Podiatric medicine, also known as podiatry, is a field of medicine devoted to preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot, ankle, and lower leg.\n
Podiatrists receive specialized training from an accredited college of podiatric medicine rather than attending traditional medical school. They are licensed to treat only the lower extremities and cannot enter a residency program in any other medical field.
\n
Programs in podiatric medicine focus on the conditions which podiatrists treat, the diagnostic tools used in the field, and the subspecialties podiatrists can choose to pursue.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.316330-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:45.376097-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1344, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Any Discipline \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nThree years or 90 semester hours of college credit is generally sufficient to enter a podiatric medicine program, but many aspiring podiatrists complete a four-year bachelor\u2019s degree. While they do not have to earn their degree in a *specific* discipline, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) they are most likely to earn a bachelor\u2019s in a major from these areas: \r\n\r\n- Biological Sciences \r\n- Social Sciences \r\n- Physical Sciences \r\n- Humanities \r\n- Mathematics / Statistics \r\n\r\nRegardless of their chosen undergrad major, students planning to attend a college of podiatric medicine must meet admission requirements, which typically include: \r\n\r\n- Biology with lab \r\n- General Chemistry with lab \r\n- Organic Chemistry with lab \r\n- Physics with lab \r\n- Biochemistry \r\n- Mathematics and/or Statistics \r\n- English \r\n\r\n**Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)** \r\n\r\nIt is common for undergraduates to write the MCAT and begin applying to podiatric medical schools in their junior year. Through a set of multiple-choice questions, the MCAT allows medical schools to evaluate a candidate\u2019s training and skill set. Many schools share their incoming student MCAT score average on their website to inform undergraduates of how well they need to score to compete with other applicants. \r\n\r\nTo achieve their highest possible MCAT score, students are encouraged to take advantage of assistance available to them. This includes study materials, pre-tests, practice tests, and online and in-person tutoring. These resources are designed to ensure that students attain the best possible score, which will open doors to medical schools. \r\n\r\n**Accredited College of Podiatric Medicine \u2013Four Year Duration** \r\nPodiatric medical school is comprised of four years of study that is divided into two parts. The first part, the first two years of the schooling, is focused on course and lab work that prepares students intellectually for patient interaction. This training is in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pharmacology, and the art and practice of medicine. \r\n\r\nThe second part of podiatric medical school, the second two years, is called *Rotations*. During this time, under the supervision of experienced physicians, students have the opportunity to experience a variety of medical specialties such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease, surgery, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. Clinical rotations further students\u2019 understanding of patient care, situations, scenarios, and the teams that come together to help those that need medical treatment.", "content_markdown": "**Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR) \u2013 Three Year Duration** \r\nDuring this period, residents rotate through core areas of podiatric medicine and surgery, conducting procedures under the supervision of a licensed and certified podiatrist. \r\n\r\nHere are some of the conditions they learn to treat: \r\n- Arthritis \r\n- Bone fractures \r\n- Diabetic foot disorders \r\n- Foot deformities \r\n- Foot and ankle injuries \r\n- Heel and arch pain \r\n- Morton\u2019s neuroma \u2013 a benign growth of nerve tissue that causes foot pain \r\n- Skin and nail conditions \r\n- Sports injuries \r\n\r\nThese are the diagnostic tools they learn to understand and rely upon: \r\n- Arthrography \u2013 an imaging technique to pinpoint the cause of ligament, cartilage, or tendon pain \r\n- Blood tests \r\n- Bone scans \r\n- Computed tomography (CT) \r\n- Doppler ultrasound \r\n- Electromyography (EMG) \u2013 records and analyzes the electrical activity in muscles to identify a muscle or nerve disorder \r\n- Flexibility and reflex tests \r\n- Joint aspiration \u2013 collecting fluid from the joint space to diagnose infections or inflammations \r\n- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) \r\n\r\nThese are subspecialties of podiatric medicine: \r\n- Dermatological podiatry (skin disorders) \r\n- Diagnostic podoradiology \u2013 foot and ankle radiology) \r\n- Forensic podiatry \u2013 the study of footprints and shoe prints for crime scene investigations \r\n- Gerontological podiatry \u2013 geriatric foot conditions \r\n- Podopediatrics \u2013 pediatric podiatry \r\n- Podiatric diabetology \u2013 diabetes foot care \r\n- Podiatric oncology \u2013 skin cancers \r\n- Podiatric orthopedics \u2013 the treatment of foot abnormalities with orthotics, prosthetics, and footwear \r\n- Podiatric rheumatology \u2013 involves rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases \r\n- Podiatric sports medicine \r\n- Neuropodiatry \u2013 circulation disorders \r\n- Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery \u2013 also referred to as consultant podiatric surgery \r\n\r\n**Licensing** \r\nPodiatrists must be licensed in the state where they wish to practise. To become licensed as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)they must pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE). In addition, some states administer a state-specific board exam.", "content_html": "
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR) \u2013 Three Year Duration
\nDuring this period, residents rotate through core areas of podiatric medicine and surgery, conducting procedures under the supervision of a licensed and certified podiatrist.
