  Information for Pre-Podiatry StudentsPodiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM's), diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg to keep this part of the body working properly. Podiatrists may prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures and perform surgery as a routine part of their practice. Most podiatrists are in general practice; some specialize in surgery, orthopedics, primary care or public health. To enter a college of podiatric medicine, one must first complete at least three years or 90 college credits at an accredited institution. Over 95% of the students who enter a college of podiatric medicine have a bachelor' s degree. Many have also completed some graduate study. Traditionally the MCAT has been the only standardized test required for admissions to the colleges of podiatric medicine. However, some colleges will accept the GRE or DAT in lieu of the MCAT. Extra curricular and community activities, personal interview, and professional potential are also considered. Admission criteria may vary slightly by institution; therefore, students should review the admissions requirements of each school to which they plan to apply. Although specific requirements may vary among schools, the following courses generally are required:
In addition, potential podiatric students may be evaluated on the basis of extracurricular and community activities, personal interviews, and letters of recommendation. Colleges of podiatric medicine typically offer a four-year program whose core curriculum is similar to that in other schools of medicine. Most graduates complete a hospital residency program after receiving a DPM. Residency programs last from one to three years. The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine offer an excellent Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Mentoring program The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) Mentors Network consists of practicing DPMs and current podiatric medical students nationwide. They share the common goal of increading interest in their field by providing a personal perspective on the practice of podiatric medicine. According to the "2008-09" Occupational Outlook Handbook, podiatrists held about 12,000 jobs in 2006. About 24 percent of podiatrists were self-employed. Most podiatrists were solo practitioners, although more are entering group practices with other podiatrists or other health practitioners. Solo practitioners primarily were unincorporated self-employed workers, although some also were incorporated wage and salary workers in offices of other health practitioners. Other podiatrists were employed by hospitals, long-term care facilities, the Federal Government, and municipal health departments. Employment of podiatrists is expected to increase 9 percent from 2006 to 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More people will turn to podiatrists for foot care because of the rising number of injuries sustained by a more active and increasingly older population. Medicare and most private health insurance programs cover acute medical and surgical foot services, as well as diagnostic x rays and leg braces. Details of such coverage vary among plans. However, routine foot care, including the removal of corns and calluses, is not usually covered unless the patient has a systemic condition that has resulted in severe circulatory problems or areas of desensitization in the legs or feet. Like dental services, podiatric care is often discretionary and, therefore, more dependent on disposable income than some other medical services. Although the occupation is small and most podiatrists continue to practice until retirement, job opportunities should be good for entry-level graduates of accredited podiatric medicine programs. Job growth and replacement needs should create enough job openings for the supply of new podiatric medicine graduates. Opportunities will be better for board-certified podiatrists because many managed-care organizations require board certification. Newly trained podiatrists will find more opportunities in group medical practices, clinics, and health networks than in traditional solo practices. Establishing a practice will be most difficult in the areas surrounding colleges of podiatric medicine, where podiatrists concentrate. Podiatrists enjoy very high earnings. Median annual earnings of salaried podiatrists were $108,220 in 2006. Additionally, a survey by Podiatry Management Magazine reported median net income of $114,000 in 2006. Podiatrists in partnerships tended to earn higher net incomes than those in solo practice. A salaried podiatrist typically receives heath insurance and retirement benefits from their employer, whereas self-employed chiropractors must provide for their own health insurance and retirement. Also, solo practitioners must absorb the costs of running their own offices. For more information about the Pre-Podiatry studies at UWM, please contact Patricia Cobb (Pre-Professional Health Advisor) at (414) 229-3922 or email: pacobb@uwm.edu. If you would like to make an appointment to see Ms. Cobb, please call (414) 229-4654. Links to Podiatric Programs. |
