• 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.

nurshing

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

A National Leader in Podiatric Medicine

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

The College of Podiatric Medicine prepares highly skilled podiatrists who promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities, recognize the importance of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect.

vision
Vision

Through innovations in podiatric education, we prepare doctors who will improve the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve and transform their healthcare experience through:

  • Novel partnerships and collaborations
  • Robust interdisciplinary training
  • Conscientious and explicit use of research and evidence
  • Pioneering innovations in nursing education
values
Values
  • Social justice
  • Diversity
  • Lifelong learning
  • Teamwork
  • Integrity
  • Scholarship
1:1
"/>

Our innovative 22-month 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.  

22 Months
Hybrid On Campus Online
WSCUC, CPME
Sequential Course Curriculum
: Fall 2025 Application
"/>

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
"/>

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
"/>

Our innovative 22-month 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.  

22 Months
Hybrid On Campus Online
WSCUC, CPME
Sequential Course Curriculum

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 Clinical Placement Rate

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.

Eric Stamps headshot

Eric Stamps

DPM Dean, College of Podiatric Medicine
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

A Captivating Journey into the World of Foot Health

Embark on your path to informed foot care with the College of Podiatric Medicine blogs!

BLOGS

SMU Perspectives

College of Podiatric Medicine News