Career as Podiatrist
Podiatry is the branch of science that deals with the lower body, especially the feet. It also deals with the diagnosis of the lower abdomen and the related surgical illnesses. The terminology is not historic as it has been in use since the 20th century from America. Podiatrists were earlier recognised as chiropodists. They are also commonly called foot doctors who specialise in ankles, the foot palm, and the fingers. specialists can be trained to be podiatry surgeons and can get a certificate by the American Board, as they cannot practice without a license which needs to be renewed every few years. Podiatrists can specialise in different areas; wound care, diabetes, pediatric, sports medicine and the most important one being the surgery.
- About Podiatrist :
- Job Profile |
- How do I get there?
Job Profile
After securing a degree in Podiatric medicine, the professional will be known as a DPM. The job would be analysing the ailments of the foot and diagnosing the incidences of serious disorders if any. The job specialisation has offered this field as a burning platform nowadays for the students pursuing studies in medicinal practices. Around 500 students are granted a degree in podiatric medicine in the US each year. Corresponding to the vast employment opportunities, it is still a small number of students who pursue this opportunity every year.
The average starting salary for a professional having a bachelor degree in podiatric medicine is around $40000 and may range upto $60000 with an additional degree with other specialisation. The annual growth rate in the salary structure is also very fascinating which is giving an incentive for many students to enter this arena.
Future Growth Prospects and How to get there faster
Pros and Cons of being a Podiatrist
Pros
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This is a rewarding career for those who are passionate about the select specialisation of medicines under the zone of the foot.
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This is a growing sector that is still free from fierce competition.
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The future aspects are promising as the sector is still in a nascent stage.
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The job offers the moral satisfaction of keeping the client cultivated and being away from severe and chronic ailments.
Cons
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The job requires great analytical skills and following multiple steps before concluding.
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The job will demand knowledge of other medicinal concepts.
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This profession needs extensive skill, knowledge and sufficient practical experience for growth.
How do I get there?
After securing a bachelor's degree in medicinal science, one joins a medical institution offering a professional degree in podiatric medicine – a doctor of podiatric medicine is a multi-tasking professional involved in the diagnosing, testing, medications and prescription for ailments related to the foot. The aspirants can pursue a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and complete a 3-year residency program. They could be granted autonomy with a license, as nobody can practice without a license.
After securing DPM, one can also opt for pursuing podiatric medicine and surgery residency(PMSR), one can also go for further studies in the field of podiatry like podiatry wound care or diabetic foot care, etc. Employment in this field will have a stable growth rate as it is expected to grow in future, especially because the foot disorders have now been linked to many severe diseases like obesity and most probably the ailments are coming from either the old age class or with the surgeries due to accidents and other disorders.
How much does it cost?
What are the top colleges in which one should be studying to become a professional in Podiatry?
Podiatry is a specialisation which is still offered by limited but reputed medical institutes. Here, the top 9 colleges of podiatric medicine is enlisted:
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Kent State University - KENT,OH
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Temple University - Philadelphia, PA
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Western University of Health Science - Pomona
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New York College of Podiatric Medicine - NY
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Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - North Chicago
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Samuel Merritt University - Oakland
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Barry University - Miami
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Des Moines University - Des Moines
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Midwestern University - Glendale
Books and other Study Material
Some of the books on podiatric studies are:
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Foot and lower extremity biomechanics by Kevin Kirby
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Normal and Abnormal function of the foot- Clinical Biomechanics by Merton Root
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Sarrafian’s Anatomy of the foot and the ankle by Armen S. Kelikian
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Drennan’s The child’s foot and the Ankle by James McCarthy
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Surgical Reconstruction of the Diabetic Foot and the ankle by Thomas Zgonis
What if this career does not work out for me? What are the other options for a person with these credentials?
This is the best career for a student who wants to pursue studies in medicine. The speciality also offers research opportunities to the professional practitioners and the options are there if the student continues the degree or vocational course of other subjects within the field of medicine.
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |