What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist, DPM, doctor of podiatric medicine, is the only health care professional whose total training focuses on the foot, ankle and related body systems. As a specialist in foot care, the podiatrist receives extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle disorders by medical and surgical means. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, the podiatric doctor spends four years in a college of podiatric medicine to obtain a doctorate degree. Most podiatrists further their education by participating in a post-graduate residency program from 1 to 4 years at an approved hospital or university. Following their doctorate degree, each podiatrist must pass national and state examinations in order to be licensed by the state in which he or she will practice.

The podiatric physician treats foot problems for people of all ages. The more common disorders include bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. The podiatric physician also treats sprains, fractures, infections, and other injuries of the foot and ankle. If your podiatric surgeon is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, he or she has successfully completed an extensive credentialing and examination process. He has demonstrated an exhaustive knowledge of foot and ankle surgery. He is also well versed in the diagnosis of general medical problems commonly encountered in the office. He frequently initiates referrals to the primary care physician or other specialists for those problems.