Semester 1 – Fall
APCH110 – Lower Extremity Anatomy Dissection
Lower Extremity Anatomy includes the study of normal structure plus certain common and clinically important variations. The course is closely linked to the APCH 112 course and content from APCH 112 will be applied during this dissection lab. This lab will be held in the Anatomy Division at the University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Bldg., 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto. During this lab students will apply their lower limb anatomy knowledge and discover the anatomic relationships of the structures. Dissection will occur regionally from the pelvis to the foot. Upon satisfactory completion of this course, students will be able to accurately identify the major structures of the lower limb, state their anatomical relationships, explain their action and or function.
APCH112 – Structure and Function of the Lower Limb
Understanding the anatomical organization of the lower extremity is essential for effective assessment and treatment of foot disorders. This online course presents the detailed anatomy of the entire lower limb including the foot. The learner will be introduced to anatomical terminology commonly used within medicine and to the specialized terminology more commonly applied in the practice of chiropody. The foot will be linked to each of the anatomical regions, pelvis to ankle throughout the 13-week semester. A comprehensive look at the foot will occur in the first 4 weeks of the semester. Then the lower limb will be reviewed region by region to the foot again. Laboratory instruction includes use of a plastic skeletal foot model, anatomical computer software, group activities, simulated patient case studies and radiographic views of the lower limb. Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the learner will be able to describe the normal structures of the lower limb, as well as explain their anatomical and functional significance.
DMCH121 – Dermatology
This is a comprehensive lecture-based course in the basic and clinical aspects of cutaneous medicine. It provides the foundation that will enable the chiropody student to recognize and understand a considerable number of diseases in which the skin is solely or largely the central focus of the disturbance.
PGCH110 – Pathophysiology I
This course uses a systems approach to examine concepts in pathophysiology as a basis for podiatric medical practice in primary health care. The course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of diagnosis, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of a wide variety of illnesses of the human body. Special emphasis is placed on systemic disorders affecting the lower extremity and focuses on altered cell biology, hemostasis and hemodynamic disorders, inflammation, cardiovascular alterations, infectious diseases, endocrine dysfunction, and immune system alterations. This comprehensive course enables the student to recognize medical conditions outside of podiatric medicine and refer to appropriate medical practitioners.
POCH111 – Podiatric Medicine I
This is an introductory course in Podiatric Medicine. It is suitable for students in semester one, year one. APCH 110, APCH 111 and PGCH 110 should be taken concurrently to understand the concepts taught in this course. This course is a necessary pre-requisite to proceed to the following semesters of this program. This is a comprehensive course, which covers the fundamental concepts and conditions seen in podiatric medicine. This course will educate the learners in the areas of assessment, management and prevention of diseases related to the foot. Emphasis will be on the principles of examination and diagnosis in clinical management. This course will provide a foundation for the learners in preparation for POCH 122 and CLCH 120. All lecture content will be delivered virtually. Practical skills will be delivered and assessed during the weekly mandatory onsite Michener laboratory sessions. Note: Students often work in partners to practice skills on each other.
FPCH111 – Foundations of Podiatric Professional Practice
Foundations of podiatric professional practice is an online first year course which introduces the professional role of the chiropodist as a primary health care practitioner. Models of reflective practice will be introduced to support continuous professional development and quality improvement. Effective therapeutic and inter-professional communication will be highlighted and you will have the opportunity to explore and refine communication skills. Course material related to cultural competence, determinants of health and vulnerable populations will also be examined towards achieving greater knowledge of various patient populations. Obligations and responsibilities related to the College of Chiropodists Code of Ethics and Provincial Privacy Acts will be reviewed and applied to case studies.
