Dr. Ian H. Beiser's Podiatry Page
|
Dr. Ian H. Beiser's Podiatry Page
|
|
Office Info |
About Podiatry Definition Podiatry is the specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and its related or governing structures by medical, surgical, or other means. Podiatrists have earned a DPM degree which stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Education A DPM degree is offered by a School of Podiatric Medicine. These are four year programs. Prospective students must first attend an undergraduate college or university, complete the required prerequisites and take the MCAT. About 95 percent of all first-year students entering the colleges of podiatric medicine possess baccalaureate degrees, and about 10 percent have master's degrees. The first two years of podiatric medical school consists primarily of instruction in the basic sciences, almost identical to the core group of classes in any of the allopathic (MD) medical schools [eg. anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology etc] as well as additional lower extremity courses such as biomechanics.. The third and fourth years consist of additional didactic courses as well as clinical rotations, hospital externships and additional courses dealing specifically with the lower extremity. [eg. forefoot surgery, rearfoot surgery, traumatology, physical examination and radiology.] After successfully completing these four years, students earn their DPM degree. At the end of the fourth year, students must also pass an exam by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners prior to becoming eligible to obtain a state license. Most states also require successful completion of a residency prior to granting a license to practice podiatric medicine and surgery. Post Doctoral Education (Residency) Most residencies are 1 or 2 years in length. Some provide general podiatric medical post-graduate training and hospital experience. Others provide the same basic post-graduate training plus additional training in more advanced surgical procedures.These residency programs are based in hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or the American Osteopathic Association and the residencies are accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME). Board Certification After several years in practice, a podiatrist may opt to become board certified in one of the two specialty boards approved and recognized by the APMA: The American Board of Podiatric Surgery(ABPS) and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine(ABPOPPM). This involves successfully passing an oral and written examination and demonstrating experience and knowledge in the chosen specialty. |
|
Ian H. Beiser, D.P.M. Send mail to ibeiser@erols.com with questions or comments about this web site.
|
