Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
As a doctor of podiatric medicine, you will treat and care for people from the ground up. Enjoy the powerful opportunity to have a positive impact on your patients’ quality of life every day. Des Moines University trains you to succeed in this rewarding, lucrative career by helping you develop the clinical, communication and interprofessional teamwork skills you’ll need as a podiatric physician.
Perfect the skills and knowledge you need to provide top-notch treatment for feet, ankles and lower limbs in pediatrics, surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, trauma and wound care through DMU’s four-year graduate program. You will be prepared to pass your national board exams and begin your residency in podiatric medicine. DMU has had 100% residency placement since 2003, and our students earn top board scores.
Since 1898, DMU has built its reputation as a top medical university by producing expert practitioners and health care professionals in a variety of areas.
In the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, our eight full-time faculty members and five part-time faculty members together have over 112 years of experience as clinicians and educators. Our professors provide a wellspring of knowledge for our students and serve as clinicians at the Des Moines University Foot and Ankle Clinic. Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience with patients.
The median annual wage for podiatrists is nearly $150,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with flexible hours and few requirements for shift work. Work for a hospital, multi-specialty clinic, private practice or start your own practice.
DMU offers both surgical and non-surgical options in areas like sports medicine, trauma, pediatrics, geriatrics and diabetic care. You’ll be able to improve your patients’ quality of life and help them overcome foot-related challenges. Deepen your medical knowledge with interprofessional educational opportunities across the university.
The facilities, technology and labs at DMU’s newly constructed campus have been intentionally designed to enrich the learning environment of all our programs. You’ll learn in modern, superbly equipped classrooms, gait labs and simulation suites, and get hands-on patient experience in our teaching clinic. Our student-focused campus is equipped with fitness facilities and student health services to support your physical and mental health and well-being.
Students must complete 44 credit hours of clinical rotations during their fourth year
Note: There are no required elective hours in the D.P.M. program. Prior to the start of each term, students receive a list of electives for which D.P.M. students are eligible.
Our constantly evolving curriculum means your D.P.M. will reflect the latest methodology and practice in podiatric care — and when you graduate, you’ll be well compensated for the skills and knowledge you bring to the table.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
DMU is one of the best medical and health sciences universities in the nation. We have designed our curriculum to reflect how adults learn. Our rigorous D.P.M. classes are made up only of graduate students so you can focus on the high-level curriculum you need to succeed.
You’ll have opportunities to think and reflect critically. You’ll learn through errors and purposeful practice. You’ll revisit and build upon concepts and relate your experiences and motivations for becoming a D.P.M. to course content. We help you make connections between what you already know, what you are learning and where you want to go.
DMU was the best decision ever. When I visited campus, I saw the university has all the resources, amazing staff and great professors. Everyone was really supportive. Des Moines also has a lot to offer. It felt like home to me.
- Ebonie Vincent, D.P.M.’15 and Co-Star of “My Feet Are Killing Me” (TLC)
DMU’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is fully accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.
Accreditation is an indication of public approbation, attesting to the quality of the podiatric medical education program and the continued commitment of the institution to support the educational program. The council is recognized as the professional institutional accrediting agency for podiatric medical education by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For further information, please contact the Council on Podiatric Medical Education at the following address: Council on Podiatric Medical Education, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 220 | Rockville, MD 20852 | 301-581-9200.
At DMU, we are committed to helping you achieve your career goals. Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way. Apply now to join our D.P.M. program and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a podiatrist!
