Following four years of professional education, graduates of colleges or schools of podiatric medicine enter postgraduate residency programs that are conducted under the sponsorship of health-care institutions. Residencies afford these individuals structured learning experiences in patient management along with training in the diagnosis and care of podiatric pathology. The individuals involved in these training programs are referred to as “residents” and are recognized as such by the institutions sponsoring the programs. 

The Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) is an autonomous, professional accrediting agency designated by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to serve as the accrediting agency in the profession of podiatric medicine. The Council evaluates, accredits, and approves educational institutions and programs. The scope of the Council’s approval activities extends to institutions throughout the United States and its territories and Canada. 

The mission of the Council is to promote the quality of graduate education, postgraduate education, certification, and continuing education. By confirming these programs meet established standards and requirements, the Council serves to protect the public, podiatric medical students, and doctors of podiatric medicine.

The Council has been authorized by APMA to approve institutions that sponsor residency programs that demonstrate and maintain compliance with established standards and requirements. Podiatric residency approval is based on programmatic evaluation and periodic review by the Residency Review Committee (RRC) and the Council. 

Standards and requirements are divided into institutional standards and requirements and program standards and requirements. Standard 6.0 and the associated requirements, as stated in CPME 320, Standards and Requirements for Approval of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residencies, were developed as a collaborative effort of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM), and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). 

Under no circumstances may the standards and requirements for approval by the Council supersede federal or state law. 

Prior to adoption, all Council policies, procedures, standards, and requirements are disseminated widely in order to obtain information regarding how the Council’s community of interest may be affected. 

Residency Review Committee Meeting Dates and Deadlines