
Learn About Hospital Privileges
Changes in education and the structure of podiatric postgraduate training programs could impact your current credentialing/privileging process! Hospital documents should be updated to reflect both of podiatry's CPME-recognized certifying boards.

ABPM Position Statement
The Board of Directors of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine approved the following position statement regarding hospital and surgical privileges for doctors of podiatric medicine on February 27, 2019.
Read MoreFor Podiatrists
Education, residency and credentialing standards change periodically.
To navigate the sometimes complex and even inconsistent world of privileging, it is important to understand that hospital bylaws, department policies, and the privileging process are designed to ensure the safety of patients and continued access to competent care. The Guide to Credentialing and Privileging Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, distributed by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM), provides a comprehensive summary of podiatry’s educational and residency requirements over the past decade and the importance of understanding these as you seek privileges with a hospital. You will note that privileging considers and reviews your training, residencies, post-grad certification, fellowship, preceptorship concurrent with your overall experience and board certification. This guide will help you understand the process more thoroughly, so you are prepared. It also serves as a guide for hospitals and credentialers who must continually work to stay current with changes in specialty fields.
Download the Guide
This guide is intended to provide an overview of nuanced changes in the podiatry profession and an understanding of the purpose and requirements related to hospital and health system credentialing and privileging processes.
Download HereCPME Recognized Boards
The Council on Podiatric Medical Education 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 American Board of Podiatric Medicine
The American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) exists to protect the health and welfare of the public through ongoing evaluation and certification of the competence of podiatrists in the specialty of podiatric orthopedics and podiatric medicine.

The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery’s (ABFAS) purpose is to protect and improve the health and welfare of the public by the advancement of the art and science of podiatric surgery.

Training History/Clinical Education
- DPM Degree
- (PMSR) podiatric medicine and surgery residency; or older PSR, PM&S or other residencies
- Relevant Fellowship Programs
Active Malpractice Insurance Coverage + 10 Year Claims History
- Ensuring such coverage meets minimum requirements
Peer References Who Can Attest to Current Clinical Compecency for Privileges
Specialty Board Status, If Held
- American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM)
- American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Verify Additional Credentials (if required), CAQs, hyperbaric oxygen therapy certificate, etc.
- Recent Clinical Activity
- Ability to Perform Requested Privileges
- Establish Consistent Practices for All Practitioners Regardless of Employment Status

