through the summer and part of the fall quarter of the third year.  All basic science courses and some clinical courses are shared with osteopathic medical students.  Full time clinical traning occupies eight months of the third year and all of the fourth year.  The overall goal of the School is to prepare the finest possible podiatric physicians for entry into residency training.

Third and fourth year students complete clinical rotations in private practices, hospitals, and clinics. During these rotations, they learn how to take general and podiatric histories, perform routine physical examinations, interpret tests and imaging, make diagnoses, and perform therapeutic procedures. The only podiatric medical school in the Southwest, Midwestern University's program offers innovative instructional and learning techniques and takes full advantage of the abundant resources available on the campus and in the community. Students are taught fundamental skills early in the curriculum, which allows them to benefit more fully from an early introduction to patient care. Many elective rotations are available to podiatric medical students attending Midwestern University. Dual-degree options for master's degrees are also available.

The integration of podiatry with the other health sciences disciplines at Midwestern University more fully prepares graduates to function effectively in the increasingly multidisciplinary care patterns of the future. Through the rigorous curriculum at Midwestern University, podiatry students gain the requisite medical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in residency and practice. Through an extensive program of community service, AZPod students develop an appreciation for the importance of ethics and professionalism in combination with compassion and cultural sensitivity.

Planned Program Improvements

No planned program improvements are scheduled for 2011-2012.

Mission

As a leader in podiatric medical education, our mission of the Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine is to ensure excellence in an environment that nurtures diversity, professionalism, dedication, and creativity.

Vision

The vision of the Arizona School od Podiatric Medicine is to be the standard of excellence by which podiatric medical education will be measured through:

Accreditation

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The Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. The Council is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for colleges and schools of podiatric medicine. For further information, please contact the Council on Podiatric Medical Education at 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1621; 800/275-2762 or 1-301/581-9200.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

Related Links

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Podiatric Medicine as a Career

American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine

American Association of College of Podiatric Medicine

American Association for Women Podiatrists

The American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine

The American Board of Podiatric Surgery

The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

American Podiatric Medical Students' Association

American Podiatric Medical Association

Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards

Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery

National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

PodiatryCareers.org

Podiatry Management magazine

U.S. Bone & Joint Decade

Midwestern University Clinics



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