A Podiatric Physician, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine(DPM), is the only health care professional whose entire education, training, and Board Certification focuses on the foot, ankle, and related lower leg structures.  As a specialist in the lower extremity and related body systems the podiatric physician receives extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and related lower extremity disorders by any and all means.  After obtaining an undergradute degree and sitting for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the podiatric physician obtains a four year post-graduate professional degree (DPM) at one of the nine accredited Colleges of Podiatric Medicine.  Following the doctorate degree, podiatric physicians obtain post-graduate residency training within training programs certified by the Counsel on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME).  Podiatric physicians must sit for and pass state and national examinations for licensure and Board certification.  The most common Board Certification is by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS).

 

Podiatric physicians care for and treat patients of all ages by medical and surgical means.  Common disorders include; ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, nerve problems, heel pain, sprains, fractures, tendon problems including rupture, infections/non-healing wounds, and deformities of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.