What You Need to Know about Podiatric Medicine

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What is Podiatric Medicine?

The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)recognizes that "a podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), known also as a podiatric physician or surgeon, qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.

Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government."

The four-year curriculum for podiatric medical school prepares students for residency training, just as a medical student would experience. Residency includes "interdisciplinary experiences with rotations such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease, surgery, ER, and pediatrics." Read more at the AACPM.

Podiatric Medicine in Texas

As the first school of podiatry in Texas, The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine aims to educate Texans interested in pursuing a career in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. The school's location provides more opportunities to enhance healthcare in medically underserved areas around the state.

Dr. Lawrence Harkless, dean of The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, recognizes that "“Our School of Podiatric Medicine is going to be a big game-changer here in the Valley, where so many people need specialty care due to complications from diabetes,” he said. “This will allow us to train our own doctors to address a very specific critical need. We remain committed to improving the future of healthcare in South Texas.” (Read the full press release)

Plan Your Pathway into Podiatric Medicine

Our partners at Explore Health Careers have outlined a pathway into podiatric medicine including a year-by-year plan, average salaries, and additional resources as you consider this career path.

Applying to the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine

Interested applicants can learn about the academic requirements to apply at the school's page. To apply, you will need:

• TMDSAS application and fee
• UTRGV SOPM secondary application including a written essay. The essay topic can be found in the TMDSAS application
• MCAT score(s)
• Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
• Two (2) letters of recommendation

If you have any questions, contact the school at DPMAdmissions@utrgv.edu. How to get your TMDSAS Application gets to The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine

Learn about Podiatric Medicine

Join us for a live session on Tuesday, June 14 at 11 am CT where the TMDSAS Director invites the admissions team at The UTRGV SOPM to share insights about this career path, and we discuss how to submit your application to the first podiatry school in Texas!

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Inside Health Education

• Topics: TMDSAS,  UTRGV SOPM,  Pre-Podiatry
• Authors: TMDSAS Admin
• Date:  June 11, 2022