PODIATRISTS

Nature of the Work

The human foot is a complex structure.  It contains 26 bones plus muscles, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels and is designed for balance and mobility.  Podiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM's), diagnose and treat disorders, diseases and injuries of the foot and lower leg to keep this part of the body working properly.

Podiatrists treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs, and arch problems; ankle and foot injuries, deformities, and infections; and foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes.  To treat these 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.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

All States and the District of Columbia require a license for the practice of podiatric medicine.  Each defines its own licensing requirements.  Generally, the applicant must be a graduate of an accredited college of podiatric medicine and pass written and oral examinations.  Twenty-five States also require completion of an accredited residency program.  Some States permit applicants to substitute the examination of the National Board of Podiatric Examiners, given in the second and fourth years of podiatric medical college, for part or all of the written State examination.  Certain States grant reciprocity to podiatrists who are licensed in another State.  Thirty-one States require continuing education for licensure renewal.

Prerequisites for admission to a college of podiatric medicine include the completion of at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study, an acceptable grade point average, and suitable scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).  All require 8 semester hours each of biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics and 6 hours of English.  Over 90 percent of podiatric students have a bachelor's degree.

Job Outlook

Employment of podiatrists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  More people will turn to podiatrists for foot care as the elderly population grows.  The elderly have more years of wear and tear on their feet and lower legs than most younger people, so they are more prone to foot ailments.

Earnings

According to a 1993 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, average net income of podiatrists was $100,287, but it varied greatly with years of experience.  Podiatrists with 1 to 2 years of experience netted $35,578; those with 10 to 15 years of experience, $119,674.

Sources of Additional Information

For information on podiatric medicine as a career, contact:

 American Podiatric Medical Association, 9312 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814-1621.

Information on colleges of podiatric medicine, entrance requirements, curriculums, and student financial aid is available from:

American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, 1350 Piccard Dr., Suite 322, Rockville, MD 20850-4307.


