Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine​ program at Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM) is a four-year, patient-focused doctorate program that prepares students to become specialists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury to the ankle, foot and lower extremities. The curriculum blends coursework with instruction in preclinical and clinical sciences. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue postgraduate residencies and pass the two-part National Board Exams required to obtain their license to practice.

Doctors of podiatric medicine study the interplay of muscles, bones and nerves in order to diagnose and apply practical treatment techniques to ailments spanning nail disorders, hammer toes, heel pain, fractures, sprains and more. Foot pain can affect the whole body and indicate a much larger health issue. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart and kidney disease have symptoms that can manifest first in the lower extremities making podiatrists essential in the early detection of serious health problems.

At TUSPM, the patient experience is just as important as the treatment we deliver. Students in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program learn from expert faculty how to infuse the human element into the practice of podiatry. With access to multiple facilities that feature advanced technology, students get a hands-on education that leaves them ready for the next phase of training as residents.

Program graduates will enter their surgical residencies able to evaluate the general medical status of their patients, including medications and possible drug interactions, as they manage lower-extremity problems. They will have the skills to determine whether symptoms result from a localized disease or indicate a larger systemic disease.

Why choose Temple for podiatry?

TUSPM is located in Philadelphia—a thriving city, full of renowned institutes of higher education and teaching hospitals where students can complete their clerkships, gain practical experience and develop professional connections.

The patient experience. At TUSPM, our program places patients at the forefront. Our students not only develop their clinical aptitude, but also learn the importance of a patient-focused approach and compassionate care. This enables our graduates to become more effective members of a healthcare team, prioritizing the patient experience every step of the way.

Hands-on training. As a student at TUSPM, you will have access to on-campus surgical and clinical skills labs where you can hone your techniques and competencies. In addition, under the supervision of TUSPM’s experienced faculty, third-year students receive practical training in patient care at the Foot and Ankle Institute, which has over 32,000 annual patient visits. 

A strong network. TUSPM is part of Temple University, which has a comprehensive allopathic Health Sciences Center and a healthcare system that owns and operates four hospitals and the Foot and Ankle Institute. These resources provide options for you to complete your required externships within a familiar system and, if you choose, continue your clinical training as a podiatric resident at Temple.

Student support. Through careful placement into small advising groups, TUSPM helps you develop strong relationships with faculty whose practical experience and mentorship are often the basis of lifelong associations.

Program Format & Curriculum   

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at TUSPM is designed to prepare students for clinical practice in podiatric medicine. The curriculum includes didactic laboratory and workshop instruction in the preclinical and clinical sciences as well as 20 months of supervised clinical practice. With a total of 196 credit hours, the program is designed to be completed in four years.

Students must pass the first part of the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (AMPLE) and have attempted AMPLE Part II in order to graduate. Part I of the exam addresses basic science and is taken at the end of the second year. Part II is composed of a written portion that covers clinical areas and the Clinical Skills Patient Encounter component that evaluates competency in clinical tasks. 

Progression through the program is as follows.  

• Year one: One semester each of preclinical science instruction and clinical science training.
• Year two: Continued clinical training throughout the year.
• Year three: 11 months of clinical training internal rotations.
• Year four: 10 months of clinical training, a one-month community clerkship in private practice and a one-month clerkship in a hospital.

  Courses you can expect to take include the following.  

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Neurology  
• Foot and Ankle Radiology  
• General Anatomy  
• General Orthopedics 
• Introduction to General Podiatric Principles  
• Lower Extremity Anatomy
• Pediatric Foot and Ankle Orthopedics  
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation  
• Principles of Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Leg  

Read more about course requirements for the Podiatric Medicine DPM.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.