California School of Podiatric Medicine
doctor of podiatric medicine JOIN AN EXCITING AND REWARDING CAREER Job outlooks for podiatric physicians have never been better and your future as a DPM has never looked brighter. In fact, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) the demand for podiatric physicians is at an all-time high. In a recent study conducted by the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the School of Public Health, University of Albany, podiatrists provided close to 40 percent of all foot care services in the United States, compared to 13 percent for orthopedic physicians and 37 percent for all other physicians. Dr. Christian Robertozzi, former APMA president and California College of Podiatric Medicine alum, states, The field of podiatry is really one of the most specialized in all of medicine. So what does this mean for you and your future as a DPM? It means your potential income will be among America s 25 Best Paying Jobs, as reported by Forbes. And with no required on-call responsibilities and a professional practice that can be as active as you choose, you have the exceptional ability to balance both work and life responsibilities. WHAT DOES THE CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE (CSPM) HAVE TO OFFER YOU? Demonstrating academic excellence in podiatric medical education for nearly a century, CSPM as part of Samuel Merritt University (SMU), offers a number of advantages to students: > Hands-on, early clinical experience at the beginning of the second year > Small entering classes of approximately 48 > Pioneering faculty in biomechanics and sports medicine YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO USE STATE-OF-THE-ART SIMULATION Learning Through the generous support of the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation, SMU has recently opened a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Simulation Center. This multi-million dollar human simulation laboratory has two simulation learning areas, each complete with separate control rooms, programmable human-like mannequins, and student debrief conference rooms. Human simulation is quickly becoming standard learning technology with the use of human-like mannequins that are managed by highly sophisticated software allowing manipulation of a wide variety of parameters (pulse, blood pressure, lung sounds, response to drugs, heart rate and rhythm, etc.). CLINICAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AS EARLY AS THE SECOND YEAR CSPM is known for its hands-on, early approach to clinical education. CSPM students scrub and assist with surgical procedures earlier than most other podiatric medical colleges and universities. For the past 25 years cooperative clinical programs with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), SF General Hospital, the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Highland Hospital in Oakland, and St. Mary s Hospital in San Francisco have provided top-tier clinical training for CSPM students. Fourth-year students may elect, with the approval of CSPM administration, to base this year at the CSPM/San Francisco campus or at affiliated health science centers including VA Salt Lake City Medical Center, VA Albuquerque Medical Center, VA Tacoma/Madigan Army Hospital, and Mariposa Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. RESIDENCY: YOUR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE CSPM provides a basis for students to acquire preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills to prepare for residency training. The body of knowledge, concepts, and skills required to practice podiatric medicine and surgery cannot all be included in the predoctoral curriculum therefore, additional post-doctoral training in the form of a residency is necessary. The time for such training varies depending on the area the podiatric physician will be emphasizing. CSPM continues to excel in placing graduates in residency programs with 100% of all eligible students who wanted a program being placed. APPLYING FOR ADMISSION CSPM participates in the central application service of the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). For an application, contact AACPMAS at www.aacpm.org or by phone at 800.922.9266. The application filing period extends from August through June for the next fall entering class. Applications received prior to April 1st will receive priority consideration, though applications will be accepted after the deadline date on a space-available basis. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. The SIM patients are programmed to simulate common medical conditions like asthma or more crucial conditions like cardiac arrest, and speak to students during simulated treatment. The addition of the HSSC to Samuel Merritt University clearly places the institution at the forefront of podiatric medical education.
