After completing the four-year curriculum required by podiatric medical schools, a new podiatric physician is required to participate in residency training. In general, states require a minimum of two years of postgraduate residency training in an approved healthcare institution. Board certified podiatric physicians are required to have two years of residency training. A residency provides an interdisciplinary experience with rotations such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease, surgery, ER and pediatrics.

Residency training provides a combination of medical and surgical experiences that are competency-based. Podiatric medical graduates select a 36-month Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR) that includes training in rear foot and ankle surgery.

All entry-level residency programs are required to participate in a national, centralized application and matching service such as the Centralized Application Service for Podiatric Residencies (CASPR). The matching program is similar to that of allopathic medicine. Students may apply through the CASPR to save time and money during their residency search. For additional information about residency programs, visit the CASPR Web site at www.casprcrip.org or call us at (301) 948-9764.