A new educational opportunity at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is bringing podiatric medical students from across the country to Lexington for hands-on clinical training and mentorship.
Launched in May 2026, the Podiatry Externship Program welcomes fourth-year students from all 11 accredited podiatric medical schools in the United States for month-long rotations with faculty in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.
Through the program, students gain experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings while working closely with faculty mentors and interdisciplinary care teams, participating in clinical and surgical care and learning to manage a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
Ali Ahmed, D.P.M., assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, serves as the externship program director. Visiting students also work closely with Thomas King, D.P.M, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery. Ahmed and King spread their clinical responsibilities between the Orthopedic Clinic, Comprehensive Vascular Clinic, Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, see inpatient consults and operate at Good Samaritan Hospital and Lexington Surgery Center, giving students exposure to the broad spectrum of podiatry practice.
"This rotation significantly strengthened my clinical confidence," said Ashlyn Smith, a fourth-year student at Des Moines University and the program's first visiting extern. "I grew more assured in operative and clinical decision-making, patient counseling and imaging interpretation. I believe it was a formative month for my future development."
During Smith’s rotation, she worked alongside faculty and clinical teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining exposure to a broad range of foot and ankle conditions and surgical procedures.
"The relationships I built with the faculty and staff [during the externship] were invaluable," said Smith. "I feel confident I could reach out to Dr. Ahmed and Dr. King for guidance in the future. I genuinely felt supported, welcomed and prioritized as a learner. I am truly grateful I chose to come to UK."
As the program continues to grow, program leaders hope it will strengthen connections with podiatric medical schools nationwide while providing students with a meaningful educational experience rooted in clinical excellence, collaboration and service to patients across Kentucky.