What does a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine do? Practitioners of podiatric medicine treat a variety of ailments and employ innovative techniques to improve the overall well-being of patients. In an average day a DPM may: Provide individual consultations to patients concerning continued treatment of disorders and preventive foot care.
Diagnose foot ailments such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin or nail diseases, and congenital or acquired deformity such as weak feet and foot imbalance. Use innovative methods to treat conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, arch problems, shortened tendons, cysts, bone disorders, and abscesses.
Design corrective orthotics, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities. Design flexible casting for immobilization of foot and ankle fractures, sprains, or other injuries. Correct walking patterns and balance, and promote the overall ability to move about more efficiently and comfortably. Refer patients to other physicians when symptoms observed in the feet indicate disorders, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or kidney disease.
Where do DPMs work? Residency Training After completing the four-year curriculum required by podiatric medical schools, a new podiatric physician is required to participate in residency training. Licensing and Board Certification Podiatric physicians are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to treat the foot and its related or governing structures by medical, surgical or other means. Benefits and Income Potential The work hours of a podiatric physician vary from less than 40 hours a week to 50 hours or more per week.
DPM Doctor of Podiatric Medicine The degree awarded to a graduate of an accredited college of podiatric medicine who is qualified to enter hospital-based residency training to become a podiatric surgeon. The degree awarded to a graduate of a medical school who is qualified to enter postgraduate training to become a physician.
The degree awarded to a graduate of a school or college of osteopathic medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association who is qualified to enter postgraduate training to become a physician. The degree awarded to a medical graduate of McGill University in Canada who is qualified to enter postgraduate training to become a physician.
Podiatrists Both podiatrists and orthopedists are qualified health specialists and are required to complete a rigorous period of schooling, with four years of undergraduate study before beginning their medical training. However, podiatrists are not medical doctors. They will instead receive four years of education at a podiatric medical school before performing another three or four years of residency training. The sphere of the treatment they provide is limited only to the ankle and foot areas.
Podiatrists often treat ingrown toenails, calluses, fallen arches, heel spurs and problems related to abuse or injury.
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