Why podiatry school

Growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, also may limit mobility of those with these conditions, and lead to problems such as foot ulcers and poor circulation in the feet and lower extremities. More podiatrists will be needed to provide care for these patients. Land Acknowledgement. Skip to main content. Toggle menu Go to search page. Search Field. You are here Academics » Pre-health professions. Podiatry FAQ. What does a podiatrist do? What settings do podiatrists work in?

What type of degree do you need to become a podiatrist? A DPM is a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower extremity disorders, diseases and injuries. A podiatric physician works independently, utilizes x-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribes medications, orders physical therapy, sets fractures, and performs surgery.

As part of a healthcare team, the DPM works closely with other health professionals to treat and control disease. Within the profession, podiatric physicians can specialize in a variety of areas such as surgery, orthopedics, or public health.

Besides these certified specialties, podiatrists may practice a subspecialty such as sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care. Podiatric physicians are the only doctors to receive specialized medical and surgical training, and board certification in the care of the lower extremity.

In general, states require a minimum of two years of postgraduate residency training in an approved healthcare institution. Board certified podiatric physicians are required to have two years of residency training. A residency provides an interdisciplinary experience with rotations such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease, surgery, ER and pediatrics. Residency training provides a combination of medical and surgical experiences that are competency-based.

State licensing requirements generally include graduation from one of the nine accredited schools and colleges of podiatric medicine, passage of the National Board exams, postgraduate training and written and oral examinations. National Boards are taken in two parts while in podiatric medical school. Part I covers basic science areas and is generally taken at the conclusion of the second year.

Podiatrists experience a lot of variety within their careers! Variety in practice settings, conditions, patients, and sub-specialties. As the population ages the need for podiatrists continue to grow! There's a lot of room for professional achievement and growth within the profession. Sign up to receive a list of DPM Mentors near you!

Why Podiatry?