DPMs Still Lead

Quick Hits

Jim Rathlesberger, M.P.A.
Executive Officer, Board of Podiatric Medicine

The Board of Podiatric Medicine (BPM) is the unit of the Medical Board of California (MBC), Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), that administers licensing of DPMs under the State Medical Practice Act.

Sacramento, February 2008—Three years ago, the California Podiatric Physician published a BPM article entitled "DPMs Lead Way." You still do.

Lawmakers know you are setting the standard. Remember AB 932? That was not an accident. CPMA's professional collegiality with other provider groups is also a welcomed breath of fresh air from the "stakeholders" community.

Despite increased BPM outreach to the public, complaints against DPMs are in decline. It is a long-term trend we can credit to initiatives like Continuing Competence, and the higher professional standards podiatric medical doctors embrace. CPMA demonstrates that prioritizing prevention of patient harm is not "too hot to handle" but the essence of medical professionalism.

Setting Higher Standards

California Standard	DPM	MD
1. Annual review & approval of all four-year schools.	Yes	No
2. Approves schools not recognized by profession's national accrediting body.	No	Yes
3. Annual review & approval of all graduate medical education (postgraduate residency training) programs in California.	Yes	No
4. Years of GME (graduate medical education) required prior to licensure.	2	1
5. All medical residents required to apply for and possess a resident's license to treat Californians prior to their qualification for regular licensure.	Yes	No
6. Licensed by area of specialty and competence.	Yes	No
7. Statutory primary source verification of credentials prior to licensing.	Yes	No
8. Peer-reviewed continuing competence requirement at each two-year renewal, in addition to continuing medical education.	Yes	No
9. Referrals to Attorney General disclosed to inquiring, prospective patients prior to filing of formal Accusation.	Yes	No