What
is a Podiatrist? Step Ahead > Podiatry
What
is a Podiatrist?
A Podiatrist is a doctor whose degree is “ Doctor of Podiatric Medicine” or DPM. A Podiatrist is the only health care professional whose training focuses on the foot, ankle and related body systems. As a specialist, a Podiatrist receives extensive training in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of foot and ankle disorders by use of medical, mechanical, and surgical means. A Podiatrist also understands how systemic problems (diabetes, arthritis, vascular disease, etc) affect the foot. Prevention of foot problems is a major focus of Podiatry.
Before receiving a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, a student must have completed 3-4 years of undergraduate study, followed by four years of specialized medical training at a college of Podiatry. After passing national and state Medical Board Exams the new doctor will continue training in a Podiatric Residency program of 1 to 3 years. These residency programs are focused on the medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle.
After residency training and at least 3 years of experience in private practice, those doctors with appropriate training and experience in foot surgery can take further examinations and become “Certified “or “Diplomats” by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
Although a referral is seldom needed, many patients treated by Podiatrists are referred by primary care physicians and other specialists. These doctors wish to have their patients treated by a doctor who will accurately diagnose the problem and give the patient care that is effective, timely, and economical. Studies have shown that foot problems treated by Podiatrists are relieved in a shorter time and at less cost than if treated by other health professionals.
Both Dr Nelson and Dr Rizzo are Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.