Anasazi23,
Congrats wrt Psych.
I Cannot speak for podiatry schools that havent merged with medical schools; I can partially speak for schools that have merged with medical school (partially because I am just starting my 2nd year.)
In our program, podiatry students take several classes with medical students and the first two years is almost identical to medical students. One of those classes is clinical, and podiatry students take the same test as medical students. I have met a director of an east coast pediatrics department, a couple of other pediatricians, EM physicians and several family practice physicians who have stated something very similar to the following: The first 2 years of podiatry is almost exactly the same as medical school. The have gone on to comment about the proficiency of podiatric residents. As far as radiology, podiatrist are already considered specialist in techniques of the lower extremity. Appropriate angles of different anatomical locations... etc. Our program has a great radiology department. From what I have heard, 1-3 podiatry students are chosen each year to rotate through the University of Chicago's radiology program. Therefore,it would make since that our prof's are on good standing with UofC's profs.
As for the training in all fields of medicine, I think we both know that a class or even a rotation does not make one proficient in an area such as emergency medicine. Graduating internal medicine residents don't have the knowledge of a graduating EM resident. This is the reason, a practicing IM doc is required to complete a residency in EM if they want to cross over.
Even though a class or rotation will not provide podiatry and medical students with knowledge to become proficient, it does allow the student to gain some understanding of the various responsibilities.
In current podiatric residencies, podiatric students do rotate through general surgery, EM, IM, etc....
Podiatric physicians are the most qualified to perform foot and ankle surgery. Our knowledge of lower extremity anatomy (Hip down) far exceeds the knowledge obtained by medical students. I realize this alone does not make one more qualified but it is a good start for one who is interested in rearfoot reconstructive surgery and becomes board certified.
Although I have great respect for psychiatrist, I think we can both agree that psychiatrist are not competent enough to perform any surgeries. Furthermore, I will also suggest that a psychiatrist would not be competent in performing the normal duties of an EM physician while in an EM department. Yet, rightfully so, the psychiatrist is still called an MD. I am not asking that DPMs be called MDs; I am asking that the medical establishment realize the advances that have occurred in podiatric education, recognize podiatric medicine as the specialty that it is and assist podiatric physicians with creating a scope of practice that truly fits the profession of podiatric medicine. In the age of interprofessional healthcare, we need the best medicine available to help patients heal while saving money. Instead of wasting the knowledge that a podiatric physician obtains during pers education, allow the podiatric physician to practice medicine in a scope that is practical and deserving.
Have a nice day!
