PODIATRIC MEDICINE/BIOMECHANICS (INDEPENDENCE)

Catalog description

Gives students the opportunity to perform primary foot and ankle care under the supervision of the clinical faculty. Students learn basic podiatric palliative care techniques on patients, as well as how to record their findings in the medical record. Students are evaluated on their ability to present the case history, treat the patient and properly record their findings. Students receive clinical conferences on a variety of podiatric medical topics, with practical exams in many areas. Two months are spent at the Cleveland Foot and Ankle Clinic. Also provides the student with the opportunity for observation and practice of examination skills required in performing a musculoskeletal and biomechanical evaluation. This involves the development of skill in obtaining a biomechanical/musculoskeletal history, arthrometric evaluation, visual gait analysis and musculoskeletal examination to include muscle strength testing, flexibility and range of motion. The student is taught and provided opportunities for practice, various methods of obtaining and evaluating proper biomechanical cast impressions of the feet for the purpose of fabricating orthotic devices. Emphasis is on the practice and refinement of clinical evaluation and manual skills.