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The authors examine the future of podiatric medicine through an analysis of the characteristics of students presently enrolled in the colleges of podiatric medicine and the characteristics of college graduates from 1990 to 1995. Specific attention is also given to a number of critical issues surrounding graduate podiatric medical education. The authors conclude that despite a growing number of challenges awaiting podiatric medical education, the present complement of students and graduates of the colleges of podiatric medicine appear to offer the public reasonable expectations for quality foot care.
This article describes a curriculum that could be included in podiatric residencies to help residents function successfully in a managed-care environment. Various groups have identified and implemented the competencies necessary to function within such an environment. Podiatric residents, who are well trained in the clinical management of podiatric problems, can succeed in a managed-care environment if residency programs include training objectives and methods to address these competencies. This article describes the managed-care components of two primary-care residency programs and a podiatric program and proposes a managed-care curriculum for podiatric residencies. The author's goal is to educate residency directors and faculty members on possible objectives and methods that can enhance the podiatric resident's educational experience and knowledge of managed care.
The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was established in 1981 as a fully integrated college of the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines, Iowa, becoming the only school in the profession to be part of an academic health science center. Thus, this college provides a unique opportunity for the students and the podiatric medical profession to receive a multidisciplinary education, preparing them for podiatric medical practice as an integral part of total health care.
Podiatric medicine faces some significant challenges that threaten its future growth and development. The California Liaison Committee for Podiatric Medical Education and Training exemplifies an innovative approach to meeting these challenges. The California Liaison Committee has established a dialogue among California's college-based and community-based podiatric medical educators, licensing board members, and private practitioners. The work of the California Liaison Committee, unprecedented in the state, effectively facilitates the curriculum transformation process through cooperation and collaboration.
Changes in the health-care system will continue to modify the delivery of podiatric medical care and podiatric medical education. Podiatric medicine and its educational programs will need to focus on the management of care, special populations, and disease prevention. Future providers will need to participate as team members and respond to new patterns of care, including the special needs of the older population. This article explores methodologies for professional activities, administration, incentives for change, academic issues, innovation, implementation, outcome measures, and health policy development. Podiatric medicine must be prepared to establish standards, protocols, and guidelines to serve as the benchmark for foot health.
The author places the history and development of podiatric biomechanics, as well as current thinking about its underpinnings and future, in the context of a theoretical framework drawn from the philosophy and sociology of science. This analysis sets the stage for an exploration of the possible future directions in which podiatric biomechanics could develop.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the single largest source of podiatric resident education. The author describes the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and discusses the development of the podiatric residency training program. A detailed description of all aspects of the training program is presented.
The application of continuous passive motion to joints immediately after podiatric surgery stimulates the regeneration of articular tissue, eliminates adhesions, prevents joint stiffness, reduces pain, and is well tolerated by patients. The author reviews the development of continuous passive motion in animal and clinical studies and how it may be used after podiatric surgery.
The leadership of the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine sets forth the following treatise on the outlook for podiatric medical education into the 21st century. Despite the seemingly impossible challenges facing the profession and its students, it is their opinion that the future is bright and with dedicated effort the profession will become stronger in the years ahead.
A survey was conducted of 248 noninstitutionalized people aged 75 years and older, residing in a designated geographical area. The effect of dependency and physical disability on the receipt of conservative podiatric medicine was examined, and, in addition, the prevalence of medical and podiatric conditions was determined.
