PrePodiatryLife Lifestyle

WUCPM: Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine

Former names–
MottoTo Teach, To Heal, Together
Established date2009
Current PresidentDaniel R. Wilson MD, PhD
Students per class50
LocationPomona, CA
ColorsBurgundy, White
Websitewww.westernu.edu

9-Introduction

Western University of Health Sciences opened the College of Podiatric Medicine in 2009.  It became the ninth podiatric medical school to open in the United States. The current Dean is Dr. Kathleen Satterfield DPM. The College of Podiatric Medicine is among nine professional graduate programs at Western University. 

Students

Class sizes are usually around 50 students.  The white coat ceremony is at the end of orientation week for first year students.  There are many clubs and research projects for students to be involved including the American Association of Women Podiatrists, American Podiatric Medical Association student club, Journal Club, Pediatrics Club, etc. Since COVID, didactics are through remote learning.  However, the third and fourth years are on-site at various hospitals for their clinical rotations. 

Education

The College of Podiatric Medicine is known for its strong education in general medicine.  In the first two years, podiatry students take their courses with the osteopathic medical students in addition to their specific podiatric courses. The curriculum includes Interprofessional Education (IPE), a program that involves all nine colleges. IPE is an  interdisciplinary approach to

the training and education of healthcare professionals. IPE occurs when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and quality of care. Anatomy is taught during the first year and involves a cadaver lab with 3-4 students per cadaver to share. 

A student’s first year focuses on biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and embryology.  The second year focuses on microbiology, pharmacology, lower extremity anatomy, and pathology A third and fourth year will spend much more time in surrounding clinics in the greater Los Angeles area, spending time with practicing podiatrists in clinic and in surgery. A fourth year will focus much of their time in graduating and attaining a residency placement. Fourth year students will travel through six externships at residency hospitals to learn more about the program.