The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree prepares students for the podiatric medicine field. The podiatric physician is a health professional who is involved with examination, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders by physical, medical and surgical means. A podiatric medicine doctor is trained to detect the signs of systemic disease which may appear first in the lower extremity, such as diabetes or circulatory disorders. When such diagnoses are made, the podiatric physician consults with the patient's family doctor concerning the systemic disease.<br><br><br>Program Learning Outcomes<br><br>The following educational outcomes will be attained as a result of the cumulative effect of both didactic instruction in preclinical courses and clinical courses, as well as clinical experiences afforded through clinical rotations and clerkship experiences. The goal is to prepare the graduate for successful entry into postdoctoral training program.<br><br> To have an appreciation of the ethical responsibilities of the physician to his or her patient.<br> Demonstrate an understanding of medical statistics, epidemiology and research methods.<br> Diagnose common foot and ankle pathology utilizing signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, laboratory and X-ray evaluations, and discuss treatment alternatives available in each diagnosis