The Honest Truth

[jonwill]

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Over the past few weeks, I've had a couple of experiences that have left me bewildered and I thought I'd seek some information. In two separate instances, people have implied that the only reason I went to podiatry school was because I couldn't get into any other medical program???????
Before choosing podiatry, I shadowed 6 or so other doctors and podiatry was the specialty that I liked best (I shadowed in FP, OB/Gyn, ER, IM, surgery, path, etc). And now that I've been in the "clinical realm" for a while, I'm really happy with my decision. My undergrad/MCAT stats were competitive for some MD programs and nearly every DO program and I had done quite a bit of research, some of which has since been published.
Having said that, I am well aware of some of the podiatry programs' selection criteria (or lack thereof). But that leads me to my question: How many of you CHOSE podiatry and how many of you felt like you had no other option? As we are all pretty much anonymous, I am hoping to get some honest responses. Just curous 🙂

 

[desertpod]

Over the past few weeks, I've had a couple of experiences that have left me bewildered and I thought I'd seek some information. In two separate instances, people have implied that the only reason I went to podiatry school was because I couldn't get into any other medical program???????
Before choosing podiatry, I shadowed 6 or so other doctors and podiatry was the specialty that I liked best (I shadowed in FP, OB/Gyn, ER, IM, surgery, path, etc). And now that I've been in the "clinical realm" for a while, I'm really happy with my decision. My undergrad/MCAT stats were competitive for some MD programs and nearly every DO program and I had done quite a bit of research, some of which has since been published.
Having said that, I am well aware of some of the podiatry programs' selection criteria (or lack thereof). But that leads me to my question: How many of you CHOSE podiatry and how many of you felt like you had no other option? As we are all pretty much anonymous, I am hoping to get some honest responses. Just curous 🙂

I shadowed an ER doc and a Family practice doc before I made my decision to apply to medical school. MY MCAT scores and grades were such that I knew I would get into medical school somewhere. While preparing my application for DO schools, I recieved some information in the mail about podiatry so I looked into it. After spending time with some podiatrists in my hometown, I was sold, the hours, the surgery and the income was great. I only applied to podiatry school and feel it was the right decision for me. I go to Midwestern University and we take all of our classes with the DOs. My grade thus far are very competitive so I don't ask myself could I have made it in medical school, I'm in medical school.

 

[IlizaRob]

It is obvious that the admission standards of pod school are lower than MD/DO. Why? Only because not many people know about podiatry. So you dont have the applicant pool that other programs have. There are more options if you choose MD school as well so you bring in a broader interest. If there were schools that only offered a degree to practice FP, it would most certainly be less competitive because most med students want to specialize. So if you decide on pod school, you better be sure that its what you want to do. Just because its easier to get into pod school certainly doesnt mean its easy to get through it. I would venture to say that anyone who gets through pod school could get through any other type of school. Its all memorization and standardized tests. The notion that pod students are less sophisticated and inferior is an opinion of the ego and is usually restricted to pre-meds and MS1's. (Now Im going to get someone who is not one of the above and prove me wrong).

For me personally, I had no desire to be a family doctor, nor did I want to spend 10+ years to be in orthopedics (matching is also a shot in the dark). I shadowed pods and loved it. I only applied to pod schools since I knew what I wanted to do from the beginning.

 

[runnersfeet]

I agree that the only reason the standards are a little more lax is because the number of applicants is not as high as it is for MD or DO programs. However, some of the reasons people thinks POD schools have low entry standards is because they focus more on the applicant and the interview as opposed to MD/DO programs where the focus is initially more on the grades and test scores. This is changing and POD schools are just ahead of the MD/DO programs in some ways - many MD/DO programs are trying to begin to look more seriously at applicants who have the skills to be a physician, but might not test well or might have not have a "high" GPA for one reason or another. The reason is because they have found in the past that many smart applicants that look wonderful on paper do not have the people skills to do well in medical school and succeed in their profession - so they do really well on biochem tests, but can't build an appropriate relationship with a patient or think creatively enough to treat someone's illness that might not follow the text book outline.

