A Doctor in Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is to the foot and ankle as a dentist is to the mouth. DPM's undergo extensive training prevent, diagnose, and treat foot diseases. DPM's often times are the first to detect serious illnesses that are manifest first through the foot that otherwise would have gone on undetected such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease as well as some kidney problems. DPM's typically work in private practices but they often times work in orthopedic groups, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, etc. There are very few podiatric emergencies, which means that PDM's typically work office hours and have the flexibility to create their own schedule working as much or as little as they see fit. Finding employment as a podiatrist is expected to grow 10-20% over the next decade as the elderly population have more wear and tear on ther feet and ankles as well as the rest of the population staying physically active. Podiatry offers areas of specialization such as podiatric surgery, podopediatrics, podogeriatrics, with subspciaties in sports or specific injuries of the foot and ankle. DPM's like MD's and DO's are required to take the MCAT for intrance into one of the 8 American Podiatric schools. DPM schools aren't as competitive as MD or DO schools. DPM school is 4 years followed by a 2-3 year residency. The Average yearly salary for a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is $135,000 with significantly less of that going to mal practice insurance premiums.
