|
Podiatrists, also
known as Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (PDMs), are physicians who
specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot. As the nation
becomes more active, the need for professional foot-care will become even
more important to maintain a health lifestyle. Podiatrists treat food
ailments such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, tumors, ulcers,
fractures, arch problems, shortened tendons, skin or nail diseases, and
deformities and infections. They use various methods to address these
problems including physical therapy, drugs, surgery, as well as other
mechanical and electrical methods. They also use computers and other
high-tech devices, such as a force plate. Patients walk across a plate
that is connected to a computer, which measures attributes such as
pressure points and weight distribution. From these measurements,
podiatrists can design the correct orthotic device or recommend other
treatments or therapies. Podiatrists also advise patients on any continued
treatment that they may need and proper foot-care to prevent any problems
from reoccurring. They often consult with other physicians when symptoms
in the feet indicate more serious problems, such as heart disease,
diabetes, arthritis, or kidney disease. Podiatrists may specialize in a
variety of areas including podiatric surgery, orthopedics, podopediatrics
(children), and podogeriatrics (elderly).
Work Environment:
The majority of podiatrists work in private
practice or in partnerships and multispecialty group practices. These
practices usually have a few assistants and other administrative staff.
Podiatrists may also be employed in hospitals, nursing homes, health
maintenance organizations, the U.S. Public Health Service, and long-term
care facilities.
High School Preparation:
Students
interested in a career as a podiatrist should take high school courses in
algebra, biology, chemistry, English, social studies, geometry,
trigonometry, humanities, health occupations/medical professions
education, speech, psychology, history, and computer skills.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in podiatry must
first complete at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate study,
including pre-med science courses. Prerequisites for admission to a
college of podiatric medicine are an acceptable grade point average and a
suitable score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Colleges of
podiatric medicine offer a 4-year program that is similar to other schools
of medicine. Upon graduation, students must complete a residency program
that lasts from 1 to 3 years and pass written and oral examinations to
obtain a license. Mississippi, along with every other state, requires
podiatrists to pass written and oral examinations to obtain a license,
which is required to practice as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).
Students interested in podiatry should
contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment
opportunities for podiatrists are expected to be excellent over the next
decade. There is expected to be a 10 - 20% increase in number of new
positions opening for these foot specialists. The rising elderly
population will be a major source of new employment because older people
have more wear and tear on their feet and tend to be more prone to foot
ailments. Also, people of all ages are leading more active lifestyles that
will also require more podiatric care. Employment in this sector should
also rise due to the fact that insurance companies cover most medical and
surgical foot services. Due to the relatively small size of the
profession, retirement and other job vacancies will not affect employment
very much.
|
|
Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$103,100
Salary Range
$79,700-$161,000
Professional Organizations:
American
Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)
15850 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 320
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: (800)
922-9266
Fax: (301)
948-1928
www.aacpm.org
American Podiatric
Medical Association
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (800) ASK-APMA
Fax: (301)
530-2752
www.apma.org
Mississippi Podiatric Medical Association
1814 Mission 66
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Phone: (601) 638-7520
Fax: (601)
638-7541
|
