Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program at Midwestern University

AZPod is a relatively new podiatry program and until 2009 it was the only podiatric medical school located in the southwestern United States. Midwestern is well known for excellent graduate level health programs and this campus is also home to medical, pharmacy and optometry schools.

AZPod's podiatry program is structured similarly to other schools throughout the nation, with 2 years of basic science training followed by 2 years of clinical training. AZPod prides itself on integrating the school with the other health science program, allowing the podiatry students to learn along side their future colleagues.

School Mission/Focus:

"As a leader in podiatric medical education, our mission is to ensure excellence in an environment that nurtures diversity, professionalism, dedication, and creativity." (http://www.midwestern.edu)

Location:

AZPod is located in Glendale, Arizona. Glendale is a suburban community located in the Phoenix valley of southern Arizona.

Application Requirements:

GPA (Cumulative): 2.75 minimum

GPA (Science): 2.75 minimum

Admissions Tests Accepted:

MCAT: Required. No data is available for a minimum score required on the MCAT

DAT: n/a

GRE: n/a

In addition to a Bachelor's Degree, student must have completed the follow undergraduate course work:

• English (6 semester hours)
• Biology (8 semester hours) - must include a laboratory
• Physics (8 semester hours)
• General or Inorganic Chemistry (8 semester hours) - must include a laboratory
• Organic Chemistry (8 semester hours) - must include a laboratory

Background check required: Yes

Recommendation Letters Required: 2 (additional letters are welcome)

• a letter from a medical practitioner (podiatrist is highly recommended)
• a letter from a prehealth professions advisor or a science professor

Curriculum:

1st Year - Basic Sciences and Laboratory Courses

2nd Year - Basic Sciences and Laboratory Courses

3rd Year - Clinical Courses and Rotations

Rotations include:

• Core Podiatric Medicine
• Radiology
• Outpatient Medicine
• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Wound Care
• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Podiatry Office (elective)
• Vascular Medicine (elective)
• Pedorthics, Bracing and Prosthetics (elective)
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (elective)
• Orthotic Fabrication (elective)
• Clerkship (elective)
• Research (elective)
• International (elective)

4th Year - Clinical Courses and Rotations

Rotations include:

• Core Podiatric Medicine
• Emergency Medicine & Trauma
• Surgery
• Inpatient Medicine
• Clinical Clerkships
• Non-podiatric Medicine or Surgery Specialty
• Optional Rotation

School Demographics:

First Year Enrollment: 32

2008 Profile:

Class Size: 40

Male: 69%

Female: 31%

Average GPA: 3.41

Average MCAT: unknown

Average Age: 27

Cost of Attending:

Tuition: $28,690

Fees: $400

2009-2010 Student Budget: $56,785 (off-campus living)

Living in Glendale, AZ:

Population: Glendale has an estimated total population of 246,500. It is located Northwest of the Phoenix Metropolitan area which has an estimated population of over 4 million people.

Demographics: Glendale is predominantly Caucasian (about 75%) but also has a strong Hispanic presence (about 20% of the pop.) as well as many other races living in the area.

Housing: Living in Glendale is slightly more expensive than the national average. A large majority of the housing in Glendale is large apartment complexes and starter homes. Individuals looking for budget housing will likely want to check out apartment rentals.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Glendale is also slightly above the national average. The metropolitan area has many amenities and close entertainment which makes Glendale an attractive area for housing.

Employment Opportunities: Jobs abound in Glendale although much of the population will commute to Phoenix for work. Looking for extra works should not be difficult.

Weather: Glendale, AZ is fairly warm all year round. Pack lots of shorts and bathing suits for studying by the pool. Here are average temperatures for January and July (in Fahrenheit):

January: High = 66, Low = 39

July: High = 100+, Low = 77

Things to do:There is plenty to do for anyone living in Glendale. Glendale is home to the Arizona Cardinals. It is warm enough all year round to do plenty of outdoor activities. Every amenity that one could want is available in the area. Phoenix, AZ is rated as Forbes.com #15 "Best Cities For Singles, 2008."

Links: