The new Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Master of Public Health (DPM/MPH) combined degree degree provides a foundation within podiatric medicine and public health to prepare students with pre-clinical, research, policy, and clinical skills to address individual health and wellness, as well as health and wellness in the larger community. The unique interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to offer students the skills needed to practice in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving healthcare system. “There are only nine podiatric medicine schools in the country and students at are fortunate to have this opportunity. Dual training is welcome,” said Tom Brewer, Ph.D., associate professor of health policy and management in the College of Public Health.
According to Dr. Brewer, the DPM/MPH dual degree at is two years old. The joint program allows for 15 credit hours of coursework in the DPM curriculum to double-count in the MPH in Health and Policy Management curriculum. “All podiatric medicine students take the public health administration and health care law and regulation course in their third year of medical school. These classes fulfill competency requirements for the DPM degree. Those students wishing to continue in the joint program can double-count that coursework, along with nine hours of electives, toward the MPH,” explained Brewer. Students can start the program at the beginning or at the end of the DPM and have the flexibility to take classes in-person at the Kent campus, online, or a combination of the two. “The entire dual degree can be done in five years,” continued Brewer.
David Ritmo is a first year student in the DPM/MPH program. Originally from Albany, New York, Ritmo earned his bachelor of psychology from the University of Central Florida. “I chose because I liked the way the classes were formatted and it’s a great fit for me. The faculty is very supportive,” said Ritmo. “I’m very interested in research, particularly with the American Podiatric Medicine Academy (APMA). I hope to someday open my own practice in Florida and work with the community,” Ritmo concluded.
Dr. Brewer is an associate professor of health policy and management in the College of Public Health and teaches the healthcare law and regulation course at the College of Podiatric Medicine.
Click here for more information about the DPM/MPH program.