Podiatric Medicine in Glendale

Fast Facts

Degree

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

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.75
• MCAT scores

Length of Program

4 years, full-time

Class Size

30

2014 Class Profile

• Female: 29%
• Male: 71%
• Average Age: 25
• Average Overall GPA: 3.42
• Class Size: 31
• Top Home States: Arizona (19%), Utah, California, Texas

Board Examination Pass Rate (2008-2009)

• MWU graduates: 100%
• National average: 81-82%

Career Opportunities

• Treatment, screening, education, referral, consultation, wellness promotion and prevention
• Athletes, elderly, children, diabetic patients, and others with chronic diseases

Career Placements

• Private Practice
• Hospitals
• Orthopedic and sports medicine clinics
• Rehabilitation hospitals and clinics
• Community education
• Managed care
• VA and IHS facilities
• Military
• Nursing homes
• Industry
• Research

US Employment Projections through 2014

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

Median Salary (2007)

$176,000

Admission Requirements

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 a regionally accredited college or university. A bachelor's degree 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 a medical career.
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

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 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. During the first 2 years, students receive classroom instruction in basic sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology. 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

Starting in the 2010-2011 year, most of the medical specialty rotations during the third year of study have been changed from two week to four weeks in length.  Aditional rotation electives have been added for the 2010-2011 year.

Mission

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

Vision

Our vision — to be the standard of excellence by which podiatric medical education — will be measured through

• Innovative curriculum
• Cutting edge research
• Compassionate patient care
• Contemporary graduate and continuing medical education
• Service to community

Accreditation

The Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program has been granted Candidate Status 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, schools and programs of podiatric medicine. For further information, please contact the Council on Podiatric Medical Education at 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; 800/ASK-APMA.

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

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