What is a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists provide medical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery involving the lower extremities.

Podiatrists typically do the following:

  • Assess the condition of a patient’s feet, ankles, or lower legs by reviewing his or her medical history, listening to the patient’s concerns, and performing a physical examination
  • Diagnose foot, ankle, and lower leg problems through physical exams, x rays, medical laboratory tests, and other methods
  • Provide treatment for foot, ankle, and lower leg ailments, such as prescribing special shoe inserts (orthotics) to improve a patient’s mobility
  • Perform foot and ankle surgeries, such as removing bone spurs, fracture repairs, and correcting other foot and ankle deformities
  • Advise and instruct patients on foot and ankle care and on general wellness techniques
  • Prescribe medications
  • Coordinate patient care with other physicians
  • Refer patients to other physicians or specialists if they detect larger health problems, such as diabetes
  • Conduct research, read journals, and attend conferences to keep up with advances in podiatric medicine and surgery

Application process for Podiatry programs vary by school. It is important for students to be aware of the specific process of the schools to which they may apply.

There are many factors that are evaluated throughout the application process.

  • Academic Record
  • The Standardized Test – General Record Exam (GRE), Medical School Admission Test (MCAT), The Dental Admission Test (DAT)
  • Letters of Evaluation
  • The Interview
  • Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience
  • The Application Service – American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS)

Please visit the Center for Health Sciences and Student Success in the College of Sciences and Engineering at Wilkes University for more information on the application process.

ACPMAS begins accepting new applications for admission the first Wednesday in August each year for fall admission the following year.

Pre-Podiatry students are encouraged to apply early and to work with the Center for Health Sciences and Student Success in the College of Science and Engineering at Wilkes University in preparation of the application process.

Application requirements for Podiatry programs vary by school.

It is important for students to be aware of the specific requirements of the schools to which they may apply. All podiatric medical colleges require a year of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and English. All science courses must include laboratory work.