TMDSAS Data Highlights Sustained Growth and a More Competitive Applicant Pool
TMDSAS data shared at the 2026 TAAHP Conference highlights sustained growth in applications and a more competitive health professions applicant pool.
What You Need to Know about Podiatric Medicine
What is Podiatric Medicine?
The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)recognizes that "a podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), known also
as a podiatric physician or surgeon, qualified by their education and training to
diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of
the leg.
Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government."
The four-year curriculum for podiatric medical school prepares students for residency
training, just as a medical student would experience. Residency includes "interdisciplinary
experiences with rotations such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease,
surgery, ER, and pediatrics." Read more at the AACPM.
Podiatric Medicine in Texas
As the first school of podiatry in Texas, The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine aims
to educate Texans interested in pursuing a career in the medical and surgical care
of the foot and ankle. The school's location provides more opportunities to enhance
healthcare in medically underserved areas around the state.Dr. Lawrence Harkless, dean of The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, recognizes that "“Our School of Podiatric Medicine is going to be a big game-changer here in the Valley, where so many people need specialty care due to complications from diabetes,” he said. “This will allow us to train our own doctors to address a very specific critical need. We remain committed to improving the future of healthcare in South Texas.” (Read the full press release)
Plan Your Pathway into Podiatric Medicine
Our partners at Explore Health Careers have outlined a pathway into podiatric medicine including a year-by-year plan, average salaries, and additional resources as you consider this career path.Applying to the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine
Interested applicants can learn about the academic requirements to apply at the school's page. To apply, you will need:
- TMDSAS application and fee
- UTRGV SOPM secondary application including a written essay. The essay topic can be found in the TMDSAS application
- MCAT score(s)
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
Learn about Podiatric Medicine
Join us for a live session on Tuesday, June 14 at 11 am CT where the TMDSAS Director invites the admissions team at The UTRGV SOPM to share insights about this career path, and we discuss how to submit your application to the first podiatry school in Texas!
About the author: The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) is the centralized application processing service for applicants to the first-year entering classes at all of the public medical, dental, and veterinary schools in the State of Texas.
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