New Leaders Named at California School of Podiatric Medicine

Samuel Merritt University has made two major leadership appointments at the California School of Podiatric Medicine with the naming of Dr. Eric Stamps as dean and Dr. Cherri Choate as associate dean.

“Samuel Merritt University is fortunate to have an academic faculty of demonstrated talent and commitment to both the University and the profession of podiatry,” said Academic Vice President and Provost Scot Foster, PhD.

Dr. Stamps graduated with honors in 1993 from the California College of Podiatric Medicine — now known as the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) at Samuel Merritt University. An assistant professor, Dr. Stamps has served as CSPM associate dean for clinical affairs since 2005. He is a certified member of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. 

“I am honored and humbled to have been appointed dean of the California School of Podiatric Medicine, an institution that has been a leader in podiatric medical education since 1914,” said Dr. Stamps. “I look forward to advancing our mission of educating effective podiatric healthcare providers within an educational environment that is intellectually, socially and personally transformative.”

Dr. Choate earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1990. After teaching part-time while in private practice, Dr. Choate joined the CSPM faculty in 2009 as an assistant professor of biomechanics and became director of curriculum development in 2010. Dr. Choate is a certified member of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine as well as a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American Association of Women Podiatrists. 

“I have always felt a strong commitment to the educational program at CSPM, which prepared me for my professional life and where I have taught for more than 25 years,” said Dr. Choate. “I approach my new role as associate dean with optimism, excitement and a continued commitment to helping our students reach their fullest potential.”