Discusses a study, which indicated a significant difference between residency applicants considered finalists after their interview was completed, and those considered nonfinalists (among applicants representing differing levels of academic achievement as measured by National Board of Podiatry Examiners examination scores and clinical evaluation…

The conceptual and practical bases for development of a curriculum in psychiatry and the behavioral sciences that would prepare students for the primary care responsibilities of podiatric medical practice are presented, and specific instructional resources are suggested. (MSE)

A program that combines certain attractive features of private practice (closer doctor-patient relationship and financial remuneration) and academic medicine is outlined and its feasibility demonstrated. The program is intended to improve the skills of faculty clinicians and provide additional clinical opportunities for podiatry students. (MSE)

Two findings emerge from a survey of second-year podiatric medical students: their interests do not correlate closely with other medical students', although like other health professionals they have high interest in science, mechanical activities, medical science, and medical service. Development of a podiatric practitioner profile is recommended.…

Contemporary clinical educational programs at five colleges of podiatric medicine are reviewed. Both classroom contact hours and clinical experience are examined and compared among institutions. Course offerings in podiatric medicine, radiology, surgery, othopedics, community health, etc., are listed by college. (MLW)

Discusses the use of numerical grades or a pass-fail system at the first-professional degree level in a health professions college, this paper provides the results and analysis of a student survey. Some 73 percent of student respondents felt that academic achievement was not affected by pass-fail. (LBH)

The Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine is exploring the possibility of using a curriculum based on the systematic feed-forward establishment of competency-based terminal performance objectives to replace the cyclic feedback approach of curricular design presently being used. (Author/LBH)

As the profession of podiatric medicine becomes more closely identified with the delivery of primary care, it is suggested that it is essential for practicing podiatrists and students to have more educational opportunities in the field of holistic health care, psychiatry, and the behavioral sciences. (Author/MLW)

A committee of students, faculty, and administration at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine developed a program designed to encourage a climate at the college conducive to maintaining a high morale. The program is described and results of the Medical School Learning Environment Questionnaire are outlined. (MLW)

Institutional advancement must be a total institutional commitment and must take its guidance from the goals and objectives of the institution. Six elements of institutional advancement for colleges of podiatric medicine are discussed, including institutional relations, fund raising, alumni relationships, government relations, managing, and…

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), initially developed for undergraduate medical education, has been adapted for assessment of clinical skills in podiatry students. A 12-month pilot study found the test had relatively low levels of reliability, high construct and criterion validity, and good stability of performance over time.…

The results of a practical clinical examination in podiatric medicine administered to fourth-year students are presented. The examination could become the prototype of a Part III practical clinical examination under the auspices of the National Board of Podiatry Examiners. Its feasibility is established and problems and issues are discussed.…

Trends in podiatric medical education are discussed, including accredited and approved programs, college enrollments, women student enrollment, ethnic minority enrollment, states providing the largest numbers of first-year students, residency education in podiatric medicine, tuition, and financial aid. (MLW)

Competence, defined as the ability to accomplish an essential performance characteristic in a satisfactory fashion, is examined from the podiatric education viewpoint. The factors involved in continuing competence, factors making continuing competence essential in health professions, and basic problems relating to clinical competence are…

Predictors of success for black freshmen entering Xavier University of Louisiana with an interest in the health professions were studied. Health professions were considered as the mainline fields of medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and pharmacy. Students majoring in biology, chemistry, or…