Podiatrist

Doctors of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) diagnose and treat foot disorders resulting from tumors, ulcers, fractures, deformities, and skin and nail diseases. These doctors use medical, surgical, mechanical, and electrical methods to treat injuries and disorders. They may treat foot and ankle fractures, sprains, or other injuries. Some D.P.M.s design and develop mechanical devices to correct walking patterns and balance problems.

Work Environment
Podiatric physicians may work in private or group practices, health maintenance or preferred provider organizations, hospitals and extended care facilities, public health facilities, in higher education as faculty and researchers, and for the U.S. Public Health Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Job Outlook
According to the American Association of Podiatric Medicine, sports injuries and an increasing elderly population have created a great demand for podiatrists. Studies on manpower in the health professions indicate the need to increase the number of practicing podiatrists in the United States.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Applicants to colleges of podiatric medicine should have completed a bachelor's degree and have passed the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Podiatric medicine is a four year course of study, with two years of basic medical sciences and two years of clinical training.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $61,000 - $145,000+.

Educational Programs
There are seven schools of podiatric medicine in the United States, but none are located in Texas.
Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences: Miami Shores, Florida
California College of Podiatric Medicine: San Francisco, California
New York College of Podiatric Medicine: New York, New York
Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine: Cleveland, Ohio
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine: Chicago, Illinois
University of Des Moines Osteopathic Medical Center: Des Moines, Iowa

Helpful rsource
The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine provide online applications for the different podiatric schools.
1350 Piccard Drive, Ste. 322
Rockville, MD 20850
301/990-7400
Fax: 301/990-2807

Professional Associations
American Podiatric Medical Association
9312 Old Georgetown Rd.
Bethesda, MD 20814-1698

Texas Podiatric Medical Association
918 Congress Ave., Ste. 200
512/494-1123
Fax: 512/343-6835