Licensure/Certification
License requirements in Florida include a degree from a school
or college of podiatric medicine that is approved by the Council
on Podiatric Medical Education, passing scores on the National
Medical Boards and on the examination required by the Florida
Board of Podiatric Medicine, and either a minimum of one year
of residency training or 10 years of continuous practice in
another state. As with all other physicians in the state of
Florida, podiatrists must complete a minimum of 40 hours of
continuing medical education every two years for license renewal.
Salary
The average annual wage for podiatric physicians in Florida
in 2006 was $120,232.
Educational Programs
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Barry University
Professional Associations
American Association of Colleges
of Podiatric Medicine
American
Podiatric Medical Association
Florida Podiatric Medical Association
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Podiatrists, also known as Doctors of Podiatric
Medicine (DPMs), specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders,
diseases, and injuries of the foot, ankle, and leg.
Podiatric
Physician
The most common problems treated by podiatrists
include basic medical and surgical treatment of corns, calluses, ingrown
toenails, hammertoes, bunions, arch problems, fractures and sprains
of the foot and ankle, diabetic foot problems and wounds, warts, and
skin diseases, such as athlete's foot. To diagnose a lower extremity
condition, the podiatrist may take x-rays, perform blood tests, or
prescribe other diagnostic or laboratory tests. Treatment may include
prescribing medications, fitting corrective devices or corrective
footgear, casting, injections, or performing surgery on the affected
area. A podiatrist has the ability to recognize systemic disorders
of the body which may first appear in the lower extremity, such as
diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Preventive foot care is a
major concern of DPMs. The profession requires a scientific aptitude,
manual dexterity, good business sense, and the ability to work with
a variety of people.
Areas of Specialization
Most podiatrists have a general practice. However, some specialize
in surgery, sports medicine, orthopedics, public health, and even
subspecialties such as pediatrics, oncology, geriatrics, wound management,
and diabetic footcare.
Work Environment
Most podiatrists work independently in private or group practice
in conjunction with rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or teaching/research
centers.
Job Outlook
The number of podiatrists employed in Florida in 2006 was 937. It
is projected that in 2014 there will be 1,051. This represents an
annual average growth rate of 1.5 percent.
Length of Training/Requirements
Prerequisites for admission to a college of podiatric medicine,
as with allopathic or osteopathic medicine, include the completion
of at least three years of undergraduate study, an acceptable grade
point average, and suitable scores on the Medical College Admissions
Test (MCAT). Undergraduate college work should include courses in
English, chemistry, biology or zoology, physics, and math. Colleges
of podiatric medicine offer four-year programs with core courses
similar to schools of medicine. Graduates receive the degree of
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Barry University offers a combined
seven-year BS/MS/DPM degree, as well as a joint DPM/MBA degree program
(see academic advisor). Most graduates then go on to complete two
to four years of residency training.
Updated: 2007 |