American Podiatric Medical Association Founded in the year 1912,
the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), today
represents approximately 15000 Doctors of Podiatric Medicines
(DPMs). The Association headquarters are situated in Bethesda,
Maryland. With a staff of approx 60 employees the association
assists the 53 societies scattered throughout the US, with the
goal of improving the foot and ankle health of every individual.
Their attempt is to achieve this goal by providing information
by the way of a toll free number, internet, and information
brochures.
Podiatrists attain a four year undergraduate degree before
attending an accredited, four year course at medical school.
These schools are: Barry University School of Medical Graduate
Medical Sciences, California School of Podiatric Medicine at
Samuel Merritt College, College of Podiatric Medicine and
Surgery- Des Moines University- Osteopathic Medical Center, Dr.
William M Scholl of College of Podiatric Medicine at the
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, New York
College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric
Medicine, and Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.
DPMs also have to complete a residence at hospital. APMA’s
Council on Podiatric Medical Education has been entrusted the
task accrediting Podiatric Medical Education by the US
department of Education. In order to obtain admission into any
of the seven accredited podiatric schools one must pass the
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Residency programs as
well as podiatric medical boards are both looked after by the
Council.
The APMA’s educational Foundation also gives out scholarships to
prospective DPMs, each year and also helps to fund programs
aimed at raising awareness about foot and ankle health. The
scholarship funds contribute approx $1000 to about 134 students
each, annually. An overall figure of 142,000$ is also
contributed by the fund each year and is responsible for he
contribution of about 1 million $ to aid almost 1000 prospective
DPMs.
Third or Fourth year students from any of the seven accredited
colleges and chosen by the College Scholarship and Student Loan
Committee, based on various factors like classroom performance,
leadership qualities, podiatric community involvement and
financial need etc.
There are plenty of ailments that effect the feet but the most
common two are Athletes Foot and Bunions.
Athletes Foot is a skin disease that originates with the foot.
Fungus responsible for the disease thrives at warm, dark and
moist places and thus the feet offer the perfect home. Name
comes from the fact that many athletes suffered from this fungus
and also the fact that swimming pools and locker rooms are also
safe breeding ground for the fungi. Symptoms include itchy, dry
and irritated skin also sometimes accompanied by blisters,
scaling and inflammation. It may spread to other parts of the
body as well, like the underarms and the groin region. It can be
prevented by taking a proper care of the skin. Washing and
keeping the feet clean, using a feet powder. Fungicidal creams
are also effective in healing.
Another common foot ailment is the Bunion, an enlargement of the
metatarsophalangeal (MTO) join, located at the base of the big
toe. Symptoms include swelling, redness, corns, and irritation
also accompanied by abnormal forces placed on the tendons and
joints of the foot. It is treated mostly by padding the
inflammatory are and taping the foot in a proper position. Anti
inflammatory drugs, ultra sound treatment and cortisone
injections are also prescribed to ease the pain and swelling. In
severe cases a surgical [procedure called bunionectomy might be
performed by podiatrists
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