Should Podiatry Widen Its Net?

[DannyPhantom113]

Just a broad question: should there be an increase in the number of podiatry schools in the US? With 9 schools in 8 states, and less than 1000 verrified applicants per year (2017-18 pegged 883 last I read), should there be more schools? Of course, this would have to mean an increase in available residencies/resources/competition, but would, for example, working with newer DO schools in Texas and Alabama work out well for the profession? My thought process is, podiatry can be marketed as a third branch of Medicine which includes surgery, as an alternative route primary care to those that arent interested, and less "urgency" to feel you need to apply to the carribean in order to practice medicine.

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[Podstar]

We need to improve the quality of our applicants, schools, residencies, and job prospects before we look to expand schools. Expanding schools now would just put unqualified applicants into school, which would increase attrition rates and cause another residency shortage.

 

[Weirdy]

There is no demand.

Why should we open another school?

 

[dtrack22]

should there be an increase in the number of podiatry schools in the US?

No. Can't find enough quality applicants as it is, why add more schools? Not to mention, where are the jobs for the hypothetical larger graduating classes?

 

[AdrenalineJockie]

Yes, Podiatry should widen its net but not by increasing the number of podiatry schools but by providing better quality residency programs and increasing awareness about the field. We all know that not many people know about podiatry and many see it as a back up plan after they don't get in MD/DO. So spreading words about this field should really be the first step!

 

[GypsyHummus]

Absolutely not. Look at what has happened to Optometrists and Pharmacists.

Pod schools have trouble filling their seats anyway. There is relatively little demand to become a foot doctor, and the competitiveness reflects this. That’s why sub 3.0s and sub 490 MCAT applicants still squeak into DPM school.

What would be a better plan is to cut the number of pods student enrollment by about 30% across all scholls, merge stand alone DPM programs with medical schools and educate the patient population on what a DPM is.

 

[Shino’s Beetles]

Agree with most responses here. Boost demand first by cutting supply and increasing promotion of the profession