The foot is a very complex piece of human anatomy designed for balance and mobility. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and disorders of the foot and ankle. They also specialize in treatment to prevent disorders and diseases. The 52 bones in human feet (26 in each foot) make up one-fourth of all the bones in the body.

Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice

Podiatrists utilize medical, surgical, mechanical, and physical treatment modalities. They prescribe corrective footwear and orthotics. They treat corns, bunions, heel spurs, calluses, ingrown toenails, and other disorders of the feet and ankles. Diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease often manifest in foot problems. Diabetics, for example, are prone to foot ulcers and infections. In these cases, podiatrists consult with or refer to other practitioners to provide appropriate care.

Education and Training

There are seven accredited schools of podiatric medicine in the United States. The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is bestowed on graduates of a four-year postgraduate course of study at an accredited school of podiatric medicine. Applicants must have completed at least 90 units of undergraduate study, including the same basic sciences of chemistry, physics, and biology required for premed students. Most applicants will have completed a bachelor's degree.

They also have to take the MCAT. Some schools accept the GRE or DAT. Extracurricular activities as well as letters of recommendation are scrutinized, and applicants are also evaluated on personal interviews in this highly competitive arena.

Podiatric students spend four years in formal education similar to that of other medical schools. The first two years concentrate on classroom instruction in sciences, and the last two years are spent in a clinical environment working under the supervision of licensed podiatrists. After graduation, a residency program is required, which can range from one to three years. Specialization requires a longer residency.

Licensure/Certification

Each state and the District of Columbia requires a podiatrist to be licensed in the state in which she practices. Many offer reciprocity. The National Board of Podiatric Examiners administers a board exam in two parts. The first part is taken at the end of the second year of podiatric school, and the second part is taken during the second semester of the fourth year. Most states accept the scores from these tests and do not require another written exam. Some states also require an oral or practical exam. A one-year minimum residency program is also required for licensure. Board certification is also available in several specialty areas and requires additional practical and written exams.

Work Settings and Salaries

Podiatrists generally have their own practices and offices. Some visit patients in their homes or in senior housing and nursing homes. Some work in clinics or hospitals. Today, group practices are becoming more popular. These practitioners have far fewer after-hours calls than other practitioners.

The median income for podiatrists in 2004 was $94,400 according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Podiatric Magazine reported that the median income for 2004 was $113,000.

Career Potential and Additional Information

The field of podiatric medicine is expected to grow as fast as the average occupations through 2014. An aging population will need more services for all health issues, including foot and ankle problems. Be aware, however, that routine preventative foot care and such things as the removal of corns and calluses are not generally covered under insurance or Medicare, so this portion of the business would be more popular in affluent communities where more disposable income is available.

Contact the American Podiatric Medical Association for further information about careers in podiatry. For information about podiatric colleges of medicine, contact the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine.