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It's nice to see a bit more traffic. Sorry there were only a couple threads, but there doesn't seem to be much interest. I think this is due to the small number of DPM and Pre-DPM students on this site. I'd be glad to add my thoughts, comments, etc if there is interest.
Sandj made some good comments, but I think they ought to be tempered a bit. Yes, there are problems in podiatry; but focusing solely on the negativity can also be counter-productive. If you really want more than your fill of negativity go read the stuff on Forum 54. In fact, it would probably be a good idea if you are contemplating this field. BUT, keep in mind that most of what is there is one-sided. The vast majority of DPMs are doing well, and don't see much point to spending time on a site like that. Take the time to find a local podiatrist or three and spend some time with them. See the clinics, see what they do, talk to their patients, etc. as well.
For a little background, I spent >10 years in health care prior to decided to go into podiatry. A majority of my classmates have some "real world" experience before school. I also have very strong libertarian leanings, so this often colors my point of view. Personal responsibility is critical. I see little to know reason why anyone should believe that the schools are out to defraud the students. First of all I have seen none of it at my school. I have not seen any students who obviously do not have what it takes to get through the curriculum. For myself and from those who would talk, we have MCAT scores and GPAs that are on par with the DOs at our school, and good enough for most MD programs. As far as personal responsibility, each student should have done some research prior to matriculating. Know what you are getting into. We all had long talks with the folks in financial aid, on more than one occasion, telling us what we could expect. So far, I haven't seen anything that would indicate they lied.
Problems within the profession. These "downward" trends that you talk about . . . I just don't see most of it. If you take some time to look into the history of the profession, the trends are going up. Problems with low student numbers . . . see the same issues discussed in JAPMA 20 years ago. Problems with residencies . . . 20 years ago there were not enough residencies to go around. In fact, they weren't even required most places. We have moved the bar up. The issue now is around standardizing the residencies. WIth the number of students now, there are more residency slots than students. (Libertarian thought here.) The market forces will adjust this. The non-competetive residencies will end up closing if nobody looks for them. The ones that are left are higher quality. With a bit more time, I expect that the stadnardized residencies will include the surgical training that students (the market) demand. Don't expect it to happen overnight, but look at where podiatry was 20-30 years aago and then consider where it will be in another 20-30 years. Now, who is going to move it there? Gotta be us.
I've got some reading to do now, but I'll be keeping an eye ont his forum.
More later.
Sandj made some good comments, but I think they ought to be tempered a bit. Yes, there are problems in podiatry; but focusing solely on the negativity can also be counter-productive. If you really want more than your fill of negativity go read the stuff on Forum 54. In fact, it would probably be a good idea if you are contemplating this field. BUT, keep in mind that most of what is there is one-sided. The vast majority of DPMs are doing well, and don't see much point to spending time on a site like that. Take the time to find a local podiatrist or three and spend some time with them. See the clinics, see what they do, talk to their patients, etc. as well.
For a little background, I spent >10 years in health care prior to decided to go into podiatry. A majority of my classmates have some "real world" experience before school. I also have very strong libertarian leanings, so this often colors my point of view. Personal responsibility is critical. I see little to know reason why anyone should believe that the schools are out to defraud the students. First of all I have seen none of it at my school. I have not seen any students who obviously do not have what it takes to get through the curriculum. For myself and from those who would talk, we have MCAT scores and GPAs that are on par with the DOs at our school, and good enough for most MD programs. As far as personal responsibility, each student should have done some research prior to matriculating. Know what you are getting into. We all had long talks with the folks in financial aid, on more than one occasion, telling us what we could expect. So far, I haven't seen anything that would indicate they lied.
Problems within the profession. These "downward" trends that you talk about . . . I just don't see most of it. If you take some time to look into the history of the profession, the trends are going up. Problems with low student numbers . . . see the same issues discussed in JAPMA 20 years ago. Problems with residencies . . . 20 years ago there were not enough residencies to go around. In fact, they weren't even required most places. We have moved the bar up. The issue now is around standardizing the residencies. WIth the number of students now, there are more residency slots than students. (Libertarian thought here.) The market forces will adjust this. The non-competetive residencies will end up closing if nobody looks for them. The ones that are left are higher quality. With a bit more time, I expect that the stadnardized residencies will include the surgical training that students (the market) demand. Don't expect it to happen overnight, but look at where podiatry was 20-30 years aago and then consider where it will be in another 20-30 years. Now, who is going to move it there? Gotta be us.
I've got some reading to do now, but I'll be keeping an eye ont his forum.
More later.
