A conceptual model for a geriatric fellowship in podiatric medicine

The number of older individuals living in the United States is projected to increase significantly over the next few decades. To help meet the health-care needs of this growing population, podiatric medicine must assure the public of the availability of specially educated teachers and practitioners who can not only provide direct patient care, but also participate in establishing national policies and priorities pertaining to foot health. Fellowship training, the traditional educational model beyond the first professional degree and residency education, is one means of accomplishing this goal. This article proposes a model for a geriatric fellowship in podiatric medicine. Implementation of such fellowship training in geriatrics can help the podiatric medical profession pursue its mission and fulfill its responsibility to the public.