08/01/2025    Evan F. Meltzer, DPM

Health Professions Scholarship Program

I became aware of the significant cost of a
podiatric medical education while working with
residents at the Audie Murphy VAMC in San
Antonio, Texas. When I graduated from PCPM/Temple
in 1977, I never owed the school any money for my
four years there, and I paid nothing for my
textbooks or equipment. How did I do this?

I was very fortunate to be awarded an Army Health
Professions Scholarship (look up HPSP on your
search tool) that paid for my tuition, books and
equipment for my four years at Temple. In
addition, I was also paid a monthly stipend for
living expenses.

What’s the catch? I repaid my debt by serving as
an Army podiatrist for four years at Fort Meade,
Maryland. Service for military podiatrists is
much better now than it was when I entered the
Army in 1977 as a first lieutenant. At that time,
podiatry was grouped with the other allied
health professions including optometry, psychology
and audiology. We also had administrative duties
that included periodic overnight stays at the
hospital. The allied health professionals were
assigned to the Medical Service Corps.

Now, military podiatrists in the Army, Navy, and
Air Force are assigned to the Medical Corps, along
with MDs and DOs, and enter military service with
a minimum rank of captain. In addition to their
basic salaries, doctors in the Medical Corps
receive professional pay that is meant to compete
with pay in the civilian sector.

Since 1981 when I left Fort Meade with my
Honorable Discharge, I have been a proud veteran
and get my excellent medical care at my local VA
hospital along with the many other benefits
available to veterans. I hope the readers of this
email pass this information along to prospective
students who wish to graduate debt free and who
also want to serve their country.

EVan F. Meltzer, DPM (retired), Rio Rancho, NM

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