Podiatric Medicine
Programs
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Podiatric Medicine Curriculum
Courses
PMEDG 1512: Podiatric Medicine I
Credits 1.5This course introduces students to the podiatric medical profession and the role podiatric physicians play in healthcare delivery. Students will be introduced to basic podiatric and anatomical nomenclature and terminology. They will understand the importance of protecting both themselves and patients from bloodborne pathogens, learn the names and functions of common clinical instruments, and practice their use. Students will become familiar with common podiatric conditions and will be taught to perform a simple medical history and lower extremity physical examination.
PMEDG 1521: Biomechanics of Lower Extremity Function I
Credits 3This course introduces the principles of podiatric biomechanics including body planes and movement, normal locomotion, the mechanics of normal muscle and joint function, open and closed kinetic chain movement, and the basic biomechanical examination. Computer animation, videotapes, and live demonstrations are used to demonstrate normal gait patterns and the steps of a standard biomechanical examination. Practical labs are held to teach the proper techniques of biomechanical analysis.
PMEDG 1531: Podiatric Surgery I
Credits 3This course teaches the fundamental principles of surgery, including normal wound, tendon and bone healing. The perioperative and postoperative management of a surgical patient are discussed along with basic concepts of hemostasis, patient positioning, and management of postoperative complications. Specific minor surgical techniques are discussed and practiced, including instrumentation, injection techniques, incision placement, suturing, knot tying and basic skin flaps. The students also practice basic nail surgery and soft tissue mass excision techniques.
PMEDG 1619: Podiatric Basic Skills Practicum
Credits 1The Podiatric Basic Skills practicum is one course consisting of clinical training experiences that span three quarters during the second year. Its purpose is to help each student develop fundamental clinical skills in preparation for full time clinical rotations during the third year. Training experiences include refresher skills labs and hands on patient care at a variety of different clinical settings. PMEDG 1618 1 credits summer quarter, PMEDG 1620 0.5 credits fall quarter, PMEDG 1621 0.5 credits winter quarter. Summer, Fall & Winter Quarters Second Year.
PMEDG 1620: Podiatric Basic Skills Practicum
Credits 0.5The Podiatric Basic Skills practicum is one course consisting of clinical training experiences that span three quarters during the second year. Its purpose is to help each student develop fundamental clinical skills in preparation for full time clinical rotations during the third year. Training experiences include refresher skills labs and hands on patient care at a variety of different clinical settings. PMEDG 1618 1 credits summer quarter, PMEDG 1620 0.5 credits fall quarter, PMEDG 1621 0.5 credits winter quarter. Summer, Fall & Winter Quarters Second Year.
PMEDG 1621: Podiatric Basic Skills Practicum
Credits 0.5The Podiatric Basic Skills practicum is one course consisting of clinical training experiences that span three quarters during the second year. Its purpose is to help each student develop fundamental clinical skills in preparation for full time clinical rotations during the third year. Training experiences include refresher skills labs and hands on patient care at a variety of different clinical settings. PMEDG 1618 1 credits summer quarter, PMEDG 1620 0.5 credits fall quarter, PMEDG 1621 0.5 credits winter quarter. Summer, Fall & Winter Quarters Second Year.
PMEDG 1631: Podiatric Surgery II
Credits 3.5Podiatric Surgery II informs students of the common deformities that occur in the foot that have underlying biomechanical etiologies. Students correlate the abnormal mechanics of the foot with the selection of and techniques utilized for surgical correction. The clinical skills component will demonstrate the components and techniques used in basic internal fixation, the skills, and techniques used in the radiographic assessment of a Hallux Abducto Valgus deformity, and proper dressing application.
PMEDG 1641: Podiatric Medicine II
Credits 3.5This course expands on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed in Part I. Focus will be placed on the management of the lower extremity manifestations of diabetes, infectious disease and peripheral vascular disease. The diagnosis, medical and surgical management of the diabetic foot, including lower extremity ulcerations, neuropathy and Charcot are discussed in detail. Infectious disease and wound care considerations will be presented in both lecture and lab formats, providing hands-on experiences with many of the advanced treatment options available.
PMEDG 1642: Evidence Based Medicine
Credits 1.5This course explores the relationships between research and evidence based healthcare. The subjects covered include: research methodology, bioethical issues related to human subject research, the role of the Institutional Review Board, research protocol writing, and biostatistics. Current and clinically relevant articles will be used for problem-based analysis.
