The Path To Becoming A Podiatrist

Doctors are an important factor in maintaining our health. They receive training in order to handle various medical issues. Some are specialists in a specific area. A medical professional who concentrates on the foot and ankle is a podiatrist.

Education

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). They are most commonly referred to as “foot doctors”. To achieve a DPM, they must attend 3 years minimum in a qualified university. The curriculum needs to focus specific scientific subjects including:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• English

At the end, they will have a three-year degree. Their marks must be sufficiently high enough or they will not be able to gain entry into a medical school. A student will also be denied if they fail the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

When it comes to choosing a medical college, it is very important to select one with an accredited podiatric medicine program. Choose one that offers you the best education possible. Generally, the curriculum will consist of both practical and theoretical course work. Among the most common courses for the initial two-year period are:

• Anatomy

• Biochemistry

• Microbiology

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• Physiology

The subsequent two years of clinical programs include such subjects as:

• Biomechanics

• Clinical anatomy

• Neuroscience

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

These combine with clinical rotations, which requires working in local facilities to gain experience and test the capabilities in the field. At the end of the four years, you are a DPM graduate.

You may also do an internship for several more years. This will involve advanced post-graduate work including in-depth training in orthopedics and surgery. Several options meet approval by the American Board Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and foot surgery of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). These include the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR) and the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with the added credential in Reconstructive Rear foot/Ankle Surgery (PMSR/RRA).

Podiatrist: Licensing and Continuing Education

Before podiatrists can practice, they must obtain a license. The specifics vary according to the state. In general, before practicing, podiatrists must pass the National Board Exams and the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE). However, having achieved the yearly renewable license does not mean an end to learning. For a podiatrist, workshops, seminars, conferences, and other learned gatherings ensure they keep up with the latest techniques, tools and offerings in this chosen field.

Are you bothered by aching or painful feet? If this is the case, contact Suburban Orthopaedics. Ask to talk to a professional podiatrist about your problem. The professionals at Suburban Orthopaedics are always willing to help. They compassionately guide and offer advice and options on every aspect of your musculoskeletal system. From simple foot treatments to specialized surgery, this medical facility offers it all. To learn more about their exceptional compassionate and dedicated patient care, visit www.suburbanortho.com. You can connect with them on Facebook for further updates!