Podiatrists

Podiatrists

A podiatrist, also known as a podiatric physician, ( /poʊˈdaɪətrɪst/ poh-dye-eh-trist) or 'foot doctor', is a medical professional, a physician devoted to the study and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremity. The term originated in North America but has now become the accepted term in the English-speaking world for all practitioners of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists are the only medical professionals who exclusively specialize in treating the foot and ankle. In the US, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) are physicians and surgeons who practice on the lower extremities, primarily on feet and ankles. The preparatory education of most podiatrists includes four years of undergraduate work, followed by four years in an accredited podiatric medical school, followed by a three-year hospital-based surgical residency. Podiatrists are licensed in all 50 states.

Worldwide, in many countries the term Podiatrist refers to Allied Health professionals who specialize in the treatment of the lower extremity, particularly the foot. Podiatrists in these countries are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of foot pathology but not through surgical means. In some circumstances these practitioners will further specialise and, following further training, perform reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.

In contrast, American Podiatrists who hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) complete surgical residencies and thus all practitioners are trained in surgical treatments of the foot and ankle. Though the title "chiropodist" was previously used in the United States to designate what is now known as a "podiatrist," it is now considered to be an antiquated and etymologically incorrect term. Although podiatrists worldwide do not attend traditional medical school, in many countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Australia they are granted privileges to perform surgical procedures of the foot and ankle.