• Overview
  • Surgery
  • Residency Placements
  • Clinicals
  • Sports Medicine & Biomechanics

A Rewarding Career in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

One of only eleven 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.

Program DurationOne Year (Three Semesters)
FormatOn Compus
AccreditationWASC, WSCUC
CurriculumFive terms of intensive study at a rapid pace
Campus LocationsOakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula
Upcoming DeadlinesMarch 15, 2024: Summer ApplicationOakland, San Francisco Peninsula
April 1, 2024: Fall ApplicationSacramento , San Francisco Peninsula
July 1, 2024: Spring ApplicationSacramento, San Francisco Peninsula

Surgery

One of only eleven 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. One of only eleven 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.

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Residency Placements

One of only eleven 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. One of only eleven 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.

  • Overview
  • Surgery
  • Residency Placements
  • Clinicals
  • Sports Medicine & Biomechanics

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.

 

mission
Mission

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.

vision
Vision

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.

values
Values

 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.

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: U.S. or Canadian Applicants : May 2025 Application
: International Applicants : May 2025 Application
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Our innovative 24 months Bridge to Podiatric Residency (BPR) curriculum offers graduates from medical and dental schools in the U.S. and abroad the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and attain eligibility for a U.S. podiatric surgical residency position.  

: U.S. or Canadian Applicants : May 2025 Application
: International Applicants : May 2025 Application
24 Months + Residency
On Campus
WSCUC, CPME
Sequential Course Curriculum
: Fall 2025 Application
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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. 

: Fall 2025 Application
4 Years Plus Residency
On Campus
WSCUC, CPME
Sequential Course Curriculum
: Fall 2025 Application
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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. 

: Fall 2025 Application
4 Years Plus Residency
On Campus
WSCUC, CPME
Sequential Course Curriculum
https://aacpmas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
: U.S. or Canadian Applicants : May 2025 Application
: International Applicants : May 2025 Application
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Our innovative 24 months Bridge to Podiatric Residency (BPR) curriculum offers graduates from medical and dental schools in the U.S. and abroad the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and attain eligibility for a U.S. podiatric surgical residency position.  

: U.S. or Canadian Applicants : May 2025 Application
: International Applicants : May 2025 Application
24 Months + Residency
On Campus
WSCUC, CPME
Sequential Course Curriculum
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SMU Success

We have a rich tradition of educating skilled and compassionate health professionals.

94%

Graduation Rate

Average for the past four years

diversity

We Embrace Diversity

84% of SMU students come from diverse backgrounds.

100%

Current Residency Match Percentage

99% of CPM graduates have successfully obtained a residency over the past 20 years.

Faculty

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.

Mark Razzante

Mark Razzante

DPM Interim Dean Assistant Professor Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
cherri-choate

Cherri S. Choate

DPM Associate Dean for Educational Affairs
tim-dutra

Tim Dutra

DPM Assistant Professor
david-tran

David Tran

DPM Assistant Professor Associate Dean of Admission
Podiatry student working with a patient

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