My parents are both MDs and both on the local medical board and both work in admissions at the local med school. They say that this is a big discussion that has been ongoing for the last 5+ years. They have started to accept more and more students that may not look the absolute best on paper, but in person it is obvious that they will succeed. After all, most medical professions require humans, not machines, and most patients want a professional kind person to treat them who can communicate effectively in addition to treating them, not just a brain.

So, in my opinion, pod schools are just a bit ahead of the boat - they want real people in their programs and real people do not always score the highest on an entry test nor have the highest GPA of the pack. As said by someone else, once accepted, the students have to do their own work to succeed, and in general, the first two years for all DPM, MD,DO students is identical.

My parents have always said, especially recently, that DPMs have a great job - especially for someone like me who is really interested in injuries of the foot, especially those that are results of athletics. They have ALWAYS, even 20 years ago, referred out to podiatrists. Additionally, practically everyone else in my family is an MD - grandparents, uncles, aunts, brother in-law, cousins - and in every different specialty you can think of...pyschiatry, anesthesiology, plastics, family practice, ENT, gastro, and ER...and in various locations in the country...east coast, west coast and midwest. They all went to incredibly reputable schools and did very well respected residencies - Stanford, UCSF, Duke, and Johns Hopkins. Point being that they have been out in the medical community and have solid educations and still support me in pursuing a DPM as opposed to an MD. They all agree that a DPM is no less of a degree than an MD...and definitely a better opportunity for my specific interests. Only before I knew of podiatry was I thinking of MD programs - and that was 10 or so years ago. I only applied to pod schools and Im excited to begin next fall!!

 

[IlizaRob]

I agree that the only reason the standards are a little more lax is because the number of applicants is not as high as it is for MD or DO programs. However, some of the reasons people thinks POD schools have low entry standards is because they focus more on the applicant and the interview as opposed to MD/DO programs where the focus is initially more on the grades and test scores. This is changing and POD schools are just ahead of the MD/DO programs in some ways - many MD/DO programs are trying to begin to look more seriously at applicants who have the skills to be a physician, but might not test well or might have not have a "high" GPA for one reason or another. The reason is because they have found in the past that many smart applicants that look wonderful on paper do not have the people skills to do well in medical school and succeed in their profession - so they do really well on biochem tests, but can't build an appropriate relationship with a patient or think creatively enough to treat someone's illness that might not follow the text book outline.

My parents are both MDs and both on the local medical board and both work in admissions at the local med school. They say that this is a big discussion that has been ongoing for the last 5+ years. They have started to accept more and more students that may not look the absolute best on paper, but in person it is obvious that they will succeed. After all, most medical professions require humans, not machines, and most patients want a professional kind person to treat them who can communicate effectively in addition to treating them, not just a brain.

So, in my opinion, pod schools are just a bit ahead of the boat - they want real people in their programs and real people do not always score the highest on an entry test nor have the highest GPA of the pack. As said by someone else, once accepted, the students have to do their own work to succeed, and in general, the first two years for all DPM, MD,DO students is identical.

My parents have always said, especially recently, that DPMs have a great job - especially for someone like me who is really interested in injuries of the foot, especially those that are results of athletics. They have ALWAYS, even 20 years ago, referred out to podiatrists. Additionally, practically everyone else in my family is an MD - grandparents, uncles, aunts, brother in-law, cousins - and in every different specialty you can think of...pyschiatry, anesthesiology, plastics, family practice, ENT, gastro, and ER...and in various locations in the country...east coast, west coast and midwest. They all went to incredibly reputable schools and did very well respected residencies - Stanford, UCSF, Duke, and Johns Hopkins. Point being that they have been out in the medical community and have solid educations and still support me in pursuing a DPM as opposed to an MD. They all agree that a DPM is no less of a degree than an MD...and definitely a better opportunity for my specific interests. Only before I knew of podiatry was I thinking of MD programs - and that was 10 or so years ago. I only applied to pod schools and Im excited to begin next fall!!