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Here are some of the conditions they learn to treat:
\n- Arthritis
\n- Bone fractures
\n- Diabetic foot disorders
\n- Foot deformities
\n- Foot and ankle injuries
\n- Heel and arch pain
\n- Morton\u2019s neuroma \u2013 a benign growth of nerve tissue that causes foot pain
\n- Skin and nail conditions
\n- Sports injuries
\n
These are the diagnostic tools they learn to understand and rely upon:
\n- Arthrography \u2013 an imaging technique to pinpoint the cause of ligament, cartilage, or tendon pain
\n- Blood tests
\n- Bone scans
\n- Computed tomography (CT)
\n- Doppler ultrasound
\n- Electromyography (EMG) \u2013 records and analyzes the electrical activity in muscles to identify a muscle or nerve disorder
\n- Flexibility and reflex tests
\n- Joint aspiration \u2013 collecting fluid from the joint space to diagnose infections or inflammations
\n- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
\n
These are subspecialties of podiatric medicine:
\n- Dermatological podiatry (skin disorders)
\n- Diagnostic podoradiology \u2013 foot and ankle radiology)
\n- Forensic podiatry \u2013 the study of footprints and shoe prints for crime scene investigations
\n- Gerontological podiatry \u2013 geriatric foot conditions
\n- Podopediatrics \u2013 pediatric podiatry
\n- Podiatric diabetology \u2013 diabetes foot care
\n- Podiatric oncology \u2013 skin cancers
\n- Podiatric orthopedics \u2013 the treatment of foot abnormalities with orthotics, prosthetics, and footwear
\n- Podiatric rheumatology \u2013 involves rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
\n- Podiatric sports medicine
\n- Neuropodiatry \u2013 circulation disorders
\n- Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery \u2013 also referred to as consultant podiatric surgery
\n
Licensing
\nPodiatrists must be licensed in the state where they wish to practise. To become licensed as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)they must pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE). In addition, some states administer a state-specific board exam.
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.317413-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-15T14:03:26.542279-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1344, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Podiatric Medicine", "summary_markdown": "**[Biology](/degrees/biology-degree/)** \r\nA general biology degree program may include subjects like animal biology, invertebrate biology, vertebrate biology, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, microbiology, and ecology. \r\n\r\n**[Chiropractic](/degrees/chiropractic-degree/)** \r\nChiropractic, categorized as alternative or complementary medicine, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Chiropractors seek to reduce pain and functionality primarily through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine. \r\n\r\n**[Kinesiology](/degrees/kinesiology-degree/)** \r\nA kinesiology major studies the mechanics of body movements. A degree in the field can prepare students for a wide spectrum of careers in health, wellness, fitness, and education. It provides solid footing for prospective personal trainers, athletic therapists, and exercise scientists. It also lays the foundation for advanced study in kinesiology and in the complementary fields of medicine, physiotherapy, and chiropractics. \r\n\r\n**[Massage Therapy](/degrees/massage-therapy-degree/)** \r\nMassage therapy students study the art and science of human touch. They learn how massage and muscle stimulation can relieve physical pain and mental stress and help the body relax, regain mobility, and detoxify. The typical massage therapy curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology (the science of body movement), and pathology (the science of the causes and effects of diseases). \r\n\r\n**[Occupational Therapy](/degrees/occupational-therapy-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in occupational therapy focus on helping patients adapt to loss of function by improving their fine motor and cognitive skills.", "content_markdown": "**[Orthotics and Prosthetics](/degrees/orthotics-and-prosthetics-degree/)** \r\nOrthotic devices or *orthoses* are supportive braces and inserts. Prosthetic devices or *prostheses* are artificial limbs or other body parts. Degree programs in orthotics and prosthetics (O & P) prepare students to work as orthotists and prosthetists \u2013 the healthcare professionals who design, create, fit, and repair these devices which support weakened body parts, correct body defects, or replace amputated limbs. \r\n\r\n**[Physical Therapy](/degrees/physical-therapy-degree/)** \r\nPhysical therapy majors learn how to treat patients for whom movement has become strained or limited due to injury, illness, or