PMEDG 1643: Advanced Lower Extremity Anatomy
Credits 6.5The purpose of this course is to provide students a firm foundation in the structure of the lower extremity. The course will emphasize a functional and clinical approach to the study of the anatomy of the lower extremity. The anatomical terminology learned will be the vocabulary necessary to understand podiatric surgery, radiology, orthopedics and biomechanics. This knowledge is essential to the podiatrist’s assessment of a patient’s status, and in the interpretation of laboratory and diagnostic tests; and in learning pathology.
PMEDG 1644: Medical Imaging
Credits 3The purpose of this medical imaging course is to introduce podiatric medical students to diagnostic radiology which will prepare them for their podiatric medical career. Emphasis will be on plain film x-rays and will include the biology, safety, physics, and x-ray interpretation. Students will also will learn basic foot and ankle X-ray positioning and be able to perform and obtain appropriate views. The course will also introduce the podiatric medical student to special imaging (MRI, CT scan, bone scan, diagnostic ultrasonography) and how it pertains to the diagnosis of foot and ankle pathology.
PMEDG 1651: Biomechanics of Lower Extremity Function II
Credits 3.5Biomechanics of Lower Extremity Function II is designed to provide a comprehensive study of biomechanics with an emphasis on normal and abnormal structure and function. General treatment concepts will be considered for a range of conditions with special emphasis on orthosis therapy and footwear correlated to the clinical setting. Short presentations will be followed by hands-on exercises for clinical application.
PMEDG 1662: General Medicine I
Credits 3Students study diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and hematology systems through the integration of the basic and clinical sciences. Case-based approaches are used in addition to didactic instruction.
PMEDG 1670: Physical Diagnosis
Credits 3This course is designed to teach the student the art and technique of physical assessment. Course content includes lectures and reading assignments covering normal and abnormal physical findings. In addition, there are weekly physical exam laboratory sessions designed to provide the student with hands-on practice in exam techniques. At the conclusion of the course the student will be expected to pass a written final exam and satisfactorily perform a complete physical examination.
PMEDG 1672: General Medicine II
Credits 3General Medicine II includes geriatrics, gastroenterology and nephrology. Students study diseases of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems and study issues related to aging through the integration of the basic and clinical sciences. Case-based approaches include a required written history and physical examination and a case presentation is used in addition to didactic instruction.
PMEDG 1675: Pediatric Orthopedics
Credits 3Pediatric Orthopedics is designed to provide the podiatric medical student with a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of normal and abnormal pediatric lower extremity conditions and pediatric gait patterns. This course includes lectures on child development, normal pediatric growth, ontogeny, common pediatric foot and ankle deformities, pediatric arthritides, congenital abnormalities, pediatric radiographs, and common pediatric gait problems.
PMEDG 1678: Behavioral Medicine
Credits 1.5This course is designed to introduce the podiatry student to behavioral medicine and important interrelationships between the mind, emotions, and physical health that they will encounter in daily practice. Emphasis is placed on the student’s role as an advocate and in referral management, development of skills in both understanding the patient and facilitating effective treatment in diverse patient presentations. Clinical cases, in-class exercises, and audiovisual presentations will enhance the student’s understanding and mastery of the material presented.
PMEDG 1701A: Podiatric Medicine CORE
Credits 4The Podiatric Medicine CORE rotation consists of a one month training experience at each of four different locations (A, B, C, D) during the third year. The overall goal of the rotation is to develop skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of patients of all ages and differing pathologies.
PMEDG 1701B: Podiatric Medicine CORE
Credits 4The Podiatric Medicine CORE rotation consists of a one month training experience at each of four different locations (A, B, C, D) during the third year. The overall goal of the rotation is to develop skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of patients of all ages and differing pathologies.
PMEDG 1701C: Podiatric Medicine CORE
Credits 4The Podiatric Medicine CORE rotation consists of a one month training experience at each of four different locations (A, B, C, D) during the third year. The overall goal of the rotation is to develop skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of patients of all ages and differing pathologies.
PMEDG 1701D: Podiatric Medicine CORE
Credits 4The Podiatric Medicine CORE rotation consists of a one month training experience at each of four different locations (A, B, C, D) during the third year. The overall goal of the rotation is to develop skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of patients of all ages and differing pathologies.
PMEDG 1701E: Podiatric Medicine CORE
Credits 4PMEDG 1702: Radiology
Credits 2The Radiology course is a five-week practicum presented by podiatrists, radiologists, orthopedists and sub-specialists in internal medicine. Learning methodologies include extensive laboratory practice in the interpretation of images plus student presentations. The goal of this experience is to familiarize the student with clinical correlations of imaging abnormalities and indications for appropriate consultations. Students will develop a broader understanding of various imaging modalities including plain radiograph, MRI, CT scans, nuclear medicine and diagnostic ultrasound.
