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What is Podiatric Medicine?
Podiatric medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders related to the foot and ankle. Serious problems of the lower extremities can adversely affect a patients overall health and well-being. Conversely, a systemic disease or disorder, such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease, may manifest itself first through potentially serious foot problems.
These complex relationships demand a skilled primary care podiatric practitioner educated to detect and treat a variety of related diseases. The patient population of podiatric physicians covers the spectrum from pediatrics to geriatrics. As integral members of today’s health-care team, podiatric physicians prescribe medications and use medical, surgical and orthopedic treatments.
What careers are available in Podiatric Medicine?
Most podiatrists work in a private practice environment either alone, in a podiatric group practice, as part of a multispecialty group practice, or in managed care. Podiatrists also have hospital privileges and may specialize or focus their practice in surgery, orthopedics, sport medicine, geriatrics, and pediatrics.
How long does it take to complete the Podiatric degree?
Following receipt of a baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 90 college credits, the DPM degree from Temple University takes four years to complete. Most graduates continue their training in residency programs ranging in length from one to four years.
UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PREPARATION FOR THE SCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE
What undergraduate major is required for admission to Schools of Podiatric Medicine?
There is no specific major that students must complete for entry into Schools of Podiatric Medicine; however, podiatric medical students are expected to have strong backgrounds in Biology, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, and Physics. Undergraduates aspiring to attend Temple’s School of Podiatric Medicine usually concentrate in the sciences, but virtually any liberal arts major is acceptable as long as prerequisites are met. Since competition for Temple’s School of Podiatric Medicine is keen, candidates must have excellent GPAs high scores on the MCATs or GREs (general test), superior letters of recommendation, and demonstrate a strong commitment to service.
Can undergraduates pursue their undergraduate major for the School of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University?
Yes, Temple is an excellent choice and offers challenging programs in over 100 undergraduate majors. All of the basic sciences are offered at Temple, including lecture and laboratory components of Biology, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry and General Physics. Temple also offers extensive programs in Mathematics (including Calculus) and the Humanities. Students may also pursue pre-med majors at Temple University Ambler.
Does Temple assist its undergraduates who apply to the School of Podiatric Medicine?
Yes, University advisers work closely with students who intend to apply to the School of Podiatric Medicine. They determine their course of study as undergraduates and recommend the best sequence students should follow for required courses. In addition, they help students with the application process. This includes creating a complete file of letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other required materials.
What is the application process for Schools of Podiatric Medicine?
The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS) allows students to complete a single set of application forms for admission to six of the seven colleges of podiatric medicine. Admission is for the fall session only, except for advanced-standing students. Applications are available through:
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service
1350 Piccard Drive, Suite 322
Rockville, MD 20850-4307
Web: www.aacpm.orgStudents interested in applying directly to Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine should contact:
Temple University School Podiatric Medicine
Office of Student Affairs
Eighth Street at Race
Philadelphia, PA 19107-9928http://podiatry.temple.edu/Admissions/admissions.html
Requirements include a BS, BA, or 90 undergraduate credits, which must include 6 credit hours of English and 8 credit hours each of Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology or Zoology, and Physics. All science courses must include a lab. Letters of evaluation (two from health professionals, of which one must be a podiatric physician, and either one from a college pre-health adviser committee or two from science professors) are also required. All applications are considered incomplete until Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores have been received.
Why should you choose Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine?
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM) is recognized as the finest of its kind in the country. It is the only college of podiatric medicine that is part of a major university with a comprehensive allopathic academic health sciences center. The size of the faculty and scope of clinical training opportunities for students are unparalleled at any other college of podiatric medicine. Graduates of TUSPM historically do exceptionally well on national board examinations and in obtaining residency training opportunities. TUSPM graduates have been and continue to be leaders in their profession.
What program of study does Temple offer in Podiatric Medicine?
Temple offers the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program.
What is studied in Temple’s School of Podiatric Medicine?
The first two years focus on the basic biomedical sciences, including General Anatomy, Histology, Lower Extremity Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Neurosciences, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. Also included are Biomechanics and Pathomechanics, Gerontology, Physical Diagnosis and introductory clinical course in Medicine, Orthopedics, and Surgery. The third year concentrates on clinical coursework and training. The fourth year is dedicated to clinical training within and outside the Temple University Health System, providing a comprehensive range of training opportunities in podiatric medicine and surgery as well as other medical specialties.
What specialties are available?
- Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
Temple School of Podiatric Medicine - web: http://podiatry.temple.edu/
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR PRE-PODIATRIC MEDICAL STUDIES?
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