Interest in Podiatry

Hi, you may not receive these types of questions too often, but if you could still help with my questions, that would be grealy appreciated. I am currently a sophomore in college and I am majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology with a focus on Pre-Med. However, my desire is to become a Podiatrist. I have done tons of research and job shadows with fellow Podiatrists and absolutely love the area of study, probably because I have foot problems of my own. Anyway, because this is my dream I will work my hardest to attain this goal. But I thought you would maybe know what they look for in a person when being interviewed for the position of Podiatry school other than grades and the MCAT. Do they see if you have had previous experience in the medical area to show that it is right for you? I know a lot of people become CNA's to have proof of that, but CNA classes in North Dakota are hard to come by and are hard to get into with out conflicting with my schedule. I was wondering if you had any other ideas of opportunities to partake in to show my interest. I was thinking about getting a job at a sporting goods store in the shoe department, but I figure that isn't enough to show my love for feet. I was also offered a job behind the desk at a hospital and although I would be working in the hospital background, Idon't feel that it helps express my interest because it is based off of business, not the medical aspect of it. Any ideas would help wonders!
Thank you!
Kayla

[FootDoc]

If I were you, for the purposes of being accepted into school, I would rely on academic credentials rather than something which might imply a dedicated "interest in feet." Medical/surgical/diagnostic skills have little or no connection with how much affinity one has for that particular part of the body. You should however consider the fact that, aside from an arduous and long course of study, becoming any type of medical doctor has become a very expensive endeavor, and you will likely hold extensive debt when presented with your diploma. On the other hand, what with increased competition, lowered reimbursement, the advent of managed health care run essentially by insurance companies who are interested mainly in their bottom line, and, to that end, the subsequent dividing of the patient population into groups having easy access to only one provider source, establishing especially a new practice is not necessarily an easy task unless you are willing to establish that practice in an area which has been relatively overlooked by existing medical practitioners. The business of practice is not at all an unimportant aspect of practice, and to the chagrin of many of the more academically inclined, many of the more successful practitioners, at least as measured by income, are those who are comfortable with and able to promote their practices, unfortunately, often for reasons which offer the patient less than honest impressions of their technical skills. But the criteria for being accepted into school is mainly based on academic proficiency and basic well-roundedness. You need not express any love for feet.

[Footprints Pod]

Hi Kayla,
Good for you for me healthcare and Podiatry has been a wonderful career to be involved in. Perhaps it is different in America, but in Australia and speaking from personal experience, persistance matters. When applying, I had a genuine interest in Podiatry and I believe that shone through in my application. I always believe it helps not to be too self absorbed and I would never suggest that you were going into Podiatry to become a millionaire. I believe that as Podiatrists we have a huge role to play in the management and prevention of problems with diabetes and the prevention of problems with kiddies before they become big people. This said wouldn't it be great to be able to assist the less financally fortunate maintain happiness, health and ambulant!!!
All the best, it sounds like you'll be a great Podiatrist

Please Don't Be a Podiatrist if you have a feet fetish. Just be a podiatrist if you just simply like podiatry. With that said, Academic > loving feet.