Footcare Specialization

What is Podiatry? 

Podiatry is a specialized field of medicine, focused on the overall health and well-being of patients by preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle.

A Podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).

Podiatrists are specialists - physicians and surgeons licensed to practice specialized medicine on the feet and ankles.

Doctors of Podiatric Medicine have successfully completed four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and up to four years of postgraduate hospital residency.

Podiatrists are licensed in all 50 states and serve on staffs of hospitals, in health clinics, and in extended care facilities.

Podiatrists serve in the military, in governmental health positions and in private industry. 

Podiatrists may have subspecialties in surgery, medicine, orthopedics, dermatology, podopediatrics, pathology and research, as well as other areas of specialization.

Podiatrists are members of the health team working with other health care professionals. 

Podiatrists are the only physicians whose primary education and training are focused on the foot and related disorders.