Podiatric Medicine Preparation at UC Davis

General Information

Podiatric Medicine is a specialty of medicine and research which seeks to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and disorders affecting the human foot. Due to increased interest in physical fitness and sports, and the growing elderly population, there is presently a growing need for qualified podiatrists. The specialties of podiatric medicine include podiatric surgery, podopediatrics, podogeriatrics, and podiatric sports medicine. Podiatrists have the option of working in a podiatric hospital/clinic, in association with a medical group, or in private practice.

The course of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is four years in length at all schools. The first two years are devoted to the basic sciences and the last two years concentrate on the clinical aspect of podiatry. Many states require that podiatrists complete continuing education courses throughout their career in order to maintain their licenses.

Work Experience
Although there are no specified requirements for experience by any of the podiatric colleges, it is highly recommended that students gain exposure to the field prior to application. In this manner, the applicant can become aware of the possible opportunities and rigors of the profession. Podiatric experience may be gained through volunteer or paid work in a podiatric hospital or clinic or with a practicing podiatrist.

Educational and Course Requirments

The applicant must have completed at least three years of undergraduate study at an accredited institution, but most applicants enter with at least a baccalaureate degree. Prior to entry, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) must be taken and the courses below completed. Check with schools regarding their wilingness to accept another test such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).

Required courses

Inorganic Chemistry: 1 year with laboratory (Chem 2ABC)
Organic Chemistry: 1 year with laboratory (Chem 118ABC recommended; 128ABC + 129ABC acceptable)
NOTE: Chem 8AB is not acceptable because it is a 2-quarter sequence with only one lab; please see an HSA advisor if you have taken this series already.
Physics: 1 year with laboratory (Physics 7ABC recommended; Physics 9ABC acceptable)
Biology: 1 year with laboratory
NOTE: Students who take Bio Sci 2 ABC will need to complete an additional biology lab to fulfill this requirement (e.g. NPB 101+101L). The William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine requires 1.5 years of biology.
English: 1 year (any 3 classes in UWP or English or Comp Lit departments; e.g. Engl 1,3 and 101)

Recommended courses (i.e. NOT required) include anatomy, biochemistry, embryology, microbiology and histology; liberal arts courses are also highly recommended..

Specific course prerequisites may vary somewhat for each school so please see individual school websites/catalogs for current information.

Application Process

There are seven colleges of podiatric medicine in the United States and most are associated with a podiatric hospital. The applicant must apply to these schools through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). Last acceptable date for the MCAT ranges between May to July, depending on the school. Alternatively, some schools have indicated their willingness to accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).The test must be taken within last three years of the application date.

AACPMAS begins processing admission applications usually on September 1 for fall admission the following year. Deadline dates are as follows:

1. April 1st is the PRIORITY deadline for entry in the fall of the same year.
2. The FINAL application deadline is July 31 for fall entry in the same year.

About the Professional Letter Service (PLS)
The PLS is a letter of recommendation service for UC Davis students and alumni who are applying to schools/programs in the health professions, law or business. PLS stores, copies and sends your recommendation letters to support your applications for admission. You may keep a maximum of eight letters in your file and have up to 15 mailings/uploadings for $125. Your PLS file is good for three years after the year you open your file.

Five of the nine podiatry schools will accept e-LORs for 2009.

For additional information on all schools of podiatric medicine in the United States, see the HSA Podiatric Medical Schools webpaget:

American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)
1350 Piccard Drive, Suite 322
Rickville, MD 20850-4307
1-800-922-9266
http://www.aacpm.org