This document is one in a series designed to provide basic information about mainline health professions and the Premedical Office at Xavier University of Louisiana.

What is Podiatry? Podiatry is that branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and deformities of the human foot by medical or surgical means. Podiatry as a profession gradually emerged from the developing practice of medicine in the late 1900's. Today, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico permit licensure for the practice of podiatry.

What Do Podiatrists Do? Most podiatrists or Doctors of Podiatry (P.D. or D.P.M.) have general practices in which they treat foot problems for patients of all ages including conditions such as ingrown nails, tumors, infections, skin disorders, and ulcers. Some, however, choose to specialize in foot surgery or treatment for such problems as deformities and injuries to the bones and joints of the foot. Others concentrate on podopediatrics (children's foot ailments) or on podogeriatrics (foot problems of the elderly). Podiatrists, like other providers of primary health care, must be constantly mindful of the patient's total health and be constantly alert for symptoms of systemic diseases which manifest themselves in the foot. If such symptoms are detected, the podiatrists consults with the patient's medical doctor concerning continuing treatment. Most podiatrists are self-employed and set their own hours but some work in government clinics, medical schools, and schools of nursing. The average salary of podiatrists generally ranks high in income producing professions in the United States. About one-half of the podiatrists in the United States are concentrated in the five states with long-established schools of podiatry--New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, and Illinois.

Is There a Need for Podiatrists? Yes!! As the populace of the United States has grown and aged, the need for podiatrists has increased tremendously and is predicted to continue to increase in the foreseeable future. The need for minority practitioners is particularly severe. Although appreciable numbers of the poor, minority, rural, and inner city communities have foot ailments, less than 2.0% of the nation's podiatrists are members of minority groups.

What Are The Requirements for Entry into Podiatry School? The requirements for entry into podiatry school are essentially the same as for entry into medical or dental school--that is, the student must complete general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and at least two years of college (a degree is usually preferred). For additional comments regarding general requirements you should refer to the previous documents in this Information series, particularly Info5: Requirements for Entry Into Medical or Dental School. Podiatry schools generally require applicants to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Students interested in podiatry should contact the schools in which they are interested during their freshman year of college to determine what, if any, specialized courses are required for entry. This is relatively easy since there are only 8 schools of podiatry in the United States.

What Is the Curriculum in a Podiatry School? Podiatrists are educated to serve as primary care (first contact) health care providers. Therefore, their education is designed broadly for the detection of many health problems associated with the feet. Generally, the first two years in podiatry school concentrate mainly on the basic sciences such as biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. The third and fourth years emphasize clinical training in primary care areas similar to that of a physician. Podiatrists are not required to complete a residency before beginning practice (as allopathic and osteopathic physicians must do) but some opportunity is available for advanced training for those who desire such careers.

Where To Obtain Additional Information about Podiatry