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 the branch of medicine that deals 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 Podiatric Medicine (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 community clinics, government hospitals, nursing homes, and in orthopedic practices. The average salary of podiatrists generally ranks high in income producing professions in the United States.

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. Podiatrists treat ailments of the foot caused by diabetes, obesity, and sports medicine/injury issues, for example. The need for minority practitioners is particularly severe. Although appreciable numbers of the poor, minority, rural, and inner city communities have foot ailments, a relatively small number 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), although a select few may also accept the GRE or DAT.. Students interested in podiatry should contact the schools in which they are interested as soon as possible to determine what, if any, specialized courses are required for entry and what standardized test is required. Information on course and test requirements for podiatry school is available by visiting the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) website at http://www.aacpm.org/.

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 medical 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 in most states are required to complete a residency before beginning practice, and there are opportunities for more advanced training.

Where To Obtain Additional Information about Podiatry