What training is required to become a podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine)?

Training Requirements for Podiatrists (Doctors of Podiatric Medicine)

Podiatrists undergo extensive specialized training that includes undergraduate education, 4 years of podiatric medical school, and 3 years of hospital-based residency training, preparing them to become independent practitioners who provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for the foot and ankle. 1

Educational Pathway

Pre-Professional Education

• Bachelor's degree (typically 4 years)
• Completion of prerequisite courses similar to those required for medical school
• Taking the MCAT or GRE (depending on the podiatric medical school)

Podiatric Medical School (4 years)

• First two years: Preclinical curriculum that mirrors that of MD/DO medical schools 1

  • Basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology)
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical medicine fundamentals

• Last two years: Clinical rotations with specialized focus on foot and ankle care

  • Hospital-based clinical experiences
  • Outpatient clinic rotations
  • Specialized training in podiatric medicine and surgery

Residency Training (3 years)

• Hospital-based graduate medical education programs 1
• Progressive responsibility in medical and surgical management
• Training in:
  • Podiatric medicine
  • Podiatric surgery
  • Wound care
  • Diabetic foot management
  • Biomechanics
  • Radiology
  • Sports medicine

Specialization and Certification

After completing residency, podiatrists may pursue:

• Board certification through specialty boards
• Fellowship training in specialized areas such as:
  • Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery
  • Sports medicine
  • Diabetic limb salvage
  • Pediatric podiatry

Professional Development

Podiatrists are expected to engage in continued professional development throughout their careers, which may include:

• Specialized training courses to integrate professional knowledge and clinical skills 2
• Staying current with evidence-based practices
• Maintaining certification through continuing education

Scope of Practice

Podiatrists are trained to:

• Prevent, diagnose, and treat people with foot and ankle problems 3
• Perform surgical procedures on the foot and ankle
• Identify and respond to findings that may affect overall health 3
• Provide specialized care for conditions such as:
  • Diabetic foot complications
  • Sports injuries
  • Biomechanical disorders
  • Wound care
  • Nail disorders 2

Comparison to Other Medical Training

• Podiatric medical education virtually mirrors the education and training of MDs and DOs, particularly in the preclinical curriculum 1
• Unlike MDs/DOs, podiatrists begin specialty-specific training much earlier in their education 4
• Podiatrists' scope of practice is determined by state laws, with variations across the United States 4

Integration in Healthcare Teams

Podiatrists are essential components of multidisciplinary care teams, particularly in:

• Diabetes care 2
• Wound management 5
• Integrated foot care services 2

Studies have shown that including podiatrists in healthcare teams can lead to:

• Reduced hospitalizations for diabetic foot ulcers 2
• Lower healthcare costs 2
• Decreased lower-extremity amputation rates 2

While patients may have varying levels of understanding about the differences between podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons 6, podiatrists have earned recognition as physicians within their education, training, and credentialing processes 4.