Semester 2 -Winter
BMCH121 – Podiatric Biomechanics I
This is an introductory course that will cover normal human biomechanics of the lower extremity. The intent of this course is to provide the learner with a thorough understanding of human gait, with an emphasis on normal foot function in the gait cycle. Basic Podiatric biomechanical examination techniques, including gait analysis, will be taught, demonstrated, and practiced allowing the learner to recognize and assess normal biomechanics of the lower extremity. The intent of this course is to provide the learner with an understanding of normal biomechanical function of the lower extremity within the simulated clinical setting and through this understanding of normal structure and function, the learner will be prepared to study pathomechanics. This is an introductory course in Podiatric Medicine. It is suitable for students in semester one, year one. APCH 110, APCH 111 and PGCH 110 should be taken concurrently to understand the concepts taught in this course. This course is a necessary pre-requisite to proceed to the following semesters of this program. This is a comprehensive course, which covers the fundamental concepts and conditions seen in podiatric medicine. This course will educate the learners in the areas of assessment, management and prevention of diseases related to the foot. Emphasis will be on the principles of examination and diagnosis in clinical management. This course will provide a foundation for the learners in preparation for POCH 122 and CLCH 120. All lecture content will be delivered virtually. Practical skills will be delivered and assessed during the weekly mandatory onsite Michener laboratory sessions. Note: Students often work in partners to practice skills on each other.
CLCH121 – Podiatric Clinical Practice I
During this clinical rotation the student will be provided with the opportunity to observe and perform evaluation and treatment of lower extremity diseases and disorders. The focus of this rotation will be on the podiatric history, podiatric assessment, and non-high risk routine foot care. Under the guidance and instruction of attending chiropodist or podiatrist, the student will apply his/her theory and laboratory knowledge to patients who present with a variety of foot and ankle disorders and systemic diseases. This will help the student begin to understand the complexity and nature of podiatric practice. This component of the program is designed to provide the first steps to a broad range of clinical experiences, which will allow the student to apply patient management skills, effective communication, and professionalism in a learning-centered and interprofessional environment. *Evaluations are performed on real patients, unless otherwise specified, and schedules may be subject to change.
PGCH121 – Pathophysiology II
This course uses a systems approach to examine concepts in pathophysiology as a basis for podiatric medical practice in primary health care. The course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of diagnosis, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of a wide variety of illnesses of the human body. Special emphasis is placed on systemic disorders affecting the lower extremity. This course focuses on neoplasia, hematological disorders, pulmonary alterations, renal system disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, genetic disorders and neurological disorders. This comprehensive course enables the student to recognize medical conditions outside of podiatric medicine and refer to appropriate medical practitioner.
PMCH121 – Clinical Pharmacology
All lectures are tentatively scheduled to be delivered virtually. This course has three main components. The first provides the understanding of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and outlines the principles of drug classification based on molecular, cellular, organ and system target, mechanisms of action and therapeutic indications. Articulation of the principles presented in the first component is an absolute pre-requisite to the study of Clinical Pharmacology and Systems Pharmacology, the second and third components of the course. The mechanisms of action and therapeutic indications of drug on the various morpho-functional systems are analyzed. An integrated approach to drug action is described, based on the assessment of the physiological and pathological processes and therapeutic applications. Identifying these principles and applying them in a systematic manner provides the tools for the therapeutic implementation of an evidence-based drug use.
POCH122 – Podiatric Medicine II
This course is designed to further the learner’s understanding of conditions that result in pain or deformity of the foot. The course will educate the learners in the areas of conservative management and prevention of diseases, disorders or dysfunction of the foot by therapeutic, orthotic or palliative means. This course builds on theory covered in Dermatology, Podiatric Medicine I, and Anatomy courses from semester one. This course will include the definitions, etiology and conservative management for rearfoot, forefoot and lesser toes deformities. The course includes an extensive laboratory component to educate the learners in the application of theory and clinical skills required for patient care. The intent of this course is to lay the foundation for the learners in preparation for their clinical site rotation(s). All lecture content will be delivered virtually.
