About TUSPM

Mission Statement
To educate highly qualified, ethical and professional podiatric medical students, who, upon completion of the curriculum, are prepared for licensure and entry into post-graduate medical education; and to advance our profession through research, quality patient care and community service.

Podiatric medicine is the branch of medicine concentrating on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems and diseases of the foot, ankle and lower extremity. A practitioner in this field is a D.P.M., Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, also known as a podiatrist, and is recognized legally and professionally as an integral member of the health care team.
In the health care system of today, it is important to focus on the whole patient, rather than an isolated medical problem. Podiatric medicine is no exception. Serious problems of the foot or lower extremity can adversely affect the overall health and well-being of a patient. Conversely, a systemic disease or disorder, such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease, may manifest itself first through potentially serious foot problems. These complex interrelationships demand a skilled practitioner, educated to detect and treat a variety of related diseases.
One of the most important choices involved in a commitment to life as a doctor is the choice of specialty. We feel that podiatric medicine is a choice from which you will reap a variety of benefits for many years. Podiatric medicine includes a variety of specialties such as orthopedics, surgery, sports medicine, pediatrics, diabetic foot care and geriatrics.
TUSPM is fully accredited by the Council of Podiatric Medical Education (CPME, 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814).

Vision Statement
We will graduate doctors of podiatric medicine who are trained using the most innovative procedures and advanced technology.
We will establish the Foot and Ankle Institute as the pre-eminent center of excellence for the diagnosis and treatment of maladies of the lower extremity.
We will increase the body of knowledge of the lower extremity through research, scholarly publication and presentation.

History
TUSPM was opened in September of 1963 as the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (PCPM). After Temple’s original medical school closed in 1960, several members of its faculty obtained a charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to open a new podiatry school. PCPM existed in rented facilities for its first few years, and moved into its own center at 8th and Pine streets in 1965. When the current campus opened in 1973, it was the first facility ever developed specifically for podiatric use. In addition to classrooms and labs, the complex includes student housing building and a medical clinic, known as the Foot and Ankle Institute. PCPM merged with Temple in July of 1998.