
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.)
4 years, full-time
30
Employment of podiatrists is expected to increase 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.1
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/Podiatrists.htm
1The Impact of the Aging Population on the Health Workforce in the United States: Summary of Key Findings, The University of Albany, March 2006.
$196,0002
http://www.aacpm.org/html/careerzone/index.asp
2The American Podiatric Medical Association 2010 Biannual Survey of the Profession.
To be considered for admission to AZPod, the successful candidate must submit the following documented evidence:
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
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. Part time clinical training occurs in the second year. Full time clinical training 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.
Second, 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.
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.
Expansion of affiliated residency programs is scheduled for 2012-2013.
The Midwestern University Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine prepares quality students through rigorous education to exceed professional standards and become highly qualified residents and podiatric physicians.
The vision of the Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine is to demonstrate excellence in podiatric medical education. We strive to cultivate diversity and promote professionalism in an interdisciplinary environment through:
The Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine 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.
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 Association
Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards
Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery
American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination