Podiatry Malpractice: What is a Podiatrist ? (podiatry education)
EDUCATION
I find that questions always arise with respect to the education and training of a podiatrist when compared with allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O) physicians. Both curriculums are 4 years in length however there are clear differences and that is purposeful.
The first two years of podiatric medical education parallel allopathic and osteopathic education concentrating in basic science education with classes in biochemistry, gross anatomy, medical physiology. Ultimately culminating in the administration of the NBPME I (National Board of Podiatric Medical Exam I) which is the podiatric equivalent of the USMLE I.
The following two years are clinical in nature distinguished by rotations devoted to podiatry practice (ie. podiatric medicine and podiatric surgery) with exposure to allopathic medical disciplines including rotations in general surgery, pediatrics and medicine. Notably absent are traditional rotations in obstetrics and psychology. Matriculation is confirmed upon passage of the NBPME II, the equivalent of the USMLE II, and granting of the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree.
There are currently seven (8) podiatry schools located in the United States that grant the D.P.M. degree. They are the (1) Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program, (2) Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, (3) California School of Podiatric Medicine, (4) Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, (5) Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, (6) Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, (7) New York College of Podiatric Medicine and (8) the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Some schools will offer an accelerated program granting an undergraduate degree. Other schools may confer a combined medical and podiatric degrees upon completion of special programs.
I will continue with a discussion of Internships and Residency in Podiatry in my next post.
