The current practice of podiatry is facing many hurdles, especially in states where podiatrist are not recognized as physicians. We have some of the worst application numbers to Podiatry schools ever seen. I have been a long believer in parity; the recent white paper which would have allowed podiatry students to sit for the USMLE was promptly shot down by the AMA. I have long believed the path forward would be to model OMFS and start hybrid programs, which would combine the DPM and MD degree together, this could even include decreasing a year off of podiatry school and increasing one year of residency (a 3+4 program which would help offset the increase two years that would be required for the MD degree) such as combined OMFS and MD programs do. This would put us on a level playing field with all other medical specialties and allow for a pathway forward, including board certification through the American College of surgeons like all other 14 surgical specialties (Instead of having two boards fighting each other -> dissolve ABPM and ABFAS and roll it into ACS). This would also require a name change to distinguish those with the new credentials such as “lower extremity surgeons” so their would be clear distinction from Podiatrists of different training. Previous Podiatrists can be grandfathered in. The goal would not necessarily be to change what Podiatrists do, but to eliminate state scope issues by allowing one to practice within their training, allow for use of physician extenders, allow for application to loan repayment programs only “physicians” qualify for (many states have programs that will reimburse some part of student loans for a time commitment, but Podiatrists don’t qualify), etc. Hoping to gain some traction with this thread.
Last edited:
