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Student Leadership

Outside of the classroom…

At the College of Podiatric Medicine, we inspire our students to fully immerse themselves in their academic journey while also embracing enriching extracurricular activities. Active participation beyond the classroom not only fosters personal growth but also opens doors to invaluable leadership opportunities, nurturing your personal and professional development.

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CPM Student Government Association

“The CPM SGA is the mouthpiece for our cohort. Our role is to listen to our class and be the bridge to faculty and the university. We work to ensure that our class experiences a smooth academic journey at WesternU. We remain cognizant that we are only a fraction of our class and strive to advocate in a way that accurately reflects our cohort’s sentiment as a whole.”
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SALT Program

The Student Ambassador Leadership Training (SALT) Program was initially created at the requests of prospective students wanting to meet current students. The program has evolved to include supportive resources, leadership training, and networking sessions to help the students in their roles as Student Ambassadors for the College and leaders in their cohort and profession.

Executive Student Government Association

The Executive Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences students and comprises representatives from each class. The SGA works with the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff, and other student organizations to bring about changes that will benefit the student body.
Kirakos Tomas, DPM 2026 – Outgoing Executive SGA President

“During my term as the Executive SGA President, I am looking forward to doing the best of my ability to create an environment that would lead every student at WesternU towards success. I hope to get to the needs of every college and leave a lasting positive impact that would motivate and help future colleagues succeed.”

Jessica Rangel, DPM 2026 – Outgoing Executive SGA Vice-President

“I joined executive SGA to hopefully evoke change for all at WesternU. I think students are forever evolving and the school should too. I want to be a part of the changes for the better at WesternU and hope to serve as liaison for all colleges and to share their concerns/opinions to administration.”

Podiatric Medicine Clubs

Outside of your coursework, you have the opportunity to pursue your passions through a variety of student-led clubs. There are eight podiatric medicine and surgery clubs, and close to 130 student-led organizations within Western University to get involved in. Click each podiatric club listed below to learn more about their initiatives.

Clubs at Western University of Health Sciences

Student Leader Handbook

  • American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM)

    Established in 2021 to enhance the podiatric medical school experience by educating students on leadership and practice management, including, but not limited to, practice administration, communication, finances, compensation, and systems management.

    Contact AAPPM

    AAPPM Website

  • American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM)

    Established in 2015 to promote interest and awareness in the field of podiatric sports medicine. To provide opportunities for students to improve their knowledge and understanding of evaluations, treatment, management, and prevention of podiatric injuries in sports and fitness. To provide the podiatric student with additional opportunities to gain exposure and supervised training in the field, all the while promoting public awareness of podiatric medicine and specifically podiatric sports medicine.

    Contact AAPSM

    AAPSM Website

  • American Association for Women Podiatrists (AAWP)

    Established in 2017, the purpose of the WesternU student chapter of the American Association of Women Podiatrists is to aid the advancement of the educational, professional and social goals of our members. Through networking, service learning and education, we will prepare for success in the field of podiatric medicine, while benefiting our community.

    Contact AAWP

    AAWP Website

  • American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)

    Established in 2010 to enhance the competency of medical students at every level of foot and ankle care by exposing students to more specific foot and ankle surgical techniques.

    Contact ACFAS

    ACFAS Website

  • American College of Podiatric Medicine (ACPM)

    Established in 2014 to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical skills in the evaluation, treatment and prevention of lower limb conditions and injuries through hands on experience, workshops and educational seminars.

    Contact ACPM

  • Podiatric Research Club

    Established in 2017 to provide first and second year medical students with exposure to the latest research in the field, as well as participation in research of their own.

    Contact PRC

  • Podo-Pediatrics Club

    Established in 2022, the mission of the Podo-Pediatrics Club is to educate students about the podiatric sub-specialty of pediatrics. All WesternU students who are interested are welcome to join and learn more about the current field of lower extremity diagnosis and treatment in children as well as partake in community service events to help the underserved. Some events include a shoe drive, raising pedal foot health awareness with children and parents, hearing from expert podiatrists specialized in Podopediatrics, volunteering at community walks for children, and more.

    Contact Podopediatrics Club

  • Southern California Podiatric Medical Students’ Association (SCPMSA)

    Established in 2013 to create a SCPMSA regional chapter which will unify podiatric medical students at WesternU as well as provide them with relevant information and a unique identity.

    Contact SCPMSA