Authored by Leland Jaffe DPM, FACFAS; Associate Dean and Professor at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine; Published on January 14, 2024
If you have a passion for helping others and an interest in medicine and surgery, then a career as a podiatric physician might be the perfect fit for your professional career. Podiatric physicians are specialized healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat all conditions of the foot and ankle, and all related structures of the leg. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps to embark on the journey of becoming a podiatric physician.
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree:
The first step on the path to becoming a podiatric physician is to earn a bachelor’s degree. While there is no specific major requirement, aspiring podiatrists often pursue degrees in biology, chemistry, or a related field. It’s essential to focus on science courses to build a solid foundation for the more advanced coursework in podiatric medical school, as the first year of the podiatry school curriculum is focused on the basic biomedical sciences.
Step 2: Complete Prerequisite Courses:
Podiatric medical schools have specific prerequisite courses that applicants must complete during their undergraduate studies. Common prerequisites include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM), to be eligible to begin your podiatric medical education, a candidate must complete a minimum of 3 years or 90 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution. The minimum semester credit hour requirements for all the colleges of podiatric medicine include:
- 1. Biology – 8 semester hours
- 2. Chemistry (general or inorganic) – 8 semester hours
- 3. Organic chemistry (8 semester hours)
- 4. Physics (8 semester hours)
- 5. English (6 semester hours)
The science courses should be tailored for health professional students and must include laboratory experiences.
Step 3: Gain Clinical Experience:
Building hands-on experience in a healthcare setting is crucial for aspiring podiatric medical students. Consider volunteering or working in hospitals, clinics, or podiatry practices to gain exposure to the field. This experience not only strengthens your application but also provides valuable insights into the daily responsibilities of a podiatric physician including but not limited to diabetic foot care, sports medicine, wound care, and surgery, among many others.
Step 4: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT):
Similar to allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, podiatric medical schools require applicants to take the MCAT. The MCAT assesses your knowledge of biological and physical sciences, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Competitive MCAT scores are helpful to strengthen your application and candidacy for podiatric medical school. Please be advised that an MCAT taken 3 years before the application will not be accepted.
Step 5: Apply to Podiatric Medical School:
Research and choose accredited podiatric medical schools that align with your career goals. The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service® (AACPMAS®) is the AACPM’s centralized podiatric medical school application processing service. Podiatric medical schools use AACPMAS as the application method for their prospective podiatric medical students.
Step 6: Complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree (DPM):
Once accepted into podiatric medical school, you will embark on a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, hands-on workshops, and clinical rotations, covering topics that range from basic biomedical sciences to clinical sciences (surgery, dermatology, infectious diseases, internal medicine…). The first and second years of study are primarily dedicated to foundational learning, while third and fourth year students are out on their clinical rotations obtaining hands-on experiences in the hospital and clinical settings.
Step 7: Complete Residency Training:
After earning your DPM degree, you’ll need to complete a residency program to gain hands-on clinical experience and further specialize in podiatric medicine. Podiatric surgeons undergo an intensive three-year surgical residency program sometimes followed by a fellowship. Following your residency training, you’ll be well-versed in treating all conditions of the foot and ankle. A list of the accredited residency programs can be found on the Council of Podiatric Medicine (CPME) website.
Step 8: Obtain State Licensure:
To practice as a podiatric physician in the United States, you must obtain a state license. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include passing the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) and fulfilling specific educational and residency criteria.
Step 9: Consider Board Certification:
While not mandatory, achieving board certification from the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and/or the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) – among others – can enhance your professional credentials and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the field. Further, board certification is often required by hospitals and insurance corporations to obtain privileges.
Attaining board certification involves rigorous testing and evaluation, ensuring that you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver exceptional foot and ankle care. Patients can trust a board-certified podiatrist to provide them with the highest quality of treatment. Board certification not only enhances your credibility but also instills confidence in patients, reinforcing the notion that they are in capable hands for the management of their foot and ankle concerns.
5 Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Future of Podiatry
- 1) #10 in best-paying jobs according to the U.S. News and World Report in 2024
- 2) #19 in best healthcare jobs in 2024 according to the U.S. News and World Report
- 3) Enough residency programs for all eligible graduating podiatry residents
- 4) World-class residency and fellowship directors all across the United States
- 5) High demand with our aging population and rise in metabolic diseases in the United States
In What Settings Do Podiatric Physicians Work?
Following your training, podiatric physicians work in various settings, addressing a range of pathologies of the lower leg. One common location is private practice clinics and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 50% of podiatrists work in a private practice. Hospitals also employ podiatrists, especially in departments like orthopedics or wound care, where they may collaborate with other medical professionals to manage diabetic foot complications or perform surgical interventions. Sports medicine clinics/orthopedic groups often have podiatric physicians on staff to help athletes with biomechanical concerns or sports-related injuries. Some podiatric physicians may choose an academic path, working in universities or research institutions, contributing to advancements in podiatric medicine. Whether in private practices, hospitals, sports clinics, VA hospitals, or academic settings, doctors of podiatric medicine play a crucial role in maintaining overall foot health and mobility among the general public.
How To Become A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine – Conclusion:
Becoming a podiatrist is a rewarding journey that combines a passion for healthcare with a specialized focus on the lower extremities. By following these steps – from obtaining a bachelor’s degree to completing podiatric residency training – you can pave the way to a fulfilling career dedicated to improving the mobility and well-being of your patients.
