What is a Podiatrist?
A Podiatrist is a licensed physician who specializes in the medicine and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and lower leg. A podiatric physician earns a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree from a podiatric college accredited by the Council of Podiatric Medical Education (CPME). To obtain this degree, one must meet the requirements of a podiatric curriculum and clinical training in general medicine, anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, neurology, sports medicine, dermatology, lower extremity biomechanics, lower extremity orthopedics, lower extremity radiology, and foot and ankle surgery. After obtaining the D.P.M. degree, a residency accredited by the CPME is obtained for surgical training and experience.
Podiatrists must pass written and oral board examinations in podiatric medicine, obtain a state license, and participate in continuing education. Board certification in podiatric surgery (– please link to What does “Board Certified” mean in Podiatry?) is optional and voluntary to podiatric physicians who want to demonstrate their expertise and experience.
The American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) is the most recognized and respected board in the field of Podiatry. The board sets strict and rigorous standards that must be met in order for a Podiatric Surgeon to achieve board certification in podiatric surgery (– please link to What does “Board Certified” mean in Podiatry?).
Podiatric Education and Residency
- 4 years Undergraduate, premedical degree
- 4 years Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree from an accredited Podiatry college
- 1-3 years Surgical Residency Training
At Olympic Foot and Ankle, all of our podiatric physicians have completed at least 3 years of surgical training from a CPME accredited podiatric residency (Podiatric Medicine and Surgery – PM&S -36).
For more information, contact us at Olympic Foot and Ankle at 916.244.7630.