Podiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders, diseases, and injuries of the feet and lower legs. The most common foot problems treated by podiatrists include basic medical and surgical treatment of corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, arch problems, hammer toes, diabetic foot problems, warts, and skin diseases such as athlete's foot. To diagnose a foot problem the podiatrist may take x-rays, perform blood tests, or prescribe other diagnostic tests. Treatment may include prescribing medications, fitting corrective devices or corrective foot gear, injections, or performing surgery on the foot. A podiatrist has the ability to recognize other disorders of the body which may first appear in the feet, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Preventive foot care is a major concern of DPMs. The profession requires a scientific aptitude, manual dexterity, good business sense, and the ability to work with a variety of people. Most podiatrists have a general practice. However, some specialize in surgery, orthopedics, public health, and even subspecialities such as pediatrics, oncology, geriatrics, and diabetic foot care.
Podiatry school is 4 years long. A bachelors degree is generally required, but exceptional students are admitted after 90 hours of undergraduate work. There are 7 schools of Podiatry in the US, one of which is in Florida (Barry University).
In addition to the course requirements that are common to most health professions, podiatry schools may also require or recommend some or all of the courses listed below.
The following courses are based on the requirements and recommendations of certain schools. Consult the Podiatry Schools you are interested in for each school's specific requirements.For more information about Podiatry, please check out the following web sites.