Curriculum

The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery prepares podiatric medical students through an integrated program of didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences in hospitals and ambulatory care facilities.

Curriculum strengths:

  • During the first two years, you receive a core of basic health science instruction based on a systems curriculum that reflects the interrelationship and interdependence of body systems. This innovative method of instruction is unique to the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and is not offered at any other podiatric medical school. It focuses on the systems of the body, such as cardiovascular and hematological.
  • Basic sciences such as anatomy, microbiology and biochemistry are taught as they apply to the specific system under study. Clinical correlations relate each system to the podiatric medical practice.
  • The basic science curriculum is essentially the same as the curriculum for students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program with the same exams.
  • You take first-year classes with D.O. students and are held to the same standards. When appropriate, you will have separate classes to accommodate the special needs of podiatric medicine.
  • You also receive supplemental instruction in the functional anatomy of the lower extremity. Courses in each of the body systems are adapted to the special needs of preparing you for a career in podiatric medicine.
  • Problem-based learning (PBL) is an innovative aspect of the curriculum. The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery has followed a PBL curriculum for the past 10 years. During the third year, you’re part of a group of six to eight students assigned to a faculty member for a six-week period. You solve actual or simulated clinical problems. Concurrently you complete clinical rotations under the supervision of this same clinician.
  • In addition to developing problem-solving skills during this portion of the curriculum, you fulfill objectives in podiatric medicine, surgery, orthopedics and radiology.

View a typical 4-year D.P.M. schedule

1st-year curriculum

  • Introduction to podiatric medicine
  • Basic life support
  • Biochemistry
  • Honors PBL biochemistry (elective)
  • Anatomy
  • Histology
  • Immunology
  • Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Honors PBL microbiology (elective)
  • Physical diagnosis
  • Pathology
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Pharmacology I

2nd-year curriculum

  • Pharmacology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular/Respiratory
  • Hematology
  • Lower extremity biomechanics
  • Neurology
  • Gastrointestinal/Nutrition
  • Renal
  • Lower limb anatomy
  • Behavioral medicine
  • Clinical podiatric medicine & diagnostics (includes radiology)
  • Clinical podiatric biomechanics & surgery
  • Medical research and writing

During the summer at the end of the second year, you are introduced to the University ambulatory care clinics, where you begin acquiring clinical skills.

During the last 24 months of the four-year course of study, you receive clinical experiences in four environments:

  • Ambulatory clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Community practices

During this phase you and your classmates interact with other members of the health care community, such as primary care physicians, specialists, and students in other health care programs. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of podiatric medicine as an integral part of total health care.

3rd-year curriculum

  • Basic life support re-certification
  • Operating room protocol
  • Dermatology
  • Trauma/Emergency medicine
  • Public health issues
  • Advanced cardiac life support
  • Clinical rotations
  • Principles and practices of evidence-based podiatric medicine (PBL)

4th-year curriculum