Council on Podiatric Medical Education

The Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) is an autonomous accrediting agency for podiatric medical education. Deriving its authority from the House of Delegates of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the Council is empowered to develop and adopt standards and policies as necessary for the implementation of all aspects of its accreditation, approval, and recognition purview. The Council has final authority for:

• The accreditation of colleges of podiatric medicine and the approval of residency programs and continuing education.

• The recognition of specialty certifying boards for podiatric medical practice.

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The Council is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the US Secretary of Education as the accrediting agency for first professional degree programs in podiatric medicine. Unqualified recognitions by these organizations have recently been extended for the maximum periods available. The Council also holds membership in the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA). The CPME has its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.

The two certifying boards recognized by the CPME are:

• American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine

• American Board of Podiatric Surgery

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL:

• 1918: Council on Podiatric Medical Education (Council on Education) established

• 1922: First college accreditation activities conducted

• 1952: Council granted initial recognition from the US Commissioner on Education

• 1964-65: First on-site evaluation and approval process conducted for postdoctoral training programs (residencies and internships)

• 1969: Council granted initial recognition from the National Commission on Accrediting

• 1974-75: First evaluation and accreditation granted to an institution sponsoring a program in podiatric medical assisting

• 1975: Council granted initial recognition from the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation

• 1975: Council granted recognition to the first active board to certify in a special area of podiatric medical practice

• 1977: Initiation of an evaluation and approval process for continuing education programs

• 1983: Residency Review Committees for surgery and podiatric orthopedics established

• 1985: First expansion of accreditation granted to a college of podiatric medicine for the oversight of preceptorship programs

• 1989: Joint Residency Review Committee established

• 1995: Joint Committee on the Recognition of Specialty Boards established

• 2000: Initiation of an evaluation and approval process for fellowship programs