doctor of podiatric medicine ADMISSION INFORMATION The DPM program is an entry-level doctoral degree requiring the completion of at least three years (90 semester units) of undergraduate pre-professional education at an accredited institution. Nearly all of the entering students have a baccalaureate or an advanced degree. Admission is competitive and an interview is required as part of the admission process. The program is four years in length and consists of a comprehensive curriculum in the basic medical and clinical sciences. Admission is available once a year and the program begins in the fall. To be considered for an interview, applicants must meet the following criteria: > Completion of all prerequisites prior to entry > Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (all college or university); most competitive applicants will have a 3.0 or higher. > Minimum science GPA of 2.75; most competitive applicants will have a 3.0 or higher. > The need for a TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by applicants on the application for admission. If required, a minimum score of 100 (Internet Based Test) must be achieved and official score results must be provided. In addition, applicants must take the Test of Spoken English (TSE). > In addition to other letters of recommendation, one is required from a podiatric physician. > All applicants must visit the office of a podiatric physician prior to the on-campus interview. > Please see website for computer literacy information > Competitive scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is also required of all applicants. The minimum MCAT score required for consideration is 16; the average score of successful applicants is 22. MCAT must have been taken within the past three years. PREREQUISITES Competitive applicants will have had a university curriculum that includes three or more of the following recommended courses: anatomy, biochemistry, histology, microbiology, and physiology, as well as extensive course work in the liberal arts. A combination course such as genetics, embryology, virology, or immunology will also be beneficial. Specific course prerequisites include: General Biology*... 8 units General Chemistry*... 8 units (including content in Inorganic) TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID The Financial Aid staff will explain the options that make the cost of attending CSPM manageable for you. Through a financial aid award, consisting of loans, scholarships, and work study programs, we are able to assist over 90% of our students with the cost of attendance. Tuition for 2010 2011: $30,968 (including fall, spring, and summer terms). Enrolled students are also responsible for the cost of books, equipment, and health insurance. These estimated costs are available from the Financial Aid Office. ACCREDITATION Samuel Merritt University is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The DPM program is accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association. FOR MORE INFORMATION Application and Admission Andre Singleton Recruitment and Outreach Specialist California School of Podiatric Medicine asingleton@samuelmerritt.edu 510.869.6511, extension 4297 David Tran, DPM Assistant Professor, CSPM, and Associate Director of Admission dtran@samuelmerritt.edu 510.869.6789 Doctor of Podiatric Medicine FALL 2010 DATA Applicants 340 Accepted 111 Enrolled 41 Average Science GPA* 3.02 Average Overall GPA* 3.20 Average MCAT Comp* 22 * Enrolled student data Organic Chemistry*... 4 unit Biochemistry*... 4 units Physics*... 8 unit English/Communication Studies... 8 units Liberal Arts electives... 12 units * All science prerequisites require labs. A total of 8 semester units of Organic Chemistry may be substituted for Biochemistry.
cspm financial aid Financing The Cost Of Your Education At CSPM The Financial Aid Office at CSPM is committed to providing you with access to financial aid resources and information that will enable you to obtain your educational, personal, and professional goals of becoming a podiatric physician. 2010 2011 Tuition CSPM Tuition* (annually) $30,968 what your financial aid award might be The following budget covers the first year of the program which is 2 semesters, or 9 months. Tuition $30,968 Student Body Fee $50 CPMSA Fee $180 Lab Fees $490 Computer Costs $1,200 Books/Supplies $1,704 Instruments $1,850 Living Expenses* $23,924 Total $60,336 * Estimated living expenses include room, board, utilities, transportation, medical, and personal expenses. Student Budget Example: James is living off campus, and will be a Presidential Scholarship recipient. His Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is $9,000, which means he has financial need. He needs to pay for off campus living expenses and tuition using financial aid. Attendance: ($57,621) EFC ( $9,000) = Need ($48,621) James is awarded the following: Work Study $1,000 Subsidized Stafford Loan $8,500 Unsubsidized Stafford Loan $32,000 Presidential Scholarship $12,500 Graduate PLUS Loan $2,814 Total Aid $56,814 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov Federal Student Aid Information Center Operated by the Department of Education, the Center is a clearinghouse for financial aid information: 800.433.3243. fafsa code: 007012 award amount* Presidential