Wow! That is quite the family line. I am not surprised that even in a family with all MDs, they still support the DPM degree. It goes to show that those who are educated about the profession, will have good things to say about it. When you hear the negativities, its usually from an ex-pod who is an MD-wannabe and originally was not interested in podiatry, or the ignorant.

 

[runnersfeet]

Yeah, honestly, I was a little intimidated by my own family and thought for sure they would look down on me for not attending the big MD schools that they all went to - as I could likely get into many because of their reps there. So, I was happy to know that they knew enough about podiatry and were very confident in the future of DPMs. I think many people just go into medicine thinking they are just going to make tons of money, but they dont have the business or people skills to do well nor to enjoy it - those are the ones who don't speak highly about any medical profession. And yes, the group of people who ignorantly speak negatively about pod schools and DPMs have obviously not done sufficient research about the profession/education and are likely incredibly bitter naive people anyway. 🙂

Wow! That is quite the family line. I am not surprised that even in a family with all MDs, they still support the DPM degree. It goes to show that those who are educated about the profession, will have good things to say about it. When you hear the negativities, its usually from an ex-pod who is an MD-wannabe and originally was not interested in podiatry, or the ignorant.

 

[krabmas]

Over the past few weeks, I've had a couple of experiences that have left me bewildered and I thought I'd seek some information. In two separate instances, people have implied that the only reason I went to podiatry school was because I couldn't get into any other medical program???????
Before choosing podiatry, I shadowed 6 or so other doctors and podiatry was the specialty that I liked best (I shadowed in FP, OB/Gyn, ER, IM, surgery, path, etc). And now that I've been in the "clinical realm" for a while, I'm really happy with my decision. My undergrad/MCAT stats were competitive for some MD programs and nearly every DO program and I had done quite a bit of research, some of which has since been published.
Having said that, I am well aware of some of the podiatry programs' selection criteria (or lack thereof). But that leads me to my question: How many of you CHOSE podiatry and how many of you felt like you had no other option? As we are all pretty much anonymous, I am hoping to get some honest responses. Just curous 🙂

I originally applied to MD schools only. Then I found out about podiatry and "gave up" on MD school. I probably could have gotten in to a few but I did not want to live in the parts of the country where those schools were so I did not apply to any schools out of the north east.

I found a pod school (the only one I looked at) in NYC and thought "great, I can live in NYC and persue medicine" so that is what I am doing. I never even shaddowed a pod.

My first year I thought I made a mistake because I kept hearing about the respect or lack there of issue but things have gotten better and I have met more podiatrist to balance out the negativity sometimes heard.

That's my story.

 

[hug793]

It's good to see that there are people who go into podiatry because they are genuinely interested in the foot and ankle..

There are so many people who go into podiatry just because they want to be "doctors" but couldn't cut it for MD school admission. I think that these people end out regretting their decision because somehow they forgot that they will become podiatrists and are limited to the foot & ankle.

Only go into podiatry if you want to specialize in the foot and ankle!
There are other options to be a "doctor" if the title is all you want. (Pharmacy, PhD, Public Health, geez even Nurse Practiconers are given Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees)
If you want to be a general practiconer and can't get into MD school, become a nurse practiconer. You'll be a lot happier.

Good luck to everyone, podiatry is a great profession and I think if it is what you want to go into, then do it!
just my 2cents 😀

 

[krabmas]

Good luck to everyone, podiatry is a great profession and I think if it is what you want to go into, then do it!
just my 2cents 😀

I'll drink to that.

I was one of the lucky ones that did this on a whim but ended up loving it. I would not recomend that just anyone do what I did. Actually I would not recommend it to anyone. Make sure you know what you are getting into.

