What is a podiatrist? What kind of training is required to become one?
Podiatrists are physicians specially trained in the care of the foot and ankle, including the diagnosis and treatment of problems and diseases of the foot and ankle. They may provide both surgical and nonsurgical care. Podiatrists attend college, followed by four years of podiatric medical school. Most podiatric physicians then go on to specialized residency programs. Podiatrists are sometimes referred to as foot doctors, foot and ankle surgeons, or podiatric surgeons. Most states require completion of a 1- to 3-year postdoctoral residency program and continuing medical education (CME) for license renewal. Certification by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery requires • Graduation from podiatric medical school • Completion of an approved podiatric surgical residency • Practice experience, including surgical case submissions • Written and oral examinations. 2. When a person loses a leg because of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, isn’t it likely that the other foot is also alr
