A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), a physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Not all podiatrists are surgeons; the field encompasses a diverse range of specialists. While the DPM degree qualifies them as foot and ankle specialists, their individual scope of practice is determined by post-graduate training and credentials. This distinction means some DPMs focus entirely on non-surgical care, while others are highly trained foot and ankle surgeons.
The Foundational Education of a Podiatrist
All licensed podiatrists share a common educational foundation, beginning with a four-year curriculum at an accredited college of podiatric medicine. This training covers basic medical sciences, anatomy, physiology, and general medicine, with a specialized focus on the lower extremity. The DPM degree signifies the completion of this rigorous academic and clinical program.
The general scope of practice for all DPMs includes the diagnosis and non-surgical management of foot and ankle ailments. This involves prescribing medications, ordering imaging studies, and treating common conditions like fungal infections, diabetic foot wounds, and heel pain. Podiatrists are also experts in biomechanics, often utilizing custom orthotic devices and bracing to correct structural deformities and improve gait.
Advanced Training for Surgical Competence
The differentiation between a non-surgical podiatrist and a podiatric surgeon occurs during the post-graduate residency phase. After earning the DPM degree, graduates must complete a hospital-based residency program to practice. Today, the standard is the three-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR), often referred to as a PMSR-36.
This structured 36-month residency provides extensive, hands-on training covering comprehensive medical management and advanced surgical techniques. Residents rotate through various medical specialties, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, and general surgery, to ensure a broad clinical perspective. The duration and focus of this residency are what qualify a DPM to perform surgery. The successful completion of this surgical-focused residency grants the necessary competence and hospital privileging for operative procedures.
Surgical Procedures Performed by Podiatrists
Podiatrists who complete the requisite surgical residency training are qualified to perform a wide array of procedures on the foot and ankle. The scope includes common elective procedures designed to correct painful deformities that fail to respond to conservative treatments. Examples of these procedures include bunionectomies, hammertoe corrections, and the repair of painful neuromas.
Beyond elective forefoot surgery, the training extends to complex reconstructive surgery of the rearfoot and ankle. This involves procedures like flatfoot reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy for joint issues, and the surgical management of advanced arthritic conditions. Podiatric surgeons also play a role in trauma care, treating fractures and dislocations of the foot and ankle, often in hospital emergency settings.
A key area of surgical practice is limb salvage, particularly for patients with diabetes who are at high risk for foot ulcers and infection. Podiatric surgeons perform debridement, bone resection, and advanced flap procedures to save the limb from amputation. The full range of surgical competence is divided into foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery.
Verifying Surgical Status and Credentials
The most reliable way to verify a podiatrist’s qualifications is through board certification. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) is the recognized certifying body for podiatric surgeons. Achieving ABFAS certification requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations and submitting a portfolio of surgical cases for peer review following residency.
The ABFAS credential is the definitive marker of a recognized podiatric surgeon, confirming specialized knowledge and clinical competence in surgery. In contrast, the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) certifies DPMs in primary podiatric medicine and orthopedics, focusing on non-surgical care.
When researching a DPM, patients should look for certification status on the ABFAS website or check the podiatrist’s hospital privileges. This verification process ensures the specialist has the appropriate training for the specific surgical treatment required.