aging. \r\n\r\n**[Physiology](/degrees/physiology-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this field are concerned with how the parts of the body work to keep it alive. Physiology, a subsection of biology, covers a variety of interconnected topics including, organs, anatomy, cells, and biological compounds. \r\n\r\n**[Pre-Medicine](/degrees/pre-medicine-degree/)** \r\nThere is no distinct pre-medicine degree. \u2018Pre-medicine\u2019 or \u2018pre-med\u2019 is merely a term that students planning to go to medical school use to describe their undergraduate studies. In fact, aspiring doctors enter med school having earned many different bachelor\u2019s degrees. A science program such as biology or chemistry is certainly a common choice, but it is not mandatory. \r\n\r\nIn other words, a pre-med student can be a psychology major, a statistics major, or a Spanish major. The key for students is to incorporate into their studies the classes needed to apply to medical school. \r\n\r\n**[Public Health](/degrees/public-health-degree/)** \r\nStudents who enter degree programs in public health look at how access and lack of access to healthcare, health education, and funding affect the spread, treatment, and prevention of disease. Epidemiology \u2013 the science concerned with the spread and control of diseases and viruses \u2013 is the science at the heart of public health.", "content_html": "
Orthotics and Prosthetics
\nOrthotic devices or orthoses are supportive braces and inserts. Prosthetic devices or prostheses are artificial limbs or other body parts. Degree programs in orthotics and prosthetics (O & P) prepare students to work as orthotists and prosthetists \u2013 the healthcare professionals who design, create, fit, and repair these devices which support weakened body parts, correct body defects, or replace amputated limbs.
\n
Physical Therapy
\nPhysical therapy majors learn how to treat patients for whom movement has become strained or limited due to injury, illness, or aging.
\n
Physiology
\nDegree programs in this field are concerned with how the parts of the body work to keep it alive. Physiology, a subsection of biology, covers a variety of interconnected topics including, organs, anatomy, cells, and biological compounds.
\n
Pre-Medicine
\nThere is no distinct pre-medicine degree. \u2018Pre-medicine\u2019 or \u2018pre-med\u2019 is merely a term that students planning to go to medical school use to describe their undergraduate studies. In fact, aspiring doctors enter med school having earned many different bachelor\u2019s degrees. A science program such as biology or chemistry is certainly a common choice, but it is not mandatory.
\n
In other words, a pre-med student can be a psychology major, a statistics major, or a Spanish major. The key for students is to incorporate into their studies the classes needed to apply to medical school.
\n
Public Health
\nStudents who enter degree programs in public health look at how access and lack of access to healthcare, health education, and funding affect the spread, treatment, and prevention of disease. Epidemiology \u2013 the science concerned with the spread and control of diseases and viruses \u2013 is the science at the heart of public health.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.318508-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-15T14:06:43.474882-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1344, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "- Ability to combine science and fact with intuition \r\n- Compassion \r\n- Critical thinking skills \r\n- Extreme attention to detail \r\n- Interpersonal skills \r\n- Investigation and interpretation / analysis \r\n- Observation \r\n- Reasoning and problem solving \r\n- Synthesizing and communicating information \r\n- Thoroughness", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.319564-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-15T14:00:36.441821-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1344, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Podiatric Medicine Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Because of the very specific nature of the podiatric medicine program, the vast majority of its graduates pursue careers directly in the field. They typically: \r\n\r\n- Work in hospitals, hospital foot clinics, the offices of other health practitioners and physicians, long-term care facilities, and private practice \r\n- Teach in schools of medicine or nursing \r\n- Serve in the armed forces as commissioned officers \r\n- Serve in the US Public Health Service / Department of Veterans Affairs \r\n- Work in municipal health departments \r\n- Work for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs)", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:15.320648-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-15T14:00:36.472268-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