 

[footloose]

Do people ask urologists constantly why they do what they do? Not likely, but the few I've known were completely into it. Would anyone expect a urologist to do foot surgery after that vasectomy? Not on my feet.

I'm excited to get a jump-start in my specialization while getting a strong, general, foundational medical education. I still have several open apps to MD schools (and interviews), and have competitive gpa & mcat scores. Of course there are strengths to both MD and DPM options. Occasionally the "prove yourself with an MD" mentality creeps in. Realistically though, while I could work with more body systems as an MD, if I'm going to specialize in foot and ankle, my better choice is podiatry. Hug793 and Krabmas are right on: people should check it out and make their own decisions. It's not for everyone. Nor are many medical career niches.

As a DPM, I pity those who ask me why I chose podiatry... they'll get the 20 minute answer on why feet are the more interesting end, not why I'm not an MD.

 

[whiskers]

Why are so many people ashamed of not getting into medical school?

If podiatry (at all the pod schools) is on par with the M.D./D.O. schools, WHY feel inferior at all?

Here is my take on it, THEY AREN'T THE SAME!!!!

Podiatry school doesn't equal medical school.

Why are some almost ashamed to admit they go to PODIATRY SCHOOL and instead talk around it?????

And has anyone stopped and inquired why we as a profession are viewed differently???? Maybe, just maybe there is some truth to the "rumors."

But it's best to flatly deny it all and pretend that it never.... and is not happening! Lol, and then another generation becomes suspect.

And we can continue to pretend.

 

[jonwill]

Oh FREAK, here we go again! I can never figure out what whiskers is talking about. Hey Whiskers, "Represent your pod school!!!!"

 

[IlizaRob]

Why are so many people ashamed of not getting into medical school?

If podiatry (at all the pod schools) is on par with the M.D./D.O. schools, WHY feel inferior at all?

Here is my take on it, THEY AREN'T THE SAME!!!!

Podiatry school doesn't equal medical school.

Why are some almost ashamed to admit they go to PODIATRY SCHOOL and instead talk around it?????

And has anyone stopped and inquired why we as a profession are viewed differently???? Maybe, just maybe there is some truth to the "rumors."

But it's best to flatly deny it all and pretend that it never.... and is not happening! Lol, and then another generation becomes suspect.

And we can continue to pretend.

Ahhhh, its great to see that Whiskers is back. Why the dry spell? However, once again your analysis of the OP is wrong. I dont think JonWill was frustrated because he was not in Medical School, quite the contrary. When people make comments about you being in pod school because you could not get into med school, there is an implied inferiority that is assumed by the commenter, not by the pod student. It is a direct attack on the academics and character of the person while the offender knows nothing about him. JonWill was stating that he never applied to med school seeing that podiatry was his choice of field although his grades/MCAT were competitive for it. This has nothing to do with not being proud of being in pod school. Please read the posts carefully before coming to conclusions and rambling on about the same 'ol stuff.

 

[IlizaRob]

Why are some almost ashamed to admit they go to PODIATRY SCHOOL and instead talk around it?????

Ha ha, I think this only applies to you Whiskers. It seems that you are the only one with the inferiority complex. I guess its pretty tough getting rejected from a pod school.

 

[jonwill]

Well, it doesn't really matter because no way would I have made it through the first two years or part I of the boards without OLD TESTS!!!!!!

 

[IlizaRob]

Well, it doesn't really matter because no way would I have made it through the first two years or part I of the boards without OLD TESTS!!!!!!

I love those old tests. But dont tell anyone else that we have them because I want them all to fail and the old tests are the only way to pass.

 

[psionic_blast]

old tests "my precious, oh my precious" give me my precious test NOW!

 

[krabmas]

I love sarcasm!!!!