Semester 3 – Fall
BMCH230 – Podiatric Biomechanics II
This course will focus on the primary structural and functional abnormalities of the foot that are commonly encountered by the practitioner. The influence of these abnormalities on gait is considered in conjunction with their potential to cause secondary soft tissue and structural conditions. This course reviews the deformities of the lower extremity and their effect on normal function. It also deals with the etiology, clinical diagnosis and management of common orthopedic foot and ankle problems. This will provide the student with a thorough understanding of normal and abnormal locomotion and enable the student to create a management plan to improve the mechanical function of the foot. This course examines the application, fabrication and use of various lower extremity foot orthotic devices in the treatment of biomechanical abnormalities. All lectures will be delivered virtually. The lab sessions will be on-site over the 13 weeks and are mandatory.
CLCH231 – Podiatric Clinical Practice II
During this clinical rotation the student will be provided with the opportunity to observe, perform treatment and physical assessments of the foot, and manage lower extremity diseases and disorders affecting the foot. The focus of this rotation will be on integrating the results of a podiatric history, podiatric assessment and forming comprehensive management of podiatric cases. Under the guidance and instruction of the attending chiropodists, podiatrists or medical staff, the student will apply his/her theory and practical knowledge to patients who present with a variety of foot and ankle disorders as well as systemic diseases. This experience will help the student continue to understand the complexity and nature of podiatric practice. This component of the program is designed to provide a broad range of clinical experiences, which will allow the student to apply patient management skills, effective communication, and professionalism in a learning-centered and interprofessional environment.
IGCH230 – Laboratory Diagnosis and Imaging
This course is designed to provide the learner with the ability to understand and evaluate common laboratory and imaging tests that may arise in the clinical setting as an aid in management of the podiatric patient. A number of diagnostic disciplines will be considered, such as hematology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, radiography, MRI, ultrasound, etc. The learner will be expected to relate theoretical material to the clinical setting and be able to interpret and discuss the implications of laboratory/imaging test results as they relate to a series of patient case studies. This course will give the student the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.
LACH230 – Podiatric Anesthesia and Injections
This is an introductory course on Podiatric Anaesthesia and Injectables. It is suitable for semester three, year two Chiropody program students who have successfully completed all prerequisite courses in year one of the program. The successful completion of year one in the Chiropody program or equivalent is necessary to understand LACH 230. This course is a necessary pre-requisite to studying TSCH 240 and CLCH 240. This course looks at the use of anaesthesia, sedation, and injection techniques. The understanding of principles and safety measures related to the administration of injectable substances into the foot will be covered, with an emphasis on anaesthetic digital and ankle nerve blocks and corticosteroid injections. The understanding of principles and safety measures related to the administration of oral and inhaled sedative agents will be covered including their applications during foot and ankle procedures where conscious sedation is deemed appropriate. This course will review the following pharmacological agents commonly used in anaesthesia and sedation: local anesthetic agents, corticosteroid agents, benzodiazepines, nitrous oxide and other inhaled anesthetics. Review of these pharmacological agents will include: mechanisms of action, appropriate clinical applications and administration, indications, contraindications, complications and appropriate management of these complications.
POCH230 – Podiatric Medicine III
This is a second-year chiropody course, delivered online (virtually), covering advanced concepts and conditions seen in podiatric practice. The course will educate the learners on rheumatic and connective tissue conditions with podiatric implications. Podiatric case management plans will be undertaken, which will focus on integration of knowledge acquired in this course with material from pre-requisite courses.
Semester 4 – Winter
CLCH241 – Podiatric Clinical Practice III
During this clinical rotation the student will be provided with the opportunity to observe and perform evaluation and treatment of lower extremity diseases and disorders. The focus of this rotation will be on the podiatric history, podiatric assessment, and non-high risk routine foot care. Under the guidance and instruction of attending chiropodist or podiatrist, the student will apply his/her theory and laboratory knowledge to patients who present with a variety of foot and ankle disorders and systemic diseases. This will help the student begin to understand the complexity and nature of podiatric practice. This component of the program is designed to provide the first steps to a broad range of clinical experiences, which will allow the student to apply patient management skills, effective communication, and professionalism in a learning-centered and interprofessional environment. *Evaluations are performed on real patients, unless otherwise specified, and schedules may be subject to change.
