Popular study materials for APMLE Part I come in a variety of forms. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, Board Review Series (BRS) books and flashcards, and SketchyMedical online are a few such materials that have proved to be useful for many podiatry students. Lower extremity anatomy (LEA) accounts for 25% of the material tested on the APMLE Part I, however, no specialized study aid for this important subject has been readily available to all podiatric medical students in the past.

When third-year TUSPM students Samantha Miner and John Martucci were studying LEA for their first board exam almost a year ago, they utilized various resources like class notes, textbooks, and homemade study guides. However, the vast number of resources proved to be overwhelming. It was then that they realized a simple and trusted study tool needed to be available specifically for students reviewing LEA.

They recently launched their own company--“Team SamJam”--and began producing The Lower Extremity Anatomy Flashcards. The product is a set of 211 cards that review anatomical topics including embryology, osteology, angiology, neurology, myology, and arthrology specifically focusing on the lower extremity. A final section, “Landmarks,” features key anastomoses, anatomical spaces such as the popliteal fossa and tarsal tunnel, and relationships of structures by anatomical layer, to name a few. Students can also find mnemonics and tricks throughout the cards in order to aid in retention of the material.  

As students know, LEA is not only a topic important for board examinations, but is also the foundation for practice in podiatric medicine and surgery. It is the creators’ hope that the flashcards aid students in preparation for classes, board exams, and their future career.

Sales began last month at TUSPM with over 30 sets sold to second-year students preparing to take the July APMLE Part I. Now the cards can be purchased at Amazon.com. To see the cards, click here.  

Students from the California School of Podiatric Medicine will be traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border to provide its 9th annual free healthcare clinic. The CSPM San Ysidro Medical Mission is a community-based organization dedicated to offering health and wellness education to minorities in the surrounding community. Most of the 100 or so patients lack access to healthcare, some cross the border from Mexico just to seek care. We will be providing total foot health evaluations including: heel pain, bunion pain, foot tenderness, difficulty walking, and biomechanics evaluations to people of all ages. Additional services will include blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, shoe inserts, and diabetic care information. 
 
This year, the March 17-18 trip will take place in a small border town known as San Ysidro California. This is a completely free program that not only helps San Ysidro-Tijuana residents, but also helps students gain hands-on training to reinforce our curriculum. This year we have 25 podiatry students, six nurse practitioner students, and three Doctors of Podiatric Medicine attending for a total of 34 volunteers.
 
This student run program is being led by our third-year student leaders Morgan Garcia and Dallas Valerio. This marks their third consecutive and final participation for the San Ysidro Medical Mission. Their long-term commitment, hard work and empathy has led to the continuation of our program in a safe, resourceful, and educational environment.  We are glad to represent Samuel Merritt University, the California School of Podiatric Medicine, and the field of podiatric medicine to help bring healthcare education to this local border community. 

The APMSA gratefully acknowledges our following Partners for their generous support of the APMSA student programs and services.