General Info

A Podiatrist is a "Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)." The podiatrist specializes in the treatment of foot and ankle problems. Most podiatrists have a four-year undergraduate degree prior to entering podiatric medical school. During the four years of medical training after college, special emphasis is placed on the medical and surgical identification and treatment of foot, ankle and leg problems. Podiatrists have one to three years of residency training in foot and ankle surgery following their four years of specialized medical training. The majority of patients seen by the podiatrist are referred to the specialist specifically trained in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders. In addition to their surgical training, podiatrists have extensive training in the non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle problems.