podiatric medicine students

College of Podiatric Medicine

One of only eleven schools in the U.S., the Samuel Merritt Univesity College of Podiatric Medicine is a national leader in podiatric education and patient care.  

Stepping Toward the Future of Healthcare

Samuel Merritt University's College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) offers a compelling educational journey that sets it apart. Anchored in a robust curriculum blending core medical and clinical sciences, CPM uniquely integrates hands-on learning starting in the second year, a whole year earlier than comparable programs. This accelerates your practical understanding. What truly distinguishes CPM is the extensive clinical exposure provided across diverse inpatient, outpatient, and specialty facilities in the Bay Area and beyond. From podiatric surgery, medicine, radiology, wound care, biomechanics, to anesthesia, you'll gain comprehensive experience.

Dedicated to holistic patient care, CPM ensures you treat a wide spectrum of patients, fostering skills and empathy. Notably, the Samuel Merritt University's commitment to underserved communities aligns with it's mission to learn from and connect with them. CPM doesn't just educate; it cultivates compassionate, skilled, and community-oriented podiatric professionals equipped to make a meaningful impact.

Mission

To prepare students to be exceptional podiatric residents by providing a podiatric medical education that is intellectually, socially, and personally transformative, that instills professional values, a passion for excellent care, and a dedication to patients and their diverse communities.

Vision

  • Promote and implement excellence and innovation in education.
  • Advocate and model an environment of dignity, compassion, and respect.
  • Promote collaborative teamwork and interprofessional education.
  • Educate students to provide excellent podiatric care.
  • Recognize and address the structural and social determinants of health and how they relate to health disparities.
  • Encourage and support quality scholarly activity and research.
  • Foster the skills for lifelong learning, self-reflection, and wellness.

Values

  • Respect. We treat our students as future colleagues.
  • Integrity. We expect every student, staff member and faculty member to be a model of professionalism.
  • Student-centered learning. Students are our highest priority.
  • Professional growth. We cultivate and promote individual development.
  • Excellence. We expect every student, staff member, and faculty member to strive for betterment.

Featured Events

Degree Programs

At the College of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University, we believe that every step counts. Our program is dedicated to training compassionate and skilled podiatrists who are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals through specialized foot and ankle care.

Program
Degree
Campus Locations
Online

SMU Success

We have a rich tradition of educating skilled and compassionate health professionals.

We Embrace Diversity

73% of SMU students come from diverse backgrounds.

94%

Graduation Rate

Average for the past four years

Faculty

The College of Podiatric Medicine faculty are committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages active student engagement and critical thinking. They employ a variety of teaching methods including lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, case-based discussions, and clinical rotations to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of podiatric medicine.

cherri-choate

Cherri S. Choate

DPM Associate Dean for Educational Affairs
tim-dutra

Tim Dutra

DPM Assistant Professor
david-tran

David Tran

DPM Assistant Professor Associate Dean of Admission
Eric Stamps headshot

Eric Stamps

DPM Dean, College of Podiatric Medicine
doctor of podiatric medicine students, blogs

A Captivating Journey into the Realm of Foot Health

Your path to informed foot care starts here - embark on it with the College of Podiatric Medicine blogs! 

BLOGS

SMU Perspectives

College of Podiatric Medicine News