Doctoral
Bridge to Podiatric Residency
An accelerated pathway for medical and dental graduates to earn a DPM degree and pursue U.S. podiatric residency training.
Lead the Future of Foot and Ankle Care
Train alongside expert clinicians and researchers in one of California's leading podiatric medicine programs. Build the clinical experience needed to become a podiatric physician, guided by leaders in the field.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Focused on Podiatric Excellence.
Samuel Merritt University's College of Podiatric Medicine is one of only 11 podiatric medical schools in the United States, providing rigorous, clinically rich education in the science and practice of podiatric medicine. Students train across diverse outpatient, surgical, and community care settings.
With a low student-to-faculty ratio and an integrated curriculum spanning anatomy, biomechanics, surgery, and patient care, the college prepares graduates for residency and careers serving patients nationwide.
PROGRAMS
Explore our Podiatric Programs
From medical education through advanced clinical training, our podiatric programs prepare students for careers as physicians specializing in foot and ankle care.
Doctoral
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Samuel Merritt University's DPM prepares future physicians through specialized medical education and clinical training focused on lower extremity medicine and surgery.
#1
Early-Career Salary Prospects
Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salary prospects.
3.73
GPA Average
Average for 2023-24 graduating class across all programs
84%
We Embrace Diversity
84% of SMU students come from diverse backgrounds.
WHY SMU FOR PODIATRIC MEDICINE
Preparing Podiatric Physicians for Modern Practice.
At Samuel Merritt University, podiatric medicine students build their expertise through medical education grounded in patient care. Clinical training in surgery and biomechanics prepares students to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions while developing the judgment required for residency.
Students learn within a college with more than a century of experience in podiatric medical education. They graduate prepared for residency and ready to begin their careers as podiatric physicians.
Leadership & Featured Faculty
College of Podiatric Medicine faculty bring extensive clinical and academic expertise to the classroom. Through hands-on laboratory learning, case-based discussions, and clinical rotations, they help students develop the knowledge and critical thinking they will need to become podiatric physicians.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Learn by Doing.
Hands-on learning is central to an SMU education. Students gain experience in real-world healthcare settings throughout their programs, while SMU’s Health Sciences Simulation Center gives them a place to practice before entering patient care. One of the West’s most advanced healthcare simulation facilities, the HSSC helps students build their skills and clinical judgment in realistic healthcare environments.
CONTACT
Need More Assistance?
Admission
Ashley Shilling
- Oakland
- ashilling@samuelmerritt.edu
