Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a specialized medical professional who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the foot and lower leg. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of issues, including general foot care, surgery, and managing complications from chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Podiatrists often provide various treatments, which may include surgical procedures for bunions and fractures, physical therapy, and the fitting of prosthetic devices and custom orthotics.
Typically working in hospitals or private practices, podiatrists may have flexible schedules to accommodate patient needs, including evening and weekend hours. Education requirements to become a podiatrist include obtaining a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, which follows a bachelor's degree and is complemented by a residency program.
Podiatrists are expected to possess strong analytical skills and be detail-oriented, as early signs of serious health issues can manifest in the feet. Their work involves not only treating conditions but also educating patients about foot health and preventive care. Maintaining patient confidentiality and understanding medical administrative practices are vital aspects of their role. Overall, podiatrists play a crucial role in promoting foot health and enhancing the quality of life for their patients.
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Subject Terms
Podiatrist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Medicine, podiatry, anatomy, biology, physiology, clinical science
Earnings (Yearly Median): $141,650 per year $68.10 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Internship/residency
Overview
Sphere of Work. Podiatrists are physicians trained in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and lower leg disorders, injuries, and deformities. They provide general foot care, which can include the treatment or removal of bunions, corns, and calluses, as well as treatment of diabetes- or arthritis-related complications. They may choose to specialize in surgery, preventive care, physical therapy, sports medicine, or orthopedics. In addition, podiatrists may assist prosthetists and orthotists in the development, fitting, and maintenance of devices such as prosthetic feet and custom-made shoe inserts.
Work Environment. Podiatrists spend their workdays in hospitals and medical practices. They generally work forty-hour weeks but may work between thirty and sixty hours depending on patient need. To provide patients with convenient appointment times, podiatrists may work days, evenings, weekends, and on-call. However, self-employed podiatrists are typically able to set their own schedules. Due to the medical nature of the work, podiatrists may risk exposure to infectious diseases.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of podiatrist tend to be intelligent, dexterous, analytical, and detail-oriented. They must be able to identify and solve problems quickly, particularly because the early signs of several potentially life-threatening health problems manifest in the feet and lower legs. Podiatrists should enjoy working in a medical environment and be calm and tactful when discussing medical issues with patients.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Podiatrists examine and treat patients with a variety of foot and lower leg injuries, disorders, and deformities. They begin by interviewing patients about their foot, lower leg, and general health history, determining the origin of the problem in question. Once the condition has been diagnosed, podiatrists identify and carry out one or more treatment strategies. They may remove bunions, corns, or calluses, trim ingrown toenails, or prescribe medication to treat infections or pain. Podiatrists educate patients about the progression and complications of arthritis and diabetes and may refer patients for X-rays or laboratory tests when necessary.
Depending on their area of specialty, podiatrists may perform surgeries to correct conditions such as tendonitis, tumors, or fractures, or they may refer patients to a specialist. Likewise, podiatrists may prescribe a physical therapy regimen to patients with chronic muscle or joint problems, or they may provide therapeutic treatments themselves. They also frequently provide preventive care or referrals to specialists in preventive care. These services may include footwear analysis, foot screenings for diabetic patients, and stride and gait analysis. Podiatrists may use techniques such as plaster casting to correct physical deformities in growing children and assist prosthetists and orthotists in the creation and maintenance of artificial feet or legs, corrective shoes, and ankle braces.
In addition, podiatrists frequently work with office staff to plan and schedule appointments, greet patients and explain the role of podiatry in their medical care, and participate in the daily operations of the facility as needed. Self-employed podiatrists are responsible for overseeing all aspects of business, including bookkeeping and advertising. Maintaining the confidentiality of patient information is essential, so all podiatrists must educate themselves about the administrative, physical, and technical patient privacy safeguards included in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Podopediatricians (079.101-022). Podopediatricians are concerned with foot ailments affecting children. They treat congenital foot disorders and work toward the prevention of foot diseases.
Podiatric Surgeons (079.101-022). Podiatric surgeons perform foot surgery.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Podiatrists typically diagnose and treat patients in hospitals and private medical offices. They may occasionally travel between clinics or other medical facilities.
Human Environment. Podiatrists should be comfortable interacting with patients, physicians, laboratory technicians, nurses, and office staff. Due to the sensitive nature of medical diagnosis and treatment, podiatrists should be tactful, empathetic, and committed to patient confidentiality.
Technological Environment. Podiatrists may use a wide variety of tools and equipment to complete their work, including computers, tablets, smartphones, the Internet, medical tape, plaster casting, prosthetic devices, ultrasound machines, whirlpools, bandages, X-ray machines, and surgical tools. A podiatrist must be familiar with medical records software, as well as medical administrative, scheduling, and accounting software if they are self-employed.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in podiatry should study anatomy, physiology, biology, and mathematics. Students interested in this career path will benefit from seeking volunteer opportunities, internships, or part-time work in medical settings. Aspiring podiatrists should apply to college or university programs following graduation.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming podiatrists should earn a bachelor’s degree and apply for admission into a graduate training program accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME). These four-year programs are similar to medical school and award the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. Students then complete a three-year residency. Podiatrists must also be licensed. Coursework in anatomy, computer skills, clinical science, and medical ethics may also prove useful for aspiring podiatrists. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in their future job searches by securing internships or part-time employment in medical settings.
Related Occupations
− Surgeon
Bibliography
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 29-1081 Podiatrists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291081.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Podiatrists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/podiatrists.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.