And old tests! Without them I'd surely flunk right out of school, in fact I would have never even scored points for my name on the MCAT with out them. 😛

 

[desertpod]

Why are so many people ashamed of not getting into medical school?

If podiatry (at all the pod schools) is on par with the M.D./D.O. schools, WHY feel inferior at all?

Here is my take on it, THEY AREN'T THE SAME!!!!

Podiatry school doesn't equal medical school.

Why are some almost ashamed to admit they go to PODIATRY SCHOOL and instead talk around it?????

And has anyone stopped and inquired why we as a profession are viewed differently???? Maybe, just maybe there is some truth to the "rumors."

But it's best to flatly deny it all and pretend that it never.... and is not happening! Lol, and then another generation becomes suspect.

And we can continue to pretend.

With that can do attitude, you are going to be very successful. I'll send all of my corn and callus cases to you so I'll have more time to do surgery.

 

[doclm]

Oh FREAK, here we go again! I can never figure out what whiskers is talking about. Hey Whiskers, "Represent your pod school!!!!"

Yeah Whiskers,

Why can't you "represent your POD school?" Please blow me away with your list of factual data pertaining to your experience in POD school.

 

[doclm]

With that can do attitude, you are going to be very successful. I'll send all of my corn and callus cases to you so I'll have more time to do surgery.

Whiskers,

I cannot wait until you become my business partner. 😍

We could move mountains with your ambition to succeed. 😱

 

[FALL06]

Why are so many people ashamed of not getting into medical school?

If podiatry (at all the pod schools) is on par with the M.D./D.O. schools, WHY feel inferior at all?

Here is my take on it, THEY AREN'T THE SAME!!!!

Podiatry school doesn't equal medical school.

Why are some almost ashamed to admit they go to PODIATRY SCHOOL and instead talk around it?????

And has anyone stopped and inquired why we as a profession are viewed differently???? Maybe, just maybe there is some truth to the "rumors."

But it's best to flatly deny it all and pretend that it never.... and is not happening! Lol, and then another generation becomes suspect.

And we can continue to pretend.

When you guys respond to Whisker's outrageous threads you just fuel the fire. Whiskers is just trying to stir things up and he/she succeeds when we have a reaction to his posts....just smile and move on with more important discussions.

 

[N4658H]

Over the past few weeks, I've had a couple of experiences that have left me bewildered and I thought I'd seek some information. In two separate instances, people have implied that the only reason I went to podiatry school was because I couldn't get into any other medical program???????

jonwill, it's too bad this happened. Did this happen from fellow students, at the hospital, family, or from some uneducated guy on the street?

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

My gut feeling is who cares if other people are so insecure that they pull this B.S. I think that if we continue to ban together as podiatrist and we don't let small minded people like Whiskers pull us down, we will improve our chosen career and health care everywhere.

"To succeed as a team is to hold all of the members accountable for their expertise."
Mitchell Caplan, CEO, E*Trade Group Inc.

 

[jonwill]

jonwill, it's too bad this happened. Did this happen from fellow students, at the hospital, family, or from some uneducated guy on the street?

One was a pre-med and one was an MS-1. In other words, they are still at that stage where it's all "theoretical" medicine and they have no idea what they are talking about! As I told them, when you get into the real medical world, no one spends time talking about what type of doctor you are or whose training is superior/inferior. You are all treated the same and you all work as a team. 👍

 

[jonwill]

My gut feeling is who cares if other people are so insecure that they pull this B.S. I think that if we continue to ban together as podiatrist and we don't let small minded people like Whiskers pull us down, we will improve our chosen career and health care everywhere.

"To succeed as a team is to hold all of the members accountable for their expertise."
Mitchell Caplan, CEO, E*Trade Group Inc.

But Feelgood, wouldn't you agree that "succeeding as a team" would include making sure that EVERYONE had the old tests so they could all cheat their way through pod school together???

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

That's a given Jon. That is the only way that we survive at DMU. Thank goodness for old tests.