The course of instruction leading to the DPM degree is four years in length.

The first two years are devoted to classroom instruction and laboratory work in the basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology.

There is some clinical exposure in the first and second year. During the third and fourth years, students concentrate on courses in the clinical sciences, gaining experience in the college clinics, community clinics, and accredited hospitals. Clinical courses include general diagnosis (history taking, physical examination, clinical laboratory procedures, and diagnostic radiology), therapeutics (pharmacology, physical medicine, orthotics, and prosthetics), anesthesia and surgery.

Curriculum

The Curricular Guide for Podiatric Medicine Education is a comprehensive collaboration by the schools and colleges of podiatric medicine that may be used as a tool by faculty members and/or students in highlighting the most important objectives to achieve the suggested competencies found within the document and listed in the appendix of the college accreditation document, CPME 120.

Residency Training

After completing the four-year curriculum required by podiatric medical schools, a new podiatric physician is required to participate in residency training.

In general, states require a minimum of two years of postgraduate residency training in an approved healthcare institution. Board certified podiatric physicians are required to have two years of residency training. A residency provides an interdisciplinary experience with rotations such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease, surgery, ER and pediatrics.

Residency training provides a combination of medical and surgical experiences that are competency-based. Podiatric medical graduates select a 36-month Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR) that includes training in rear foot and ankle surgery.

All entry-level residency programs are required to participate in a national, centralized application and matching service such as the Centralized Application Service for Podiatric Residencies (CASPR). The matching program is similar to that of allopathic medicine. Students may apply through the CASPR to save time and money during their residency search.

For additional information about residency programs, visit the CASPR Web site at www.casprcrip.org or call us at (301) 948-9764.