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Podiatrists are physicians and surgeons of the human foot. They examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and deformities of the foot using medical, surgical, mechanical, or other means. Podiatrists also treat muscles and tendons governing foot functions and normal and abnormal growths on the feet.

JOB DUTIES   

Podiatrists may:

Examine feet

Diagnose foot ailments, such as tumors, ulcers, skin or nail diseases, fractures, and congenital or acquired deformities

Treat deformities such as flat or weak feet and foot imbalance by mechanical and surgical methods

Treat conditions such as corns, calluses, bunions, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, cysts, bone disorders, and abscesses by surgical methods

Prescribe and fit corrective footwear and in-shoe orthotics

Prescribe drugs

Advise patients concerning continued treatments of disorders and proper foot care to prevent recurrence

Refer patients to a physician when the symptoms observed in feet indicate disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis or kidney trouble

Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strappings in infants and children

Teach and consult

Lecture to the public on health care for the foot and related disorders

To view Podiatrist at work click here .

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Podiatrists may specialize in these areas:

079.101-022 PODIATRISTS examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and deformities of the foot using medical, surgical, mechanical or other means. They treat muscles and tendons governing foot functions and treat growths.

079.101-022 ORTHOPEDIC PODIATRISTS treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders.

079.101-022 PODOPEDIATRICIANS treat foot ailments affecting adolescents, children, and infants. They work to prevent and treat congenital and acquired disorders of foot diseases.

079.101-022 PODIATRIC SURGEONS perform foot surgery.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Many newly licensed Podiatrists open their own offices or purchase established practices. Some enter group practice, or start as associates to Podiatrists with established practices to gain experience. They usually employ at least one or more assistants, depending on the size of the practice.

Podiatrists generally work in clean, well lighted, and comfortable offices. They may spend some time performing surgery at hospitals and visiting patients.

Podiatrists' work hours vary. Since most of them are self-employed, they may regulate their own hours. Most Podiatrists work 36 to 45 hours per week. This often includes one or two evenings a week or Saturdays. They also take time out of their schedules for vacations, postgraduate course work, and scientific seminars.

Podiatrists who wish to enter private practice must make an initial investment to rent, lease, or purchase office space and to furnish it with examining and treatment equipment, supplies, and office furniture. The cost of starting a practice depends on the size and location of the office and whether or not the Podiatrist will share an office with another Podiatrist. They must arrange their own transportation when visiting hospitals and making house calls.

They often belong to professional organizations which include The American Podiatric Medical Association , The American Association of Hospital & Healthcare Podiatrists Inc ., The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society , The American College of Foot Surgeons , and The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association . Members may be required to pay regular dues.

You Should Prefer:

·           Activities of a scientific and technical nature

·           Activities involving direct personal contact to help people

·           Activities resulting in esteem from others

You Should Be Able To:

• Deal cooperatively and effectively with people

• Understand a variety of subjects, such as medical/sciences/humanities

• Communicate well in speech and writing

• Visualize position/arrangement of organs/bones/tissue from X-rays

• Knowledge of anatomy

• Remain calm at all times, even in emergencies

• Make decisions based on logic, judgment, or verifiable criteria

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You have to find the maximum force that will be placed on an artificial foot that you plan on using if the mass of the person is 50 kilograms.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Instead of protecting the body from disease, the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation that produces rheumatoid arthritis.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation to a patient about a disease they might have and your prescribed course of treatment.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best treatment actions to take which would leave a patient with the least possible discomfort.

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click  here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Podiatrist and Podiatric Intern for specific licensing information.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: A minimum of two years of a post-secondary Arts and Sciences programs, offered at Michigan Community Colleges, is required to enter a College of Podiatry. Students desiring a degree in Podiatry may first obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Sciences which is offered at Michigan Colleges and Universities. The four-year Podiatry program necessary to practice this profession in not offered in Michigan. Those interested in locating Colleges of Podiatric Medicine should contact the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0800 CHOIR , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the military web site at http://www.myfuture.com .

PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS

Military physicians and surgeons represent all of the major fields of medical specialization. Physicians and surgeons are the chief providers of medical services to military personnel and their dependents. They examine patients, diagnose their injuries or illnesses, and provide medical treatment.

