Training of a Podiatrist

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) practices the medical, surgical, and biomechanical treatment of the human foot, ankle, and associated structures. Although doctors of podiatric medicine specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems affecting the foot and ankle, we are also highly trained health care providers. We see people of all ages and are often the first medical specialists to diagnose systemic problems that affect the feet and ankles such as diabetes, gout, hypertension, immunodeficiencies, and arthritis.Upon completion of a four year undergraduate degree, four years of podiatric medical school are required, followed by a surgical residency that certifies these doctors to function as partners in the larger medical community. Podiatric physicians (podiatrists) are medical professionals who exclusively specialize in treating the foot and ankle.

What does a podiatric physician do?

• Diagnoses lower extremity injuries such as fractures, dislocations, sprains, contusions, and tendinitis.
• Performs biopsies for skin and nail disorders and infections.
• Treats bone and joint problems such as bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, arthritis, pinched nerves and biomechanical problems
• Makes independent judgments, prescribes medications, utilizes x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and other laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, and orders physical therapy.
• Fits corrective inserts called orthotics that can relieve symptoms such as pain by increasing the stability of the foot and leg. Patients often comment that by addressing their foot problems, other concerns such as knee and back pain improve.
• Provides consultations for the patient and for referring physicians regarding prevention of podiatric problems and possible treatments.
• Performs surgical correction of the foot including: hammertoes, clawtoes, bunions, fractures, infections, ruptured ligaments and tendons, and neuro-vascular abnormalities of the foot.