The Canyon

Podiatry

Podiatric physicians, or podiatrists, specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the human foot, ankle, and their related or governing structures. A doctor of podiatric medicine is to the foot what a dentist is to the mouth or an ophthalmologist to the eye - a specialist who has undergone lengthy, thorough study to become uniquely well qualified to treat a specific part of the body. A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) makes independent judgments, utilizes x-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribes medications, orders physical therapy, sets fractures, and performs surgeries.

The human foot is a complex structure containing 26 bones, plus muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels, and is designed for balance and mobility. Because of this, the foot has a highly significant interrelationship with the rest of the body which means it may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or cardiovascular disease. For example, diabetics are prone to foot ulcers and infections due to their poor circulation. The podiatric physician is often the first to detect symptoms of these disorders, and is thus a vital and sometime lifesaving link in the health care team.

Professional Outlook

There are approximately 13,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. The need for podiatric medical care will continue to grow as the over-65 population increases. The work hours of most podiatric physicians are significantly more flexible than those of other medical professions.

What Does a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Do?

Podiatrists perform approximately 80% of all foot surgeries in the U.S. 70-80% of all podiatric medicine focuses on the elderly.

* Diagnoses of foot ailments such as tumors or ulcers, fractures, skin or nail diseases, and congenital or acquired deformities

* Correction of deformities such as flat or weak feet and foot imbalance, using mechanical and electrical methods.

* Fits corrective inserts called orthotics, designs plaster casts and strappings to correct deformities, and designs custom-made shoes. Designs mechanical devices to correct walking patterns and balance.

* Treats conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, ingrown nails, arch problems, tumors, shortened tendons, cysts, bone disorders, and abscesses, if necessary, by surgical method.

* Refers patients to other physicians when symptoms observed in the feet indicate disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or kidney disease.

Certified Specialties

Subspecialties

Practice and Income Potential

The work hours of a podiatric physician can vary from less than 40 hours a week to more than 50 hours a week. In general, the practice of podiatric medicine lends itself to flexible hours and is therefore comfortable for individuals who want time for family, friends, friends and other involvements that characterize a balanced lifestyle.

Earnings of podiatrists engaged in private practice also depend upon factors such as location, size of practice, professional reputation and length of time in practice. A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association in 1997 found that the average income for 0-2 years of experience is $61000, for 10-15 years is $135,000. the overall average income is $110,631.

Education and Admission Requirements

To enter one of the seven podiatry schools in the United States, a student must complete at least three years (90 credits) of undergraduate work including:

About 95% of the students entering podiatry school have a bachelor's degree.

Traditionally the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) has been the only standardized test required for admission, but some schools will accept other test scores, such as the GRE. Check with individual colleges. The MCAT must be taken no later than Spring of the year of admission.

The D.P.M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) degree is awarded after four years of graduate study. Satisfactory completion of Parts I and II of the National Board is one of the requirements for state licensure. Podiatrists may follow their D.P.M. with a one to three year residency in a hospital.

Admissions Data

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