Podiatric Medicine

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine"‹ program at Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM) is a four-year, patient-focused doctorate program that prepares students to become specialists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury to the ankle, foot and lower extremities. The curriculum blends coursework with instruction in preclinical and clinical sciences. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue postgraduate residencies and pass the two-part National Board Exams required to obtain their license to practice.

Doctors of podiatric medicine study the interplay of muscles, bones and nerves in order to diagnose and apply practical treatment techniques to ailments spanning nail disorders, hammer toes, heel pain, fractures, sprains and more. Foot pain can affect the whole body and indicate a much larger health issue. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart and kidney disease have symptoms that can manifest first in the lower extremities making podiatrists essential in the early detection of serious health problems.

At TUSPM, the patient experience is just as important as the treatment we deliver. Students in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program learn from expert faculty how to infuse the human element into the practice of podiatry. With access to multiple facilities that feature advanced technology, students get a hands-on education that leaves them ready for the next phase of training as residents.

Program graduates will enter their surgical residencies able to evaluate the general medical status of their patients, including medications and possible drug interactions, as they manage lower-extremity problems. They will have the skills to determine whether symptoms result from a localized disease or indicate a larger systemic disease.

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

Podiatric Residencies  

Residency programs in the U.S. range from three to four years, with some fellowships available after graduation, and consist of coursework in  

• preclinical and clinical sciences,
• supervised clinical training, and"‹
• inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical management.  

The School of Podiatric Medicine provides full administrative support to students who are applying to residency programs that participate in the Central Application Service for Podiatric Residencies. This service is administered by the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine and has more than 200 participating programs.  

For more information about residencies, contact Director of Graduate Placement Serina Henderson-Putman. 
Phone: 215-777-5850 
Email: [email protected] 

Read more about Temple University Hospital's podiatric surgical residency.  

Podiatric Clerkships  

Practical experience is a hallmark of the DPM program. As part of your education, you will be required to shadow private practitioners, which provides not only hands-on experience but also nurtures the development of professional networks.   

In your fourth year, you will apply to clerkships (also known as externships) at any teaching hospital nationwide that offers clerkship and residency training. You may also arrange clerkships with private practitioners in the Philadelphia region.  

The School of Podiatric Medicine has an extensive list of alumni, many of whom serve as clerkship and residency directors around the country and are a significant resource for students as they chart their career paths as board-certified specialists. Podiatric specialties include   

• • dermatology, 
  • diabetics, 
  • orthopedics, 
  • pediatrics,
• • sports medicine, 
  • surgery, 
  • therapeutic, 
  • vascular and more.