Podiatrists typically do the following:

• Assess the condition of a patient's feet, ankles, or lower legs by reviewing his or her medical history, listening to the patient's concerns, and performing a physical examination
• Diagnose foot, ankle, and lower leg problems through physical exams, x rays, medical laboratory tests, and other methods
• Provide treatment for foot, ankle, and lower leg ailments, such as prescribing special shoe inserts (orthotics) to improve a patient's mobility
• Perform foot and ankle surgeries, such as removing bone spurs, fracture repairs, and correcting other foot and ankle deformities
• Advise and instruct patients on foot and ankle care and on general wellness techniques

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Prerequisites: Most schools require the same prereqs as the MD route (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics) with additional coursework that varies by school. We recommend you search through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) Accredited Colleges website for more information on the exact prereqs for each institution.

Application: The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS)

Entrance Exam: MCAT

Degree: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

Years of Study: 4 years plus a minimum 2-year podiatric medical and surgical residency (PMSR) program.

Education Overview

Podiatric Medical College Information Book

• The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)