A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is respected in the medical community as the authority on the diagnosis and management of foot and ankle conditions.
After completion of undergraduate studies, a DPM attends medical school, usually alongside medical doctors (MD) and osteopathic doctors (DO). In addition to the standard four-year medical curriculum, there is an additional emphasis on foot and ankle conditions.
After graduation, a DPM trains intensively for several years in residency, completing rotations often integrated with MDs and DOs. Examples of rotations include:
To understand the complex biomechanics of the lower extremity, the DPM additionally rotates in foot and ankle specific programs. DPMs train extensively in foot and ankle surgery, including trauma, reconstruction, and minimally invasive surgery.
The broad education and training of DPMs results not only in a well-rounded physician, but establishes them as primary experts of the foot and ankle.
In practice, DPMs often diversify into sub-specializations. Common subspecialties include trauma, sports medicine, biomechanics, pediatrics, diabetic preventive care and geriatric care.
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