A podiatrist (/poʊˈdaɪ.ətrɪst/ poh-DY-ə-trist) is a medical professional devoted to the treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
[5] In many countries, the term podiatrist refers to allied health professionals who specialize in the treatment of the lower extremity, particularly the foot.
[7][8] Podiatrists treat a wide variety of foot and lower extremity conditions through nonsurgical and surgical approaches.
Common professional accreditation pathways include: Podiatric surgery is concerned with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle: Podiatrists' roles include dealing with the conditions resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases.
Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrown toenails.
[15] Podiatrists scope of practice within Australia allows them to; - Refer for a range of diagnostic imaging: x-ray, ultrasound, MRI etc.
In the United States, medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle is mainly provided by two groups of professionals: podiatrists (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or DPM) and orthopedists (MDs or DOs).
Fellowship training is available after residency in such fields such as foot and ankle traumatology, lower extremity reconstruction, or limb salvage.
During the initial two years of study, podiatry students begin clinical placements, practicals and skills labs which give them exposure to a wide range of patients and treatment modalities.
The Australian Podiatry Association supports Career Framework credentials, that recognise advanced competencies and clinical skills of podiatrists in Australia.
In awarding the credential, the APodA can verify podiatrists have demonstrated and provided evidence of competency in their clinical interest area and undergone a rigorous assessment process.
All podiatrists are required to register with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) prior to be licensed to practice in Australia.
Podiatric surgeons are specialist podiatrists who have completed extensive, post-graduate medical and surgical training and perform reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle.
For instance, in some provinces like British Columbia and Alberta, the standards are the same as in the United States where the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is the accepted qualification.
Also in Quebec, in 2004, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières started the first program of Podiatric Medicine in Canada based on the American definition of podiatry.
According to The Michener Institute website, Chiropody is a branch of medical science that involves the assessment and management of foot and lower limb disorders.
This includes the management of a wide variety of disorders, injuries, foot deformities, infections and local manifestations of systemic conditions.
A Chiropodist is a primary care professional practising in podiatric medicine in Ontario that specializes in assessment, management and prevention of diseases and disorders of the foot.
An essential member of the inter professional healthcare team, the Chiropodist is skilled in assessing the needs of their patients and of managing both chronic and acute conditions affecting foot and lower limb function.
As part of general podiatric care, podiatrists as HPC (Health Professions Council)-registered practitioners are involved with nail-and-minor-soft-tissue surgical procedures and qualified to administer local anaesthetics.
From 1 August 2012, the HPC is being rebranded to the HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) as they are expanding their remit to include Social Workers.
The Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans called for full payment of their tuition fees and the introduction of a maintenance grant for healthcare students.