Welcome to Samuel Merritt University’s College of Podiatric Medicine—one of just 11 podiatric medical schools in the U.S. We provide our students with the education necessary to become exceptional podiatric surgical residents.
One of only 11 schools of its kind in the U.S., Samuel Merritt University’s College of Podiatric Medicine is a national leader in podiatric medical education and patient care.
EXPLORE MOREOne of the key advantages of a career in podiatric medicine is the surgical expertise you’ll gain through your residency. Unlike many other medical fields, all podiatrists complete a surgical residency, guaranteeing that you will become a skilled and qualified surgeon. This opens a world of opportunities for you to make a tangible impact on the lives of your patients, saving limbs and preventing amputations.
100% of eligible SMU podiatric medical students have matched with a residency program over the past 10 years, with 75% of graduates matching with one of their top surgical residency choices. Thanks to earlier hands-on experiences, smaller classes, and more personalized attention, CPM graduates are better prepared for residency than students in other programs.
Samuel Merritt University’s College of Podiatric Medicine is affiliated with the top teaching hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area, ensuring that you’ll receive an outstanding clinical experience with a diversity of patients and a high faculty-to-student ratio.
Clinical rotations start during the second year and continue throughout your remaining years at SMU. Exceptional clinical experiences include rotations in limb salvage at the UC San Francisco Center for Limb Preservation, general surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center, and busy podiatric medical clinics at Highland Hospital in Oakland and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
As a doctor of podiatric medicine, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in sports medicine, working with athletes to maintain their full potential by treating and preventing sports injuries. Imagine the satisfaction of helping athletes get back on their feet and back in the game, ensuring they can continue pursuing their passion with strength and confidence.
One of the key advantages of a career in podiatric medicine is the surgical expertise you’ll gain through your residency. Unlike many other medical fields, all podiatrists complete a surgical residency, guaranteeing that you will become a skilled and qualified surgeon. This opens a world of opportunities for you to make a tangible impact on the lives of your patients, saving limbs and preventing amputations.
Residency Placements One of only 11 schools of its kind in the U.S., the Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine is a national leader in podiatric medical education and patient care.
Samuel Merritt University’s College of Podiatric Medicine is affiliated with the top teaching hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area, ensuring that you’ll receive an outstanding clinical experience with a diversity of patients and a high faculty-to-student ratio.
Clinical rotations start during the second year and continue throughout your remaining years at SMU. Exceptional clinical experiences include rotations in limb salvage at the UC San Francisco Center for Limb Preservation, general surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center, and busy podiatric medical clinics at Highland Hospital in Oakland and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
As a doctor of podiatric medicine, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in sports medicine, working with athletes to maintain their full potential by treating and preventing sports injuries. Imagine the satisfaction of helping athletes get back on their feet and back in the game, ensuring they can continue pursuing their passion with strength and confidence.
Over 100 Years of Excellence
At Samuel Merritt University’s College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM), we have a proud tradition of excellence dating back to 1914. Our program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive education that seamlessly blends core medical and clinical sciences. With over a century of successful alumni leading the charge in all areas of podiatric medicine, from leadership and research to product innovation, you’re joining a legacy of greatness.
Urban Environment
Our curriculum is uniquely podiatry-forward, enabling accelerated practical understanding. Unlike other programs, we offer hands-on learning starting in your second year. This early immersion allows you to develop essential skills and gain invaluable experience a full year ahead of your peers in comparable programs. At Samuel Merritt University’s CPM, you’ll acquire the knowledge and expertise needed to become a successful and confident podiatrist.
Accelerated Learning
Situated in the vibrant city of Oakland, California, our university provides a rich, urban environment where you can apply your learning to a diverse patient population. This exposure to real-world scenarios ensures that you are well-prepared to handle a variety of medical conditions and patient needs. You'll graduate with the confidence and experience required to excel in the field of podiatric medicine.
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.
1. Promote and implement excellence and innovation in education.
2. Advocate and model an environment of dignity, compassion and respect.
3. Promote collaborative teamwork and inter-professional education.
4. Educate students to provide excellent podiatric care.
5. Recognize and address the structural and social determinants of health and how they relate to health disparity.
6. Encourage and support quality scholarly activity and research.
7. Foster the skills for lifelong learning, self-reflection and wellness.
Respect. We treat our students as future colleagues.
Integrity. We expect every student, staff 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 and faculty member to strive for betterment.
We have a rich tradition of educating skilled and compassionate health professionals.
Average for the past four years
84% of SMU students come from diverse backgrounds.
99% of CPM graduates have successfully obtained a residency over the past 20 years.
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.
Embark on your path to informed foot care with the College of Podiatric Medicine blogs!
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