Working in Academics

Paul J Kim, DPM, AACFAS
Assistant Professor
Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program
Midwestern University College of Health Sciences

Taking a job in academics is like a calling to the priesthood, it is not for everyone. You not only have to enjoy teaching, but also enjoy the academic environment, including administrative duties, publishing, grant writing, public speaking and politicking. Teaching can be at several different levels. These levels include: undergraduate, graduate school, medical school, podiatric medical school, and in the hospital setting (including resident training).

Undergraduate level instruction primarily consists of teaching courses at universities or community colleges. The courses typically taught by podiatrists are physiology and anatomy. I know several podiatrists teaching at local community colleges. This entails course directing and some administrative duties. This type of job is typically done part time in conjunction with a clinical practice. However, some teach part time at two or more community colleges which essentially equates to a full time job with no clinical practice. I personally know no podiatrists who are employed full time at an undergraduate university.

Graduate level teaching is typically done in an academic center affiliated with a medical program. For example, as part of my duties I lecture to a wide spectrum of graduate level students in various health fields. These lectures are focused primarily on pathology of the lower extremity. There are growing opportunities for podiatrists at MD and DO medical schools as well. While some are full-time positions, many of these are adjunct faculty positions where the affiliation is limited with few administrative responsibilities. Many have a full time private practice where they spend a majority of their time.

The trend for podiatric medical school education is to integrate it into a larger campus of health professionals. Currently, six podiatric medical programs are part of interdisciplinary universities where podiatry faculty hold full time, tenure track positions. A significant part of the responsibility includes classroom lecturing and administrative duties. Other activities include conducting research, serving on various committees, and moderating meetings and workshops. Customarily, these faculty members conduct their clinical work in university clinics or associated teaching hospitals where they also instruct students and residents. Salaries are competitive with full benefits. The work is interesting, challenging and stable with regular hours.