PECH240 – Podopediatrics
This course is designed to give the learner an understanding of how to recognize, assess, and treat conditions affecting the lower extremity of the developing child. Normal development is considered and provides the basis for the study of the developmental abnormalities and the pathological conditions that children may present with. History taking, physical examination, and diagnosis of the pediatric patient are also discussed. Interpretation and gait analysis of both the normal and abnormal pediatric patient are also discussed.
POCH240 – Management of the High Risk Foot
This course provides the learner with the knowledge and skills to recognize, assess and manage the “high-risk” foot. The podiatric manifestations of peripheral vascular disease, diabetes and other unique categories will be explored. A review of the medical, surgical and podiatric specific management strategies for the high-risk foot will be provided. This course will also investigate methods of preventing complications in the high-risk foot and effectively managing complications such as, but not limited to ulceration, infection and necrosis. Lectures will be delivered online. Various mandatory live sessions will take place onsite at The Michener Institute to supplement course lecture material.
SMCH240 – Podiatric Sports Medicine
This course is designed to provide the student with basic understanding of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries of the lower limb. It will integrate the normal and abnormal biomechanics previously learned. This course will also provide the student with overview of a variety of physical therapy modalities and procedures used in rehabilitation of sports injuries.
TSCH240 – Podiatric Soft Tissue Surgery
This course builds upon the content delivered in the Podiatric Anesthesia & Injectables course and provides the learner with a working knowledge of the soft tissue and osseous pathologies that affect the foot and lower extremity. During the course, the structure and function of the foot will be discussed, and patient evaluation and perioperative management with respect to specific surgical procedures will be described. In addition to soft tissue surgery, specific bony surgical procedures will be discussed with a view for appropriate referrals. This course is designed to familiarize the student with the appropriate diagnostic techniques and accepted conservative and surgical treatment of patients suffering diseases and disorders of the foot and lower extremity. Office surgery and sterile surgical protocols, charting, instrumentation, hemostasis, closure techniques, plastic surgery techniques and wound healing will be reviewed.
Semester 5 – Summer
CLCH251 – Podiatric Clinical Practice IV
During this clinical rotation the student will be provided with the opportunity to observe, perform physical assessments and manage lower extremity diseases and disorders of the foot and ankle. The focus of this rotation will be on integrating the results of a podiatric history and podiatric assessment into a comprehensive management plan for podiatric cases. Under the guidance and instruction of attending chiropody faculty, the student will apply his/her theory and practical knowledge to patients who present with a variety of foot and ankle disorders as well as systemic diseases. This will help the student continue to understand the complexity and nature of podiatric practice. This component of the program is designed to provide a broad range of clinical experiences, which will allow the student to apply patient management skills, effective communication and professionalism in a learning-centered environment. Evaluations are performed on actual and schedules may be subject to change.
EBCH253 – Evidence Based Practice
This course is designed to provide the learner the opportunity to integrate the theoretical and practically oriented knowledge underlying the podiatric management of patients. A problem-based approach to learning will be adopted and cases will be presented to the student using a variety of virtual formats. Small group virtual discussions will be utilized promoting effective teamwork and collaborative learning. A research / evidence-based approach to clinical decision making and practice will also be emphasized which promotes the collection, interpretation and integration of valid research-derived evidence. Virtual discussion & participation will bolster your ability to critically evaluate source materials, remain current with the latest literature, and integrate their information into your day-to-day consultations. This course follows a hybrid learning design. You will virtually engage with your group in self and peer-collaborative activities. Groups will participate in virtual sessions with their faculty throughout the semester.
