Podiatry Residency Structure

Podiatry Resident’s Responsibilities

PGY-1 & PGY-2 Junior Residents

1. Perform, under the supervision of the senior resident and attending physician, the initial evaluation and treatment of all acute patients (5–8) as assigned by the senior resident.
2. Present new and established patients at appropriate rounds.
3. Present mini-topics when assigned.

PGY-3 Senior Residents

1. Supervise and coordinate all activities of the junior residents, including patient care and surgical assignments.
2. Lead group discussion during journal club, X-ray review, and CPC.
3. Ensure continuity of patient care by enabling communication among residents.

Chief Resident (as assigned by program director)

1. Act as an intermediary between the residency director and other residents.
2. Promote leadership for various activities, like scheduling, and make decisions for issue resolutions among other residents.

Residency Objectives

PGY-1

Upon completion of the first year, residents should be able to:

1. Evaluate, diagnose and treat local and systemic conditions manifesting themselves in the lower extremity, especially those disorders affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg.
2. Execute basic forefoot procedures, including common digital, lesser metatarsal, first ray, nail and soft tissue procedures.
3. Perform all aspects of perioperative management of a patient undergoing elective podiatric surgery, including the pre-operative evaluation, assessment and immediate post-operative care of the outpatient and inpatient.
4. Appreciate the role of other medical and surgical specialties and collaborate with them when necessary.
5. Demonstrate a logical thought process in the selection of the surgical or nonsurgical treatment options for commonly encountered diseases, disorders and/or trauma of the foot and ankle.
6. Complete a basic podiatric consultation for routine foot problems, including the preparation of a written report.
7. Assist and guide students in the acquisition of knowledge by providing experiences during their externship rotation.

PGY-2

In addition to developing proficiency in the objectives outlined for the PGY-I resident, the resident, upon completion of the second year, should be able to:

1. Manage basic trauma of the foot and ankle.
2. Execute advanced surgical procedures of the forefoot and rearfoot.
3. Manage trauma to the foot and ankle, including major fractures/dislocations, soft tissue injuries and tendon ruptures.
4. Diagnose and treat postoperative complications and make appropriate referrals for consultations and/or treatment when necessary.
5. Complete a meaningful clinical research project, retrospective study/evaluation or major subject review to be published in a referenced journal or text.
6. Complete a podiatric consultation, including the preparation of a written report and full presentation to a patient.
7. Function as an attending physician in a private practice or clinic setting.
8. Effectively guide and teach junior residents and students by example and attend special conferences, skill sessions and interactive meetings.
9. Provide meaningful presentations to podiatric audiences.

PGY-3

Residents, after completing their third year of the program, should display an increased ability and proficiency of the objectives outlined for PGY-I and PGY-2 residents while possessing the capabilities of an accomplished educator and lifelong learner.