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New Dean at LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine Puts Best Foot Forward

As the eleventh podiatric medical school in the United States, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Podiatric Medicine began offering a four-year program in July of 2023 at the LECOM main campus in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The scholars undertake their education and training in state-of-the-art classrooms housed within the LECOM West Building on the Main Campus, where 13,000 square feet of dedicated space provides optimum room for in-depth learning.

Now assisting the School in putting its best foot forward is its new Dean, Duane J. Ehredt, Jr., DPM, FACFAS, who will be leading the important educational charge. Dr. Ehredt hails from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, in Independence, Ohio where he served previously as Associate Professor, Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Biomechanics.

Dean, Duane Ehredt, Jr.Now, as a Clinical Professor and Dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Ehredt will be addressing the growing need for podiatric doctors throughout the United States as LECOM remains strongly committed to meeting this national healthcare need through the offerings of this school.

Dr. Ehredt holds admissions privileges at a host of renowned hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and an array of other affiliations.

He is an active United States Navy Reservist and he has a depth of military medical training and experience. Dr. Ehredt recognizes that LECOM is uniquely positioned to provide podiatric students the opportunity to be trained alongside medical students and to receive extensive clinical learning within the regional academic health system.

Podiatric students receive much of the same training as osteopathic medical students while also undertaking studies specific to the podiatric physician. This focused teaching opportunity better prepares graduates for entrance into podiatric residency programs.

The LECOM Erie campus is integrated with LECOM Health – the only osteopathic academic health system in the nation – which provides students with clinical learning opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in a range of specialized medical practices. LECOM enthusiastically welcomes Dean Duane J. Ehredt, Jr. to his new and estimable leadership role.