RMCH360 – Research Project
This course is an online course in which the learner will apply fundamental research principles in the clinical setting. This course encourages the learner to develop as a reflective practitioner who adopts an evidence-based approach to practice. Students, working in groups of six to seven, will be required to progressively complete an academic research proposal related to their specific profession. The proposed topic should be innovative and fresh, challenging current professional practice. On fulfillment of the course objectives, students will be granted a numerical grade on the student’s official transcript.
Semester 6 – Fall
CLCH361 – Podiatric Clinical Placements (Clinical Practice V)
During this clinical rotation the student will be provided with the opportunity to observe and perform physical assessments and manage lower extremity diseases and disorders of the foot and ankle. The focus of this rotation will be on integrating the results of a podiatric history and podiatric assessment to develop a comprehensive management of various podiatric cases, based on best practices. Under the guidance and instruction of the attending podiatric or other medical staff, the student will apply his/her theory and practical knowledge to patients who present with a variety of foot and ankle disorders as well as systemic diseases. This will help the student continue to understand the complexity and nature of podiatric practice. Inter-professional collaboration will be encouraged throughout the clinical exposure where possible. This rotation is undertaken with the assistance of our affiliated clinical sites. During this time students will attend an external clinical setting (private practice clinic, community health center or hospital-based setting) or the Michener Chiropody Clinic and affiliated placements. The clinical rotation will consist of a minimum of 21 hrs/week for 15 weeks. Students will practice under the guidance of a registered chiropodist/podiatrist and may participate in clinics including: podopediatrics, high risk/wound management, sports medicine and rehabilitation, biomechanics, podiatric surgery, research and interprofessional rotations. It is a requirement that students have a current CPR certificate, have undertaken a police check and have up-to-date immunization. The final week (15) will be designated for clinical examinations involving live patient interaction, OSCE, and/or other written examination. This component of the program is designed to provide a broad range of clinical experiences, which will allow the student to apply patient management skills and professional skills in a learning-centered environment.*Evaluations are performed on real patients and schedules may be subject to change.
Semester 7 – Winter
CLCH372 – Podiatric Clinical Externships
During this clinical rotation, the student will continue with their clinical exposure which provides opportunity to evaluate and successfully manage lower extremity diseases, disorders, and dysfunctions. Under the guidance and instruction of attending chiropody/podiatry practitioners, the student will apply their theoretical and practical knowledge to patients with various foot and ankle disorders. Inter-professional collaboration will be encouraged throughout the clinical exposure where possible. This rotation is undertaken with the assistance of our affiliated clinical sites. During this time students will attend an external clinical setting (private practice clinic, community health centre or hospital-based setting) or the Michener Chiropody Clinic and affiliated placements. The clinical rotation will consist of a minimum of 21+ hrs/week for 14 weeks (2 blocks x 7 weeks). Students will practice under the guidance of a registered chiropodist/podiatrist and may participate in clinics including: podopediatrics, high risk/wound management, sports medicine and rehabilitation, biomechanics, podiatric surgery, research and interprofessional rotations. It is a requirement that students have a current CPR certificate, have undertaken a police check and have up-to-date immunization. The final week (16) will be designated for clinical examinations involving live patient interaction, OSCE, and/or other written examination. This component of the program is designed to provide a broad range of clinical experiences, which will allow the student to apply patient management skills and professional skills in a learning-centered environment. *Evaluations are performed on real patients and schedules may be subject to change.
LPCH360 – Legislation & Practice Management
This course will develop the learner’s ability to employ business strategies in the management of a chiropody practice. Legislative and non-legislative requirements governing Chiropodists will be reviewed and explored by learners towards developing clinic policies and procedures documentation. Learners will also participate in a jurisprudence examination to evaluate their knowledge, skills and judgment in this important area. The learner will determine the demographic, location, human resource, equipment, supply, insurance and financial management requirements necessary to operate a practice. Learners will then use their research to develop a business plan for the creation of their own future Chiropody practice.
