APMLE Part I study guide
APMLE Part I · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE) is the examination series that a candidate must successfully complete to be eligible for licensure to practice podiatric medicine in the United States. It is developed and overseen by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME), a tax-exempt nonprofit organization established in 1956 that enacts policy, guides development, and oversees administration of the exams used for podiatric licensure. The APMLE Part I study guide has 8 sections and about 2,590 words.
01Anatomy (Lower Extremity, Histology, Embryology)
The lower limb is organized into fascial compartments whose boundaries determine which vessels and nerves are vulnerable in trauma and compartment syndrome. Know the femoral triangle, adductor canal, popliteal fossa, tarsal tunnel, and the course of the tibial and common fibular nerves.
308 words, about 2 min02Biochemistry
Biochemistry questions reward a map-like understanding of pathways. Know glycolysis, pyruvate dehydrogenase, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid oxidation, ketogenesis, the urea cycle, and amino acid catabolism.
262 words, about 1 min03Biomechanics
The gait cycle is divided into stance and swing, with double support during walking. Know the three rockers: heel rocker, ankle rocker, and forefoot rocker.
279 words, about 1 min04Microbiology and Immunology
Microbiology questions emphasize classification, virulence factors, and pattern recognition. Know major bacterial groups by Gram stain and oxygen requirement, key toxins, and classic clinical associations.
269 words, about 1 min05Pathology
Pathology questions test mechanisms. Know reversible versus irreversible cell injury, necrosis subtypes, apoptosis, and the consequences of ischemia and reperfusion.
263 words, about 1 min06Pharmacology
Pharmacology questions often start with pharmacokinetics: absorption, bioavailability, volume of distribution, clearance, half-life, and metabolism. First-order elimination means a constant fraction is eliminated per unit time; zero-order means a constant amount is eliminated, so small dose increases can cause toxicity.
265 words, about 1 min07Physiology
Physiology questions test normal function and compensation. Cardiovascular physiology includes cardiac output, preload, afterload, contractility, Starling forces, and baroreceptor reflexes.
221 words, about 1 min08Podiatric Medicine, Behavioral Science, and Ethics
Podiatric medicine integrates history, vascular status, neurologic status, dermatology, and biomechanics. Know the diabetic foot examination: pulses, capillary refill, skin temperature, sensation, and pressure points.
723 words, about 4 min