Podiatrist

Your Fit

Income

$142K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

1.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Podiatrist?

A Podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. They provide essential care that helps patients maintain mobility and a good quality of life.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Podiatrist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Podiatrist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$59K per year	$87K per year	$142K per year	$216K per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $94K above the national average.

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What does a Podiatrist do?

Work environment

Podiatrists typically work in private practices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and clinics. Their work environment is clinical and often involves standing for long periods while conducting examinations or performing surgeries. Some may also work in academic or research settings.

Quick task list

Examines foot, ankle, and lower leg disorders in patients.
Diagnoses foot diseases, injuries, and deformities.
Performs surgeries to correct or remedy foot problems and injuries.
Prescribes medications, physical therapy, or orthotics.
Provides foot care advice and conducts follow-up appointments.

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Areas of specialization

Sports Medicine: Focusing on foot and ankle injuries common in athletes.
Pediatric Podiatry: Specializing in foot care for children and adolescents.
Diabetic Foot Care: Providing specialized care for foot conditions related to diabetes.
Surgical Podiatry: Specializing in surgical interventions for foot and ankle conditions.
Geriatric Podiatry: Focusing on foot care for the elderly, addressing age-related issues.

Description

Podiatry is a vital medical field that addresses crucial aspects of foot and ankle health. Podiatrists play a significant role in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions from common ailments like bunions and heel pain to more complex issues like fractures and congenital deformities. They use a variety of tools and techniques, including X-rays, lab tests, and physical exams, to provide comprehensive care.

The work of a Podiatrist not only involves medical and surgical treatment but also patient education and preventative care. They work with patients of all ages and must be skilled in communication to effectively discuss treatment options and care plans. As foot health can impact overall well-being and mobility, the role of a Podiatrist is integral to maintaining patients' quality of life.

Becoming a Podiatrist requires dedication to a lengthy educational path and the ability to stay abreast of medical advancements. It's a career that offers variety, from clinical patient interactions to the technical precision of surgery. The field is continuously evolving, offering opportunities for specialization and advancement in areas like sports medicine or diabetic care.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing relief and solutions for patients with foot and ankle issues.
Variety in daily activities, from patient consultations to surgical procedures.
Opportunities for specialization in areas of interest within podiatry.
Being an integral part of a patient's healthcare team and improving their quality of life.

You might make a good Podiatrist if you are...

Fascinated by the complexities of foot and ankle anatomy.
Interested in a medical career that combines diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.
Adept at problem-solving and critical thinking.
Compassionate and skilled in communicating with patients.
Keen on continuous learning and staying updated with medical advancements.

Pros:

High level of patient interaction and the ability to see the direct impact of your work.
Diverse career opportunities, including private practice, surgery, and research.
Relatively predictable working hours, especially in private practice.

Cons:

Extensive educational and residency requirements.
The physical demands of long periods of standing and performing surgeries.
Dealing with challenging cases and potentially chronic conditions.

How to become a Podiatrist

Typical education

To become a Podiatrist, an individual must complete a 4-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program after earning a bachelor's degree, totaling around 8 years of post-secondary education. This is followed by a 3-year residency program.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced science courses, particularly biology and chemistry.
Mathematics to develop analytical skills.
Health or anatomy classes to understand basic human physiology.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in medical or healthcare settings.
Joining health science or pre-med clubs.
Shadowing a Podiatrist to gain insight into the field.

Preparation after high school

Obtaining a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field.
Attending a college of podiatric medicine to earn a DPM degree.
Completing a residency program in podiatry.
Obtaining licensure to practice as a Podiatrist.

More resources

American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) - Offers resources, educational materials, and advocacy information for podiatrists.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) - Provides specialized resources and educational opportunities for foot and ankle surgeons.
Podiatry Today - An online publication with articles and resources on the latest trends and developments in podiatry.
The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery - A peer-reviewed medical journal focusing on research in the field of foot and ankle surgery.
Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) - Offers information about accredited podiatric medical programs and residency programs.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.