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A decline in the number of graduating podiatric medical students combined with increasing demand for podiatric services could result in a shortage of DPMs, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA).
Study authors note that since the late 1990s, podiatric medical schools have experienced a decline in the number of applications, resulting in a decreased number of DPMs per capita in the United States. The study notes that the number of DPM graduates must increase “dramatically” or the supply of podiatrists will not keep up with the demand for services. Approximately 52 million people, about 19 percent of the U.S. population, experience foot problems every year, according to the study authors.
In 1995-96, 680 students graduated from podiatric medical programs yet this number dropped to 331 in 2006-07, according to the study. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects podiatric medicine job growth of about 16 percent between 2004 and 2014.
The study notes several factors in the higher demand for podiatrists. First, the general population is projected to grow by 2.4 million people a year through 2050. Second, the population is aging and experiencing more foot problems, especially as the Baby Boomers begin to pass the age of 65. Third, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the incidence of diabetes will increase 82 percent between 2005 and 2020. Finally, the incidence of obesity is increasing. This is projected to more than double between 2005 and 2030.
In order to bolster the number of DPMs to keep up with the demand, the study authors suggest that all podiatric medicine schools "would have to nearly triple their current (number) of graduates." They also advocate the establishment of another podiatry school in addition to the recently established Western University of Health Sciences School of Podiatric Medicine, which will start having classes in the fall of 2009.
Inside Insights From Educators
"I have for years preached that demand for podiatric services would increase to the point that it would outstrip our ability to supply a sufficient number of podiatric physicians," says Jeffrey Page, DPM, the Director and Professor of the Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program at Midwestern University.
"A reader might quibble with the exact numbers in the study, but when considered in the context of the nationwide physician shortage, you can readily see that the primary conclusion of the article is right on: we need more podiatrists."
Dr. Page notes that the number of applications to podiatry schools bottomed out in 2000-01 and has modestly increased since then. He projects that the number of applications will be in the 400s in 2009.
Dr. Page says some in the profession forget the average age of practicing podiatrists is about 45 and although Baby Boomer DPMs are considering retiring, there are too few graduating colleagues to take over their practices. He says the public's growing awareness
Dr. Page notes that the number of applications to podiatry schools bottomed out in 2000-01 and has modestly increased since then. He projects that the number of applications will be in the 400s in 2009.
If the number of applications across the entire USA is only 400+ to do podiatry, then there must be a major PR problem with school and undergraduate college graduates there? Let's not talk about the quality of applicants either if there is almost no competition for places.
Not exactly sure, but we must get significantly more than this in Australia with a population 1/8 of the USA.
LL
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***************************************** Remember, it's just a foot.
We get >400 applications for podiatry just at our University....let alone at the all ther other podiatry programs in Australia!
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Craig Payne
Department of Podiatry
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Australia http://www.latrobe.edu.au/podiatry
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________ God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things - right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
The views expressed above are those of the author and not that of La Trobe University This is where I am, where are you?
If the number of applications across the entire USA is only 400+ to do podiatry, then there must be a major PR problem with school and undergraduate college graduates there?
Thats amazing! I would have thought it would have been way more than that.
Just checked the Pennsylvania College and their website states:
Quote:
Male, female, just out of college, career changers, members of almost every cultural group - the more than 300 matriculants are a diverse and interesting group of dedicated students.
So, someone's got their maths wrong....!
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A bientot...
Julian
Podiatrist-at-large
Quote:
Let him who is without sin , cast the first stone...
From what I can see as an Orthotist and C.ped. the shortage of pracs. in all phases of foot care are just going to get worse. Hey! Call it job security.
Is There A DPM Shortage On The Horizon?
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