PMEDG 1704: Podiatry Office (2 weeks)
Credits 2This Podiatric Office rotation is a two-week training experience at the office of an affiliated preceptor during the third year. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to further develop the ability to perform a thorough podiatric history and physical, order and interpret common lab tests, and formulate a reasonable differential diagnosis and treatment plan for common podiatric pathologies. In addition, students will develop an enhanced understanding of practice management and professionalism through observation in a private practice setting.
PMEDG 1705: Podiatric Office (4 weeks)
Credits 4This Podiatric Office rotation is a four-week training experience at the office of an affiliated preceptor during the third year. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to further develop the ability to perform a thorough podiatric history and physical, order and interpret common lab tests, and formulate a reasonable differential diagnosis and treatment plan for common podiatric pathologies. In addition, students will develop an enhanced understanding of practice management and professionalism through observation in a private practice setting.
PMEDG 1706: Outpatient Medicine
Credits 4The Outpatient Medicine/Medical Subspecialty rotation is a four-week training experience at an outpatient primary care clinic. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to develop fundamental skills in evaluating and managing patients with common, general medical conditions, including history taking, physical examination, ordering and interpreting labs, and the use of imaging. It is expected that the student will enhance their ability to formulate a differential diagnosis and treatment plan appropriate to the medical pathologies encountered.
PMEDG 1716: Orthotic Fabrication (2 weeks)
Credits 2The Orthotic Fabrication rotation is a two-week training experience at a prescription foot orthotic laboratory. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to develop fundamental skills with orthosis design, construction and materials. In addition, students will gain an in-depth insight into the indications, construction and use of all types of foot orthoses.
PMEDG 1724: Orientation to the Operating Room & Anesthesia
Credits 1.5This one credit online course will serve as a final step toward residency interview preparation and clinical case presentations, and will nurture an appreciation for comprehensive understanding of podiatric medicine, biomechanics, and surgery. Clinical Correlates uses small group discussion/interaction and student presentations to meet the course objectives. The course will review selected topics previously reviewed in the AZCPM curriculum as they pertain to advanced clinical knowledge and skills.
PMEDG 1725: Clinical Correlates
Credits 1This one credit online course will serve as a final step toward residency interview preparation and clinical case presentations, and will nurture an appreciation for comprehensive understanding of podiatric medicine, biomechanics, and surgery. Clinical Correlates uses small group discus sion/interaction and student presentations to meet the course objectives. The course will review selected topics previously reviewed in the AZCPM curriculum as they pertain to advanced clinical knowledge and skills.
PMEDG 1726: ACLS
Credits 1In this course, students will be working on their Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications. The American Heart Association certificates in both areas are required to pass the course.
PMEDG 1731: Podiatric Surgery III
Credits 5This course expands on the principles discussed in both Podiatric Surgery I and II with a focus on rearfoot and reconstructive surgical principles. The emphasis will include the entire treatment course from early detection and diagnosis to conservative and surgical management. The topics of discussion include conditions such as heel pain, flat feet, cavus foot, subtalar and ankle joint arthrosis, arthroscopy of the foot and ankle, total ankle arthroplasty, and the use of external fixation.
PMEDG 1732: General Medicine III
Credits 3General Medicine III includes endocrinology and neurology. Students study endocrine and nervous system diseases through the integration of the basic and clinical sciences. Case-based approaches are used in addition to didactic instruction.
PMEDG 1733A: Clerkship
Credits 4Each clerkship consists of a 4-week training experience at a hospital-based podiatry clinic associated with a residency. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1733B: Clerkship
Credits 4Each clerkship consists of a 4-week training experience at a hospital-based podiatry clinic associated with a residency. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1734: Practice Management
Credits 2Students will have the opportunity to build upon their experiences and mentorship by learning the "how and why" of podiatric practice management and the relationship with quality patient care and a gratifying professional and personal life. Students will practice interviewing for an associateship and will learn the principles of personal finance. Students will gain an understanding of how healthcare is financed in the U.S.
PMEDG 1740: International (2 weeks)
Credits 2The International rotation is a two-week training experience that may include both inpatient and outpatient settings and often takes place as a medical mission to underdeveloped nations. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to expand his or her awareness of public health needs and improve cultural competence while learning to provide medical care without all of the technological capacities typically available in the United States. Requires the approval of the University President and AZCPM Dean.
