Podiatrists (also known
as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine and chiropodists) specialize in the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the foot and lower
leg. They treat foot conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails,
bunions, heel spurs and arch problems. They also treat ankle and foot injuries
as well as foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes, arthritis
and cardiovascular disease. Podiatrists use laboratory tests and x-ray
images to diagnose diseases and deformities. They prescribe and fit corrective
devices and help design corrective shoes. They may prescribe drugs and
perform surgery on the foot and lower leg. Podiatrists consult with and
refer patients to other health practitioners when necessary.
Education
To enter a college of podiatric
medicine, students need at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate work;
however, most have a bachelors degree. Applicants must take the Medical
College Admissions Test (MCAT). The doctor of podiatric medicine degree
(DPM) is awarded after four years of study at one of the colleges of podiatric
medicine. The first two years concentrate on classroom instruction and
laboratory work in the basic sciences. The third and fourth years of study
focus on the clinical sciences and patient care. Most graduates complete
a hospital residency program lasting from one to three years.
Registration/Certification/Licensure
The Kentucky Board of Podiatric
Medicine regulates licensure. To obtain a license to practice as a podiatrist,
one must be a graduate of an approved school of podiatric medicine, have
a passing score on the national exam and pass state written and oral exams.
There is a number of certifying boards for the podiatric specialties of
orthopedics, primary medicine or surgery.
Salary
$45,000-150,000
Employment Opportunities
Podiatrists work in offices,
clinics, laboratories and hospitals. Most are in private practice, although
more are entering partnerships and multi-specialty group practices.
Programs
There are no schools of podiatric
medicine in Kentucky.