Admission Characteristics and Academic Performance of Podiatric and Osteopathic Medical Students at Des Moines University

Abstract

In this study, the admissions data and initial academic performance of osteopathic medical students were significantly statistically higher than that of podiatric medical students at Des Moines University. Once attrition occurred in year one, the academic performance between these groups of medical students was no longer statistically significant and can be considered comparable. The challenge for podiatric medicine is to increase the applicant-to-seat ratio and admit classes with admissions qualifications similar to other health professions. Until this goal is achieved, the academic aptitude or comparability of two groups of medical students representing different medical professions can be achieved through collaborative curriculum strategies and student outcomes assessment processes.