PMEDG 1741: Podiatric Dermatology
Credits 2.5Students learn to recognize, diagnose, and manage cutaneous disorders that commonly manifest in the lower extremities. Case-based instruction is employed.
PMEDG 1751: Applied Clinical Biomechanics
Credits 2This course will serve as a final step toward clinical practice and will nurture an appreciation for comprehensive understanding of lower extremity biomechanics. The course will cover currently accepted concepts as well as introduce new theories under investigation in the field of podiatric biomechanics. This course will illustrate the power and dynamic nature of biomechanics within clinical podiatric practice.
PMEDG 1773: Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Credits 3This course introduces the student to the evaluation, diagnosis and management of athletic injuries. This course will also present various physical therapy evaluative techniques and modalities used in the rehabilitation of athletic injuries. The clinical skills component will include exam techniques for specific athletic injuries, application and use of immobilizing devices, physical therapy modalities, and assessment of running shoes and proper bike fit.
PMEDG 1774: General Orthopedics and Disorders of Bone
Credits 2.5This course is designed to introduce the student to many of the conditions that afflict the bone. Topics will include osseous tumors and an extensive review of the rheumatologic conditions that can manifest in the lower extremity. In preparation for orthopedic and trauma rotations, conditions that affect the spine, hip, knee and upper extremity are also reviewed. The clinical skills component is designed to demonstrate to the student the classic radiographic findings seen with the more commonly encountered bone tumors.
PMEDG 1801A: Podiatric Medicine CORE
Credits 4The Podiatric Medicine CORE rotations consist of two 1-month training experiences in podiatric medicine, biomechanics and surgery. In collaboration with the Office of Clinical Education, students play a role in selecting the location of this rotation. The training experiences take place at established student training programs in association with residencies nationwide. The goal is to enhance skills of diagnosis and management of podiatric patients. Students will improve skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1801B: Podiatric Medicine CORE
Credits 4The Podiatric Medicine CORE rotations consist of two 1-month training experiences in podiatric medicine, biomechanics and surgery. In collaboration with the Office of Clinical Education, students play a role in selecting the location of this rotation. The training experiences take place at established student training programs in association with residencies nationwide. The goal is to enhance skills of diagnosis and management of podiatric patients. Students will improve skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1803: General Surgery Rotation
Credits 4The Surgery rotation is a four-week training experience on a surgical service, i.e., orthopedics, vascular, general or plastics. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to develop fundamental skills in evaluating and managing patients with non-podiatric pathologies that warrant surgical intervention. Students will utilize diagnostic and treatment modalities throughout the peri-operative period.
PMEDG 1804: Inpatient Medicine
Credits 4The Inpatient Medicine rotation is a four-week training experience on an inpatient service. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to develop fundamental skills in evaluating and managing patients with general medical pathologies that require inpatient management. Participating with other medical students and residents on the house staff, students will assist in the management of various serious medical conditions.
PMEDG 1805A: Clinical Clerkship
Credits 4The rotation consists of six 4-week training experiences at affiliated student/residency training programs involving both an ambulatory and a hospital based component. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1805B: Clinical Clerkship
Credits 4The rotation consists of six 4-week training experiences at affiliated student/residency training programs involving both an ambulatory and a hospital based component. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1805C: Clinical Clerkship
Credits 4The rotation consists of six 4-week training experiences at affiliated student/residency training programs involving both an ambulatory and a hospital based component. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1805D: Clinical Clerkship
Credits 4The rotation consists of six 4-week training experiences at affiliated student/residency training programs involving both an ambulatory and a hospital based component. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1805E: Clinical Clerkship
Credits 4The rotation consists of six 4-week training experiences at affiliated student/residency training programs involving both an ambulatory and a hospital based component. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1805F: Clinical Clerkship
Credits 4The rotation consists of six 4-week training experiences at affiliated student/residency training programs involving both an ambulatory and a hospital based component. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1805G: Clinical Clerkship
Credits 4The rotation consists of six 4-week training experiences at affiliated student/residency training programs involving both an ambulatory and a hospital based component. The overall goal of the experience is for the student to improve the skills of evaluation and management of patients with podiatric medical, biomechanical, and surgical disorders. In addition, students will enhance skills in documentation, history taking, interpretation of diagnostic tests and physical examination techniques.
PMEDG 1808: Optional Rotation (4 weeks)
Credits 4Students are provided a month during the fourth year that may be utilized as a vacation month, a month to remediate a prior rotation, or that may be filled with a four-week Optional Rotation selected from available fourth year clerkships or third year elective rotations. See the course description for Clinical Clerkship or the specific elective rotations of interest.