The California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) was founded in 1914 as the California School of Chiropody. The name was later changed to the California College of Podiatric Medicine (CCPM). In July 2002 CCPM merged with Samuel Merritt University and the name was changed to CSPM.
CSPM is known for its hands-on early approach to clinical education. Clinical rotations begin at the start of the second academic year in May. During the summer months, second year students begin to participate in clinical rotations, which cover mechanical orthopedics, radiology, general and primary podiatric medicine. The majority of the third year and the entire fourth year are devoted to clinical rotations at inpatient and outpatient facilities, community practice clerkships, and outside clerkships at affiliated Bay Area medical centers and throughout the United states.
The educational program leading to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree consists of a comprehensive curriculum in the basic medical and clinical sciences. The didactic course work is completed during the first three years of the program.
Demonstrating academic excellence in podiatric medical education for nearly a century, CSPM offers a number of advantages to students:
- Hands-on, early clinical experience at the beginning of the second year
- Small entering classes of approximately 48
- Pioneering faculty in biomechanics and sports medicine
CSPM Mission Statement
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.
CSPM Vision Statement
To achieve this mission, we will:
- 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
| Respect: |
Everyone we serve, our students, our patients and their families, our staff, and our community will be treated with compassion and respect. |
| Teamwork: | As highly competent, diverse individuals, we deliver our best by working together. |
| Integrity: |
We hold ourselves to the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct. |
| Quality: |
We are committed to continuously improve our performance as caregivers, educators, and researchers. |
| Fiscal Responsibility: |
We will manage our resources prudently for today and the future. |
Student Testimonial
“…Our class sizes are small which creates a community where everyone knows everyone else professionally as well as personally. Furthermore, each member of our faculty is familiar with every student to the point of knowing each student’s academic performance, learning style, and even personal interests. This kind of environment creates a family-like atmosphere where we all belong to a support system; nobody falls through the cracks and is left behind.”
-Cabell Adams, Class of 2009