What is a Podiatrist?

Podiatric Physicians specialize in medical care of the foot and ankle. They receive a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from a College of Podiatric Medicine. It is a 4 year medical program following 4 years of undergraduate school. They also complete a residency in Podiatric Surgery or Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Care. Podiatric physicians are sometimes referred to as foot doctors, foot and ankle surgeons, or podiatric surgeons. They must pass written and oral board examinations for Board certification and must obtain a state license to practice podiatric medicine.