What You'll Do

  • Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
  • Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
  • Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
  • Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
  • Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
  • Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
  • Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, or keeping records.
  • Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.
  • Treat deformities using mechanical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths, and electrical methods, such as short wave and low voltage currents.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.0/5
Active Listening 4.0/5
Speaking 4.0/5
Critical Thinking 4.0/5
Active Learning 4.0/5
Writing 3.88/5
Monitoring 3.88/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.88/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.88/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.75/5
Science 3.5/5
Coordination 3.38/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Concern for Others, Integrity, Dependability, Self-Control

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Deductive Reasoning 4.25/5
Written Comprehension 4.12/5
Written Expression 4.12/5
Problem Sensitivity 4.12/5
Inductive Reasoning 4.12/5
Oral Comprehension 4.0/5
Oral Expression 4.0/5
Speech Recognition 4.0/5

Technologies & Tools

Advantage Software Podiatry Advantage DocSite Registry Email software Facebook Fox Meadows Software MediNotes e Microsoft Access Quick Notes PDQ Podiatry Scanner imaging software Web browser software Word processing software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.89/5)
  • Concern for Others (High importance: 4.89/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.78/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.67/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 4.53/5)

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How to Become One

This career requires extensive preparation, typically including a graduate degree (Master's or Doctoral) and several years of experience. Most professionals in this field have invested significant time in education and training.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Attending Physician Chiropodist Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM and Surgery) Doctor of Podiatry Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM) Foot and Ankle Surgeon Foot Doctor Foot Orthopedist Foot Roentgenologist Foot Specialist Orthopedic Podiatrist Physician Podiatric Medicine Doctor (DPM) Podiatric Physician Podiatric Surgeon Podiatrist Podiatry Doctor (DP) Pododermatologist