Cambridge Health Alliance

The podiatry student rotation at Cambridge Health Alliance offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience designed to enhance clinical skills and knowledge in podiatric medicine and surgery. Under the mentorship of experienced faculty, students actively participate in patient care across a diverse range of cases, including both medical and surgical conditions of the foot and ankle. During the rotation, students are integrated into daily clinical activities, including patient evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and treatment planning in two of our hospital based clinics. They observe and assist in various surgical procedures at CHA, providing them with exposure to the full spectrum of foot and ankle pathology. Additionally, students engage in weekly educational activities such as journal clubs, case discussions, and didactic lectures, allowing for a well-rounded clinical education. The rotation fosters critical thinking, decision-making, and effective patient communication, while ensuring students develop proficiency in podiatric surgery, wound care, and biomechanics. As of July 2025, we will become fully integrated into the Department of Orthopedics as the Foot and Ankle Division. This move will enhance collaboration and multidisciplinary learning and a more enhanced educational exposure.

The CHA Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency is a distinguished three-year program affiliated with Harvard Medical School and accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME). The program accommodates six residents, with two residents per training year. It features a structured rotational format that emphasizes a resource-based, competency-driven approach to assessment and training. As residents advance through the program, they are entrusted with increasing responsibilities in patient care and clinical decision-making. These clinical experiences are complemented by didactic activities, including journal clubs, skills workshops, case reviews, and lectures. Research opportunities are abundant and strongly encouraged to support academic and professional development. Due to a combination of community-based and referral patients, the medical and surgical volume and diversity is exceptional. The residents are fully integrated into two active outpatient podiatric outpatient clinics.