Congrats on your acceptance!
1. "Is it possible to even defer my acceptance to fall 2024?"
- If you still have some doubts it wouldn't hurt to call the school and ask. The schools I was accepted at gave me a deadline to make a decision and pay a deposit, but there is always special exception.
2. "My biggest concern is the job market and the ROI."
- Most research has indicated a growth projection in the podiatric market largely due to rising geriatrics population (baby boomers!), diabetics, foot injuries, overall global population, etc.
- In terms of ROI and compensation, podiatric physicians should be compensated better. We undergo 4 yrs of school + 3yrs residency training, share similar rigorous basic sciences curriculum as MD/DO, and receive specialized training in LEA diagnosis, treatment/management, and surgery that require extensive dedication and hard work. The field is constantly evolving and we're in the middle of an exciting transitional period. If we continue to improve our standards and patient outcomes, anything is possible.
3. "However, after scrolling through this forum, I can not find a single positive thing being said about podiatry and this is really discouraging, as literally everyone suggests to just apply DO"
- SDN is a valuable resource, but it does not encompass the opinions of the collective podiatric field.
This is an excellent thread that highlights the pros and cons of podiatry:
I am considering podiatry and am trying to do my research before choosing a lifelong career. I am planning to forego applying to MD/DO next cycle to apply DPM. I am having second thoughts given the SDN podiatry forum and the amount of posts discussing if podiatry has a reasonable ROI. I made...
forums.studentdoctor.net
Pros of podiatry:
1. You know from day 1 you will specialize in the lower lower extremities, but you also study and master the entire human body system.
- with the DO route many people do not get their first choice of specialty, but with podiatry everyone will be doing Podiatric Medicine/Surgery.
- If you are set on lower extremity medical care and surgery, this is the field for you!
2. Your class size will likely be small, and you will know everyone. There is a lot of collaboration, and you will make a lot of meaningful friendship if you so inclined. In addition, you will have more opportunities for leadership positions, research, access to professors, etc.
3. Most schools share similar/same basic sciences curriculum with MD/DO students, so you will get a standardized education during pre-clinical years. For example, at Temple Podiatry we share the same professors as our sister MD and Dental schools, and they enforce the same standards for everyone. AZCPM is an excellent school that has similar medical basic sciences curriculum and integrative structure, and many other podiatric schools as well. You are in good hands with any podiatric school.
4. U.S. DO seniors match rate was 91.3% compared to podiatry which had
98-100% residency match rate across all the schools.
Source:
NRMP releases the 2022 Main Residency Match Results and Data publication, the most comprehensive data resource for the Main Residency Match®
Cons of podiatry:
1. Admittedly, you will not get as much respect as MD/DO, but I always remind myself of this question:
What makes a good physician- is it the title or the impact you make on the lives of your patients?
- As the public becomes more aware of podiatry and the field continues to expand, I am confident podiatry will receive the recognition, respect, and compensation it deserves.
2. We need better standardization across all podiatric schools and residencies to increase the confidence of the public. All pod schools should have better APMLE performance and board certifications should be modernized to ensure that competent podiatric physicians will receive the best resources to meet those high standards and qualifications.
3. There is a disorganized leadership structure in the pod world, but I'm optimistic the pod leaders will unite at some point and do what is best for the profession and future generation.
In conclusion, podiatry is an evolving field and there is a lot of room for improvements, but also opportunities and growth. Both DPM and DO routes are excellent career choices and will provide you with a fulfilling life of service to others. I wish you the best with your decision!
Happy New Year!