What They Do

Physicians and surgeons in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Examine patients to detect abnormalities in pulse, breathing, or other body functions

• Determine presence and extent of illness or injury by reviewing medical histories, X-rays, laboratory reports, and examination reports

• Develop treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, or surgery

• Perform surgery to treat injuries or illnesses

• Advise patients on their health problems and personal habits

• Coordinate the activities of nurses, physician assistants, medical specialists, therapists, and other medical personnel

• Conduct medical research

Special Requirements

A doctor of medicine or osteopathy degree and advanced training in a medical specialty are required to enter this occupation.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Desire to help others

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely

Work Environment

Physicians and surgeons work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation. However, advanced courses and programs in medical specialties are available. In addition, scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for an obligated period of military service.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian physicians work for hospitals or clinics or in private practice. They perform the same duties and work in the same areas of specialization as military physicians.

Opportunities

The military will need new physicians and surgeons each year. Military physicians and surgeons represent all of the major fields of medical specialization. Physicians and surgeons are the chief providers of medical services to military personnel and their dependents. They examine patients, diagnose their injuries or illnesses, and provide medical treatment.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Students interested in exploring podiatry should talk to persons experienced in this profession. It may be possible to find full or part-time work as a podiatric assistant. Newly licensed Podiatrists may gain experience by becoming an associate to an experienced Podiatrist. Experience may also be gained in military service.

           School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Podiatrist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Podiatrist employer

community service work with an agency

Licensed Podiatrists may obtain assistance in finding salaried positions or establishing a private practice from the American Podiatric Medical Association and schools of podiatry or by consulting professional publications. For positions with government agencies, apply at civil service offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Podiatrists vary depending on the Podiatrist's personal ability, experience, and reputation; the income level of the community served; the size of the city where the practice is located; and the type of practice. Business expenses of self-employed Podiatrists are a significant factor in their income. In addition to rent or mortgage payments and other office upkeep expenses, they also have to pay the salaries and benefits of office assistants.

Nationally, the median net income of solo-practice Podiatrists was about $114,800 per year in 2008. Beginning Podiatrists had lower net incomes because of the cost of starting a new practice. Median net incomes of solo-practice Podiatrists by region were:

The median annual salary of Podiatrist was $119,652 in 2008.   The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

The annual salaries (early 2009) of Podiatrists employed by hospitals and related facilities averaged $276,800, with most earning between $93,400 and $298,600.

Beginning Podiatrists employed by federal Veterans Administration hospitals had starting annual salaries of $61,217 in 2009. Higher-level Podiatrists may earn up to $153,200 annually.

Most Podiatrists are self-employed and must pay for their insurance and retirement plans. Depending on the employer, most salaried Podiatrists receive paid vacations and holidays; life, hospitalization, accident, and disability insurance; sick pay; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

Podiatrists advance by expanding the size of their practices, securing referrals from other physicians, and gaining recognition. Some Podiatrists advance by taking a staff assignment at a hospital, doing research work, or teaching at a college of podiatry. Teaching Podiatrists could advance to administrators.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, there were approximately 11,900 practicing Podiatrists in 2006. Employment for Podiatrists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Sixteen percent of the licensed Podiatrists in the U.S. practiced in the following four states: New York , Florida , New Jersey , and California . Population growth, more older people, more people becoming active in sports, and the rise in the number of diabetic patients with related foot conditions will result in an increased demand for health care, including podiatric services. Furthermore, greater participation in such active sports as jogging, tennis, and baseball will also tend to cause or aggravate foot disorders and spur demand for Podiatrists. About 23.9% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Podiatrists looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

There are approximately 675 licensed Podiatrists practicing in Michigan . Most worked in urban areas.  Some Podiatrists held salaried positions in private hospitals, nursing and personal care facilities, HMO's, clinics, or other Podiatrists' offices.

Employment of Podiatrists in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014.  An average of 10 openings per year is expected, with most due to the replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons.

Employment demand for Podiatrists will be due to an expanding population as well as an increase in the number of older people needing foot care and individuals entitled to certain podiatric services under Medicare and other health insurance plans.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth