Prepare to become an exceptional physician
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. Our student outcomes are evidence of our strong curriculum.
The first year CPMS students take their basic sciences courses with students in DMU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. As the course of study progresses, podiatric medical students focus more on the foot and ankle and physical diagnoses skills.
The second year integrates basic sciences and clinical medicine with an emphasis on the lower extremity. Students explore the interrelationships and interdependence of body systems and then focus on biomechanics, lower limb anatomy, clinical podiatric medicine, diagnosis and surgery.
The third year students apply principles of evidence-based medicine, the strategic use of current best clinical research findings in making decisions about individual patient care. After learning related concepts in the first two years, students in the third year are fully immersed in case discussions and research. That further prepares them for clinical training.
Clinical Training
Students practice physical diagnosis skills on a voluntary basis during the second year. Formal clinical rotations begin in the summer after the second year and continue until graduation. Rotations are offered in a variety of settings, from Foot and Ankle in the DMU Clinic to year-4 rotations available nationwide. These experiences foster students’ understanding of the role of podiatric physicians and their interactions with other members of the health care team.
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Fall Term (August – December) |
Spring Term (January – May) |
Summer (June – July) |
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| Year 1 |
Anatomy I Clinical Medicine I A Foundational Sciences I Principles and Practices of Podiatric Medicine |
Winter Break |
Anatomy II Clinical Medicine I B Foundational Sciences II Foundational Sciences III |
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| Year 2 |
Clinical System I: Cardio/Pulmonary Clinical System II: Endo/Hematology Clinical System III: Neph/Gi/Nutrition Clinical System IV: Neuro/Beh Med Cultural Competency in Medicine Lower Extremity Dermatology Medical Pharmacology |
Winter Break |
Biomechanics and Surgery Clinical Medicine and Diagnostics Fundamentals of Foot Function Geriatrics Lower Limb Anatomy |
Clinical Rotations (May – July) |
| Year 3 |
Basic Surgical and Medical Skills Heath Care Systems, Community Medicine, Jurisprudence Trauma |
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Clinical Rotations (July – May) Evidence-Based Medicine (September – April) |
Year 4 Begins | |||
| Year 4 |
Clinical Skills Assessment (Taken in 1-Credit Hour Increments Over Three Terms) Clinical Rotations (44 Credit Hours) |
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Curriculum schedule subject to change.
Residency Training
After graduating, students enter three-year residency programs across the country. Many DMU graduates receive residencies at prestigious and well-known teaching hospitals. Although no guarantee of a specific residency placement can be given, podiatric physicians practice in a variety of settings.
Learn More in the Academic Catalog