Pre-Health Advising: Podiatry Preparation

• A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
• Education takes 7 years to complete, which includes 4 years of podiatric medical school and 3 years of podiatric medicine and surgical residency.
• Many podiatrists specialize in areas such as surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, orthopedics, pediatrics, and geriatric care.
• Podiatry is invaluable as the foot is often the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diabetic care is a rapidly growing specialization in podiatry.
• Common majors pre-podiatry UO students pursue: Biology, Human Physiology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry or Multidisciplinary Science. 

• Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. You must also have a well-rounded application consisting of experience (shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation, MCAT scores, and a strong admissions essay.
• Most podiatry schools require or strongly recommend students shadow a podiatrist before applying.
• There are 11 colleges of podiatric medicine in the United States.
• Applying to podiatry school is a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting podiatry school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc. during the year.
• Be sure to research individual programs about any COVID-19 related changes (pre-reqs and GRE exceptions, pass/fail policy, etc).

The chart below illustrates one way common requirements can fit into a 4-year plan. 

• Keep in mind that a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it - Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. 
• Following the "common requirements" list above will allow you to cast a wide net when applying to Podiatry Programs. 
• The list above outlines "requirements that vary" and "recommended courses". It is encouraged that students explore programs to ensure their graduation plan captures all of the requirements they need for their programs of interest.
  • Use the AACPM Program Directory to explore Podiatry Programs.
• Work with a pre-health advisor to solidify your graduation plan! 

Watch the Podiatry School Prerequisite Overview video for additional details on prerequisite courses. 

i This is a co-requisite/prerequisite for General Chemistry I.

Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.