We Thank You
For Considering TUSPM
For your career in Podiatric Medicine. We hope this section answers your questions about the Profession , and informs you about the many excellent resources TUSPM has to offer.
Here are ten quick facts about Podiatric Physicians that you might find surprising:
🦶 Foot Health Specialists
Podiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower limbs. They manage everything from sprains and fractures to chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes-related foot issues.
🎓 Unique Training
Unlike MDs, podiatrists attend specialized podiatric medical schools and earn the title Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Their education includes medical sciences, clinical rotations, and surgical training focused on the lower extremities.
🧰 Versatile Treatment Options
Podiatrists offer a wide range of treatments:
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Minor procedures (e.g., ingrown toenail removal) They treat common issues like bunions, plantar warts, heel pain, and diabetic foot complications.
💰 Annual Salary
As of September 2025, the average annual salary for podiatrists in the U.S. is $250,780, with a range from $223,938 to $301,713 depending on experience, location, and specialization (1)
🩺 Comprehensive Care
Podiatrists:
- Perform surgery
- Prescribe braces, casts, and orthotics
- Recommend mobility aids like walkers and canes They are trained to manage both acute injuries and chronic conditions.
🦴 Complex Anatomy Experts
The human foot contains 28 bones and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Podiatrists specialize in this intricate structure, making them essential for maintaining mobility and balance.
🩹 Diabetes Detectives
Podiatrists play a vital role in preventing diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and amputations. Regular visits are crucial for diabetic patients to avoid serious complications.
🏃 Foot Biomechanics
They analyze gait, posture, and foot structure to design custom orthotics that:
- Improve alignment
- Prevent injuries
- Enhance athletic performance
🛠️ Surgical Skills
Podiatric surgeons perform procedures such as:
- Bunion correction
- Tendon repair
- Joint fusion They restore mobility and reduce pain through specialized surgical techniques.
🧠 Toe-tally Important
Your toes can reveal signs of systemic health issues. Podiatrists examine nail color, texture, and shape to detect problems like circulation disorders, fungal infections, and even signs of internal disease.
WHY TUSPM?
TUSPM’s faculty comprises experienced practitioners and researchers who actively contribute to advancements in the field. Students benefit from personalized attention, mentorship, and collaborative research projects. Whether it’s exploring innovative treatments or participating in community outreach, students find a supportive environment that encourages growth, critical thinking, and a passion for Podiatric medicine. The close-knit community at TUSPM fosters lasting connections and lifelong learning.
TUSPM is fully integrated within a university health care system. This integration provides students with access to comprehensive resources, including the Foot and Ankle Institute. From year one, students build a strong foundation in anatomical and physiological sciences, focusing on the lower extremities. The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills, research, and patient care. TUSPM’s commitment to excellence ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for successful careers in podiatric medicine.
"I would describe my experience at TUSPM as warm, academically challenging, and transformative. Each day brings a new challenge and an opportunity to grow, not just academically, but socially and professionally as well. It is never easy -- but that's a good thing. I'm excited to continue learn and grow, not only in the interest of my own development, but for the patients and communities that we'll all serve in the future"
Bria TUSPM’27
Why Choose Temple University?
- Fully integrated with a large, comprehensive university health system.
- One of the largest Podiatric medical treatment facilities anywhere, the Foot & Ankle Institute, with approximately 25,000 patient visits annually.
- Early hands-on clinical training — rotations through our two facilities, as well as through various facets of the Temple University Health System start during the second year.
- One of the few schools to offer the benefit of a connection to a major University.
- Our students enjoy all Temple University facilities, including numerous libraries, computer labs, and sporting and cultural events.
- One of the largest podiatric medical libraries in the United States.
- On-campus housing for students.
TUSPM
TUSPM seeks to enroll qualified students regardless of race, gender, religion, or disability. We are proud of our tradition as a national and international resource, having educated men and women from across the United States and several foreign countries.
TUSPM is also committed to helping students with the cost of their medical education, providing some form of financial aid to TUSPM students. Due to the generous donations of our alumni and other supporters, we have awarded more than $900,000 in scholarships to TUSPM students over the last year. First-year students are evaluated based on cumulative GPA, the competitiveness of their undergraduate institution, extracurricular activities, and MCAT scores. Second through fourth-year students are evaluated based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills. Students are also eligible for other forms of aid through the Office of Student Financial Services.