In health care today, it is important to focus on the whole patient, rather than an isolated medical problem. Serious problems of the foot or lower extremities can adversely affect the overall health and well-being of a patient. Conversely, a systemic disease or disorder, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, may manifest itself first through potentially serious foot problems. These complex interrelationships demand a DPM, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and a skilled practitioner educated to detect and treat a variety of related diseases.

Students at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine make a commitment to excellence in podiatry from the first week of orientation through residency. By graduation, students will demonstrate proficiency in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems and diseases of teh foot, ankle, and lower extremities.

• Determining whether lower extremity symptoms are the result of a localized disease or are a manifestation of a systemic disease.
• Diagnosing diseases and disorders that affect the legs and feet: musculoskeletal, arterial, skin, vascular, and lymphatic.
• Evaluating a patient’s general medical status, including medications and possible drug interactions, when managing a patient’s lower extremity problem.