Drexel University College of Medicine
Hahnemann University Hospital
PODIATRIC MEDICINE & SURGERY RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Rotation
Office Goals: This rotation takes place at The Foot and Ankle Center of Philadelphia and will
include direct participation of the resident in the evaluation and management of patients in a
clinic/office setting. Multiple training experiences will include, but not be limited to, the
following areas:
Office Competencies: The resident will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Perform problem-focused histories and physical examinations.
2. Perform biomechanical evaluations and managing patients with lower extremity disorders
utilizing a variety of prosthetics, orthotics and footwear.
3. Order and interpret diagnostic studies, including imaging, laboratory tests, pathology, or
other diagnostic studies.
4. Formulate appropriate differential diagnosis.
5. Formulate and implement appropriate plans of management.
6. Assess treatment plans and revise them as necessary.
7. Provide podiatric services in community and health/care settings.
8. Access and manage various lower extremity wounds, including skin grafting, wound vacs
and debridement.
9. Follow-up post-op patients and manage post-op complications.
Surgical Goals: This rotation shall provide a diversity of operative cases, techniques and
procedures. Direct participation of the resident, as a surgeon or primary resident, is required on
an acceptable number of cases. During the course of a podiatric surgical residency, the resident
shall demonstrate a progressive development of knowledge and skills in surgical areas including,
but not limited to, arthroplasties, arthrodesis, implantations, tenoplasties, tenodesis, tendon
transfers, osteotomies, internal fixation and external fixation. Also, knowledge and skills of
management of surgical complications and infections.
Surgical Competencies: At the conclusion of the rotation, the resident will be able to
demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Gain experience in preoperative evaluation, history and physical examination in order to
assess a patient’s status for proposed podiatric surgery.
2. Understand the actions and interactions of the agents and techniques associated with the use
of various local anesthetics and develop proficiency in specific nerve block techniques.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of pre and postoperative considerations and
complications associated with each podiatric surgical procedures.
4. Familiarity with pedal tissue handling techniques in the operating room.
5. Familiarity with wound healing principles as they apply to lower extremity surgery.
6. Familiarity with principles of splinting, fixation and infection control with regards to
podiatric surgery.
7. Familiarity with various suture materials and suture techniques utilized in podiatric surgery.
8. Demonstrate the ability to understand and perform foot and ankle procedures.