California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University

The California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University (CSPM) was founded in 1914 and is one of the oldest podiatry schools in the nation. CSPM is known for a very hands-on approach to clinical training which begins as early as the second year. Located in Oakland, California, CSPM provides students with experience dealing with a very diverse population.

CSPM is known for pioneering many aspects of podiatric medicine and has a long-standing reputation of excellence in the field.

School Mission/Vision:

"The California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) is committed to providing excellent education and training of podiatric physicians, quality health care, meaningful community service, and innovative research.

• Treat students, residents, practitioners, and patients with dignity and compassion in a nurturing environment
• Provide leadership in healthcare and health professions education
• Encourage scholarly activity and research
• Promote the principles of lifelong, self-directed learning
• Develop a multi-disciplinary approach to education, research, and health care delivery
• Serve a diverse community" (http://www.samuelmerritt.edu)

Location:

CSPM is located in Oakland, CA, just 15 miles east of San Fransisco, CA.

Application Requirements:

GPA (Cumulative): 3.0 GPA or higher

GPA (Sciences): 3.0 GPA or higher

Admissions Tests Accepted:

MCAT: Required. Minimum combined score of 16.

DAT: n/a

GRE: n/a

Required Classes:

• Biology: eight (8) semester hours with lab.
• General Chemistry: eight (8) semester hours with lab.
• Organic Chemistry: four (4) semester hours with lab.
• Physics: eight (8) semester hours
• College English/Communication Studies: eight (8) semester hours
• Biochemistry: four (4) semester hours
• Liberal Arts Electives: twelve (12) semester hours

Recommendation Letters Required: 2 (3 if Pre-Health Committee letter not available)

• 1 letter from a podiatric physician who the applicant has shadowed
• 2 letters from college science faculty or 1 letter from Pre-Health Committee
  

Curriculum:

1st Year - Basic Science Courses

2nd Year - Basic Sciences Courses and Clinical Rotations

Rotations include:

• Highland Hospital
• Laguna Honda Hospital
• Clinical Skills
• Biomechanics Workshop
• Medicine Rotation
• Simulation Center Rotation
• Homeless Clinics/Radiology

3rd Year - Clinical Courses and Rotations

Rotations include:

• Podiatric Surgery
• Diabetic and Wound Care
• Highland Hospital
• Radiology
• Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Private Office Clerkship

4th Year - Core Clinical Training / Rotations

Rotations locations include:

• CSPM/SF
• VA Albuquerque Medical Center
• Maricopa Medical Center Arizona
• VA Salt Lake City
• VA Tacoma/Madigan Army Hospital

School Demographics:

First-year enrollment: 40 - 48

2007 Profile (2008 Profile was not available):

Class Size: 48

Male: 60%

Female: 40%

Average GPA: 3.21 (Science GPA: 3.18)

Average MCAT: 22

Average Age: unknown

Cost of Attending:

Tuition: $29,635

Fees: unknown

2009-2010 Student Budget: unknown

Living in Oakland, CA:

Population: Oakland, CA has a population of 401,489 and resides in the San Fransisco metro area which has a total population of nearly 4.3 million.

Demographics: The average age in Oakland, CA is 35. According to statistics, 31.93% of people are white, 31.77% are black, 16.91% are asian, 0.73% are native american, and 18.67% claim 'Other'. 25.18% of the people in Vallejo, CA, claim Hispanic ethnicity (meaning 74.82% are non-Hispanic).

Housing: Housing in Oakland is much higher than the national average. The median home value in Vallejo is $341,430. Most student will want to choose to rent while attending school. Rental accomodations can also be very expensive but fair housing can be found with some effort. CSPM does offer student housing options. Students who are interested should contact Craig Elliott, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, at (510)869-6627.

Cost of Living: According to statistics, Oakland’s cost of living is 40.73% higher than the U.S. average. Students will need to budget carefully while attending school at CSPM.

Employment Opportunities: There are many opportunities for employement in the San Fransisco metro area. Currently, according to Salary.com the average podiatrist in this area makes $196,300. The unemployment rate in Vallejo is 6.00%, with a growth rate of 1.40%.

Weather: Oakland, CA, gets 23 inches of rain per year. Snowfall is 0 inches. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 53. On average, there are 261 sunny days per year in Oakland, CA. Here are the average temperatures for January and July:

January: High = 57; Low = 45

July: High = 73; Low = 57

Things to Do: Oakland and the San Fransisco area have plenty of entertainment options for students and their families. San Fransisco's diverse cultural mix provides a myriad of delicious food, entertainment and nightlife. The top attractions would be: USS Pampanito (Pier 45), Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and San Francisco Bay. There are also many museums, clubs, and parks.

Walmart? Yes; 1+

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