Where Surgical Expertise Meets Specialized Care
As a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), you’ll be a doctor and surgeon. From the beginning of your training, you’ll gain hands-on experience in procedures across a wide range of specialties, including trauma, sports medicine, diabetic limb preservation, and reconstruction. Complete a built-in, three-year surgical residency, with a near 100% match rate for qualified grads.
Flexible practice models, lower burnout, and meaningful patient relationships make podiatric medicine a uniquely sustainable career. Many DPMs enjoy autonomy over their schedules and ownership of their practices.
With a near 100% residency match rate for qualified applicants across all 11 podiatric medical schools and high board pass and graduation rates, the DPM path offers unmatched clarity and support. Your success isn't left to chance—mentors, faculty, and peers provide personalized support from day one, through graduation and beyond.
| Category | MD/DO Path (Surgical Specialty) | DPM Path (Podiatric Medicine) |
|---|---|---|
| Education & Training Time | Up to 11 years total (4 years school + 3–7-year residency, depending on specialty) | Approximately 7 years total (4 years school + 3-year surgical residency, plus optional fellowship) |
| Surgical Training | Requires competitive specialization after med school | Built-in surgical training for all DPMs |
| Residency Match Rate | Varies significantly by specialty | Near 100% residency match rate across all 11 DPM schools |
| Scope of Practice | General medical training followed by specialization | Specialized care from the start (trauma, sports med, limb preservation, and more) |
| Cost & Return on Investment | Can include clinical income and ancillary streams (varies by specialty and setting) | Faster entry to career and earlier access to ancillary sources of income |
| Earning Potential | Can include clinical income and ancillary streams (varies by specialty and setting) | Competitive salary range with opportunities in clinical, academic, hospital, private practice, and multi-specialty group settings. |
| Career Outcomes | Salary and roles vary widely by specialty and match success | High demand, autonomy, and ability to choose your ideal practice setting; Average salary: ~$273,000. Most earn between $215K–$350K, with top performers exceeding $350K through private practice and ancillary income 1 |
We’ve mapped out the full journey from college to residency, with answers to the most common questions along the way. Get a clear look at what DPMs do, what makes podiatric medicine unique, and discover the many career paths and subspecialties within the field. Plus, explore practical tools to help you apply, find financial aid, and connect with mentors who’ve been there.
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