Scholarship $12,500 Dean s Scholarship $7,500 Entrance Scholarship $5,000 Stafford Loans Subsidized (no interest while in school) Unsubsidized (6.5% interest currently) $8,500 annually $32,000 annually Graduate Plus Loans (8.5% interest) Up to $20,000 Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) $20,000 Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) * Fall 2009/Fall 2010 Varies ** Information in this brochure is subject to change without notification. Information on the Presidential, Dean s, and Entrance Scholarships, while accurate based on previous years, were still being finalized at the time of print in Fall 2010. > Presidential Scholarship :: An annually renewable scholarship for students entering CSPM with a science and cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and a MCAT score of at least 25. (Limited amount of awards) > Dean s Scholarship :: An annually renewable scholarship for students entering CSPM with a science and cumulative GPA between 3.3 and 3.349 and a MCAT score of at least 22. (Limited amount of awards) > Entrance Scholarship :: A one time scholarship for any student that is not awarded the Presidential Scholarship or Dean s Scholarship. (Limited amount of awards) > Stafford Loans :: Government guaranteed low interest loans that do not require repayment until six months after graduation. > Graduate Plus Loans :: Federal low interest credit worthy loans. Payments deferred until after graduation. > Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) :: Zero interest loan until repayment 12 months after graduation. > Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) :: WICHE grants are available for students from certain geographical areas of the country. More information is available at the WICHE website, www.wiche.edu. In addition, continuing students may compete for a number of DPMspecific scholarships. > APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) > FFE (Foundation for Excellence) > Wong Podiatric Endowed Scholarship > CSPM Alumni & Associates Scholarship > Sharon Clark Diaz Endowed Scholarship > Employee Campaign Scholarship > Faculty Scholarship > Podiatric Medicine Scholarship > SMU Podiatric Medicine Scholarship > P.B. Nelson Podiatric Scholarship > Lowe Podiatric Scholarship
cspm curriculum The educational program leading to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree consists of a comprehensive curriculum in the basic medical and clinical sciences. The didactic course work is completed during the first three years of the program. Clinical rotations begin at the start of the second academic year in May. During the summer months, second year students begin to par- ticipate in clinical rotations, which cover mechanical orthopedics, radiology, general, and primary podiatric medicine. The majority of the third year and the entire fourth year are devoted to clinical rotations at inpatient and outpatient facilities, outside externships at affiliated Bay Area medical centers and throughout the United States, and community practice clerkships. CSPM Curriculum Fall I Intro to Human Anatomy/Human Embryology Human Anatomy I Physiology I Biochemistry I Histology Spring I Lower Extremity Anatomy Human Anatomy II Physiology II Biochemistry II Neuroscience Introduction to Clinical Medicine Biomechanics I Fall II General Medicine I Biomechanics II Radiology I Podiatric Surgery I Podiatric Medicine I Pathology I Pharmacology I Research Methods Spring II General Medicine II Biomechanics III Radiology II Podiatric Surgery II Podiatric Medicine II Immunology Pathology II Pharmacology II Fall III General Medicine III Podiatric Surgery III Public Health/Jurisprudence Dermatology I Spring III General Medicine IV Podiatric Trauma Pediatrics Dermatology II Neurology *Third Year Clinical Rotations Third year students will complete the following clinical rotation assignments at affiliated Bay Area medical centers, outpatient facilities and community practice clerkships: Podiatric Surgery, Diabetic and Wound Care, Highland Hospital, Radiology, Medicine, Third year Biomechanics, and Private Office Clerkship. Fourth Year Core Clinical Training Opportunities Fourth year students have the opportunity to base their clinical training at one of several affiliated medical centers. These include: CSPM Core Maricopa Medical Center Arizona Core VA Albuquerque Medical Center Core VA Salt Lake City Core VA Tacoma/Madigan Army Hospital Core *Second Year Clinical Rotations Students will complete clinical rotation assignments in the following inpatient, outpatient and specialty clinical facilities: Highland Hospital, Laguna Honda Hospital, Clinical skills, Biomechanics Workshop, Medicine Rotation, Simulation Center Rotation, Homeless Clinic, and Radiology Rotation.
Samuel Merritt University Office of Admission 3100 Telegraph Avenue Suite 1000 Oakland, CA 94609 phone 800.607.6377 phone 510.869.6576 fax 510.869.6525 WEB www.samuelmerritt.edu California School of Podiatric Medicine Samuel Merritt University 450 30th Street Suite 2860 Oakland, CA 94609 phone 800.607.6377 phone 510.869.6576 fax 510.869.6525 Financial Aid Office 3100 Telegraph Avenue Suite 1110 Oakland, CA 94609 phone 510.869.1550 fax 510.869.1529 email finaid@samuelmerritt.edu information is subject to change without notification 09/10