Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is a three-year programme for entry into professional practice as a podiatrist. The aim of the course is to produce graduates able to treat and educate their patients effectively and appropriately in a professional and responsible way. The programme conforms to its CREATE themes, which strives to produce highly trained clinicians, researchers, educators, advocates, team-minded professionals and ethical practitioners.

There are two semesters of equal length in each year. The first year covers bioscience, while years two and three cover the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatric medicine, alongside supporting subjects research, biostatistics and general medicine, all of which fall within the second year. These subjects help students to understand the diagnosis and management of diseases and conditions that affect the lower limb, and to take a leading role in the interdisciplinary management of foot and ankle problems.

In the final year, in addition to more advanced coverage of theoretical and practical podiatry, students undertake a supervised research project which follows their training in research methods the previous year. They also undertake weekly clinical placements in a variety of external locations, principally tertiary hospitals and private practices, to learn patient management in the workplace environment.

The study of podiatric medicine in the DPM includes biomechanics, sports medicine, minor surgery, the diabetic and acute foot, geriatric and paediatric podiatry and podiatric surgery, as well as general practice. New graduates are able to register immediately for registration that enables them to practice independently.

The DPM course is truly unique as It is the only course provided in Australia whereby graduates are awarded a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. It is an entry-to-practice accredited degree whereby upon completion and registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia governed by the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency, graduates are able to practise as General Podiatrists.