Podiatrist

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Work Tasks

PODIATRISTS diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg. They treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, and arch problems. Other conditions treated by podiatrists include ankle and foot injuries, deformities, and foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes. Podiatrists order x-rays and laboratory tests to diagnose foot problems. To treat problems, podiatrists prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective inserts called orthotics, design plaster casts and strappings to correct deformities, and design custom-made shoes.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $176,000 average per year ($84.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (9,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Entry Requirements

All states require PODIATRISTS to have a license for the practice of podiatric medicine. Generally, applicants must be graduates of an accredited college of podiatric medicine and pass written and oral examinations. Most states require completion of a post-doctoral residency program. Most states also require continuing education for licensure renewal. Graduates of a four-year podiatric program receive the doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) degree.