Find Your Footing: A KSUCPM Publication

Find Your Footing

A KSUCPM Publication for Prospective Podiatry Students

August 2016

It's Time to Apply!

A podiatrist, also referred to as Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) or podiatric physician, is qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatric physicians can specialize in a variety of areas such as surgery, orthopedics, or public health, with subspecialties including sports medicine, dermatology, radiology, pediatrics and geriatrics, as well as diabetic foot care. As a vital member of the health-care team, the DPM is often the first to detect symptoms of diabetes or cardiovascular disease because of the human's foot interrelation with the rest of the body.

The average day of a podiatrist includes:
- designing corrective orthotics, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities
- diagnosing foot ailments such as tumors, fractures, skin or nail diseases, and congenital or acquired deformity such as weak feet and foot imbalance
- using ingenious methods to treat conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, arch problems, bone disorders, and many more
- correcting walking patterns and balance, and promoting the overall ability to move about more efficiently and comfortably.

There are only nine podiatry schools and colleges in the United States, accredited to offer the necessary pre-doctoral training in podiatric medicine. Following classroom instructions and laboratory work, the programs go more in depth through the study of clinical science and patient care. Furthermore, all nine programs use a standardized application through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service; the application will remain open until June 30th, 2017.

In the words of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, "it does not matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop." The decision to apply and even pursue a DPM degree can be life-changing, and we are here to answer any questions you may have regarding the program or even about the city! Feel free to call, email, or even live-chat with us directly from our website!

KSUCPM Class of 2020

The Class of 2020, comprised of 112 students, fully embodies KSUCPM tradition, as these students have embarked on this educational journey during the college's Centennial celebration. The class is represented by 25 states and 3 countries (Canada, Portugal, and South Korea). In addition, we are proud to say that the class is comprised of 42% female and 58% male students!

Congratulations again to all our new students! You have made so many sacrifices getting to this point; for some it has come "easy" and for others, it has been a battle of proving people wrong - now is the time to continue proving them wrong!

KSUCPM Fall Travels

Every semester, KSUCPM's Admissions Counselors plan trips throughout the country, in an effort to better educate upcoming undergraduate students and health advisors about the field of podiatry. This Fall semester, we are planning on making stops at various universities throughout the following states:

- Georgia

- Idaho

- Kentucky

- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New York
- Ohio

- Oregon
- Pennsylvania

- South Carolina

- Tennessee

- Utah
- Washington

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you be interested in meeting with us directly, or even exploring the exact schools we will be visiting!

Student Profile: Amenze Ehanika

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Undergraduate college: Drexel University

Current year at KSUCPM: Class of 2020

What is your favorite class at KSUCPM and why?

Anatomy lab is currently my favorite class. This class gives me the opportunity to physically see, touch and dissect the human body. I consider dissecting to be a great teaching tool which provides a greater understanding of the human body as a whole.

How do you strike a balance between class work, studying, and social activities? Any suggestions for prospective students on building/maintaining a balance?

What has helped me strike a balance is creating and adhering to a strict study schedule but also creating time for my personal needs and hobbies. My suggestion for prospective students is to dedicate time to their personal lives in order to prevent burnout.

Do you have any ideas as to where you'd like to specialize (residency and beyond)?

I am currently interested in wound care.

What advice do you have for anyone considering podiatry school?

I advise prospective students to shadow as many Podiatrists as possible. Podiatry is a vast field and has a lot to offer. You are going to be making a lot of sacrifices as a medical student so be certain this is what you want to do.

What are some activities you are involved in at KSUCPM?

Podiatric Association for Diabetes (PAD), Student National Podiatric Medical Association (SNPMA) and American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

What do you enjoy most about KSUCPM?

KSUCPM creates a noncompetitive environment for its students. This provides a great opportunity to learn and ask for assistance when needed.

How did you hear about KSUCPM?

The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine website. (www.aacpm.org)

Why did you choose to attend KSUCPM?

When interviewing with different schools, I found KSUCPM to be a perfect fit for me. The campus was beautiful, the faculty, staff and students were welcoming and it was close to home.

As a first-year student, what are some of the challenges you faced (if any) while transitioning into medical school?

My biggest challenge is time management. Medical school requires me to dedicate almost all of my time to studying. I have to study daily and it is a challenge creating personal time for myself.

Why do you like about being a KSUCPM Student?

As a KSUCPM student, I have the opportunity to learn from a wonderful group of faculty and students. Everyone is willing to help.

What advice would you offer to any prospective students wishing to attend KSUCPM who are in the current application process?

Apply early in the application cycle. DO NOT PROSCATINATE!

What is your favorite thing about Cleveland?

Two words, Lebron James!

Get your Feet Wet in Cleveland!

Look up at the Cleveland National Air Show, Labor Day weekend at Burke Lakefront Airport.

Spin your wheels at the third annual NEOCycle urban cycling and lifestyle festinal, at Edgewater Park and around town!

Memories await at the Black Light Slide, a unique night experience focused on UV Neon Glowing fun!

Celebrate Cleveland's Asian Culture at the Dragon Boat Festival, September 17 at the Nautica Entertainment Complex.

The 18th annual Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival returns to Cleveland's Lincoln Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 - 18, 2016. Admission to the Festival is free. Everyone is welcome.

Take a bite out of fall with Mapleside Farms' 43rd annual Johnny Appleseed Festival in Brunswick!

Treat your "Sugar" to Maroon 5, September 28 at the Q.

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Questions about KSUCPM?

If you have any questions about KSUCPM or would like to visit the campus, please feel free to contact the Office of Enrollment Management at [email protected] or 216-231-3300.