Dr. Jeffrey Jensen
Choosing a career in medicine can be a rewarding career path. There are three types of medical schools which include DPM, MD, and DO, and it can be challenging to know which direction to take. As a medical student, you may be considering one of these three routes and wondering how they differ. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast podiatry school and medical school. We’ll discuss the educational paths, the differences in training, and the professional outcomes of each.
Why is podiatry school different than medical school?
First of all, let’s unpack the question of whether podiatry is the same as medical school. The short answer is yes, they are very similar. Many DPM programs will actually take their basic science courses with their DO counterparts at several of the schools. The biggest difference between the programs is that as a DPM student, you know from day one where your specialty will be focused, the lower extremity. You will still learn about the entire human body but take additional courses that will focus on the lower extremity as well. Podiatrists, also known as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs), have their own board exam and licensing system separate from MDs and DOs. DPMs can specialize in various areas, including but not limited to surgery, sports medicine, or preventative care.
Podiatry is a specialized form of medical practice, and the training to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) differs from that of a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). DPMs receive education in topics such as biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, gross anatomy and anatomy of the lower extremity of the foot and lower extremities, biomechanics, and surgery. They also focus heavily on hands-on clinical experience in order to hone their diagnostic and therapeutic skills related to foot care including rotations in specialties such as Emergency Medicine, Vascular, Infectious Diseases, and Pulmonary. In addition, DPMs are trained in the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and mechanical management of diseases and disorders of the foot and ankle.
Whereas MDs/DOs attend four years of medical school followed by a residency program, podiatry students complete four years of medical school followed by a three-year podiatric medicine and surgery residency. After completing their residencies, DPMs are eligible to take board certification examinations.
How many podiatry schools are there in the US?
Interestingly, there are currently eleven podiatry schools in the United States, compared to more than 150 MD programs and 40 DO programs. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it actually means that podiatry students are part of a much smaller community. This can create a more personalized and supportive learning environment, with closer relationships between students and professors.
Is it easier to get into podiatry school than med school?
Podiatry school is highly competitive and the academic requirements for entry are typically quite rigorous. The number of applicants with acceptable credentials far exceeds the available slots in podiatry schools, so only the most qualified students will be accepted into a program. Ultimately, the requirements for acceptance into podiatry school are similar to those of medical school.
Is podiatry studied in medical school?
Although MDs/DOs may learn about foot care through their general studies, DPMs receive far more comprehensive education specifically related to foot an ankle pathologies. As a result, podiatry education and training is far more specialized than that of MDs/DOs.
One of the most significant differences between podiatry school and medical school is the level of focus on the foot and ankle. Podiatry students spend four years learning about all aspects of foot health, including anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. On the other hand, medical students cover the entire body and must take a range of courses from cardiology to neurology. In the final years of medical school, students can choose a specialty that interests them, such as surgery or pediatrics.
Why choose podiatry over MD/DO?
Individuals who choose to pursue a DPM instead of an MD/DO may do so for many reasons. While MDs/DOs are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of more general medical issues, individuals seeking specialized medical, biomechanical and surgical training related to the foot and ankle may opt for podiatry school. Ultimately, the decision to pursue podiatry or medical school should be made based on individual career goals and interests.
For many students, podiatry offers a high level of job security and career satisfaction. Foot and ankle problems are common and the overall population of America is aging, leading to a high demand for podiatric medical and surgical services. Additionally, podiatrists have a high rate of job satisfaction, as they can make a significant difference in patients’ lives by alleviating pain and improving mobility.
Is a DPM better than an MD or DO?
Each profession has its own set of educational and training requirements, so neither is “better” than the other. MDs and DOs are trained to diagnose and treat general medical issues and DPMs provide specialized care for foot and ankle conditions. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of physician best meets their needs.
DPM vs MD/DO Salary
When it comes to earnings potential, DPMs, DOs, and MDs are similar but not equal. According to recent ACFAS data, DPMs have a median salary of $225,000 while MDs and DOs have a median salary of just over $200,000. However, there is a difference in the time required to become a practicing professional. Podiatry school takes four years to complete with an additional three-year residency, while medical school takes four years plus at least a four-year residency and possibly additional fellowship training in some cases. The average surgical residency for an MD/DO will be at least 5 years compared to the podiatric medicine and surgical residency which is 3 years. That means that a podiatric student can be out in the workforce and earn a high salary sooner than a medical student.
In conclusion, podiatry school and medical school are two distinct educational paths in medicine with their own unique advantages. Podiatry offers a regional focus on foot and ankle health, a smaller and more supportive educational environment, and a high demand for services. On the other hand, medical school covers the entire human body and offers a range of specialties. If you’re a medical student considering career options, it’s essential to weigh these factors and decide which course of study is right for you. Whether you choose podiatry or medical school, one thing is clear: both paths offer an exciting and rewarding career in medicine.
Interested in becoming a podiatric physician? Apply now!