Podiatry (more than feet)!

We welcomed Jennifer Bessette, Career Promotion Coordinator for the American Association of Colleges of Pediatric Medicine to our podcast to learn more about Podiatry and the path to the profession. First we wanted a definition: A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a physician and surgeon who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. • DPMs complete 4-years of medical school education at a US College of Podiatric Medicine. • After graduating from a College of Podiatric Medicine, DPMs enter a 3-year, comprehensive medical and surgical residency. • In practice, DPMs have the potential to earn $225,000 per year and treat patients in a 40-50 hour work week. Becoming a Podiatrist Admission Requirements: Successful candidates who apply for entry into one of the eleven podiatric medical schools display positive characteristics of mature adults. Evidence of preparation for a career in medicine, and specifically a career in podiatric medicine, should also be present in each application. Candidates with strong science preparation are preferred. Looking for a Podiatry Mentor: The DPM Mentors Network is designed to match you with a podiatric physician who practices near where you live or go to school. DPM Mentors will take the time to show you how they practice medicine, introduce you to the team of healthcare practitioners with whom they work, and answer your questions about the profession. Ready to get true exposure to podiatric medicine? Some DPMs will let you observe their interactions with a patient – provided the patient is comfortable with a student observer! Contact information: Jennifer Bessette, M.Ed. Career Promotion Coordinator  American Association of College of Podiatric Medicine   15850 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 320 Rockville, MD 20855-2622 Direct: 301-820-3945   Email: [email protected] Website: ExplorePodMed.org