Duties and Responsibilities
Among Podiatrist duties are to prescribe drugs, therapy, perform surgery and fix
fractures. They are authorized to diagnose foot problems which may also be manifestations
of other illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis or heart diseases. Their findings
of their examinations, especially that shows other diseases, would become vital
information for doctors and patients for further treatment. They prescribe and fit
corrective shoe inserts called orthics, design plaster casts and straps for correcting
deformities. Another one of the Podiatrist duties is to design shoes for deformed
feet.
Work Environment
Podiatrists normally work in a small but sanitized offices or clinics, with staff
support. They also work in hospitals, health centers or nursing homes to visit or
perform surgery on patients. They are times do home visits. Unlike other doctors
they have fewer emergency calls.
Employment Opportunities
Podiatrists may be employed in hospitals or do solo private practice or with a group.
Podiatrist opportunities could also be found as professors at colleges of podiatric
medicine. They may also find Podiatrist opportunities working for the State or Federal
health programs or agencies.
How much does a Podiatrist make - Podiatrist Salary and Wages
Demand for the services of Podiatrists is increasing each year. As a highly specialized
profession, survey results shows that they initially earn a Podiatrist salary range
between $70,638 - $130,703 annually during the first four years of their practice.
This Podiatrist salary range increases between 10% to 15% during the fifth to ninth
year of practicing, and on to another 4% to 9% increase in the next ten years.
Estimate bonuses in this profession begins at $5,000 during the first four years
and $8,200 in the next four years. The profession would enjoy a record high bonus
of $19,442 from the tenth to nineteenth year of practice. Commissions for the practice
of the profession has an estimate of $2,225 in hospitals. However, the price tag
in private practice has been kept in confidentiality by many practitioners. The
Podiatris salary range and bonuses depend upon the institutions they work with and
the kind of work that they do. Podiatrists with specialization have higher salary
range than those who are in general practice. Private practitioners are more likely
to earn more. As to perks, Podiatrists have an average of two 2.35 weeks to enjoy
from the first year of practice.
How to become a Podiatrist
Educational and Training
Admission to a college of podiatric medicine require a completion of 90 semester
hours of undergraduate study, an acceptable grade point average and passing scores
on the Medical College Admission Test. Some not so know Podiatrist courses may include
biology, organic and inorganic chemistry and physics. On the first two years of
study, students are required to enroll in basic sciences such as anatomy, chemistry,
pathology and pharmacology for Podiatrist degree qualifications. The curriculum
also includes clinical or hospital rotations, which helps them learn the Podiatrist
skills to take general or podiatric histories, perform physical examinations, make
diagnoses, interpret test and findings. Graduates, after the licensure exams obtain
the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).
Other Qualifications and Skills
Some other Podiatrist skills include having high levels of scientific aptitude,
manual dexterity and communication skills. Solo practitioners also need to know
basic business administration.
You can find information concerning online Podiatrist degrees and jump start your
Podiatrist career by checking out the online colleges and degrees below.
Advancement
Podiatrists can further specialize in orthopedics, primary medicine and surgery
provided that they meet the Podiatrist qualifications of the certifying boards.
Each of the board issues a certification of eligibility after the podiatrist undergoes
the required training and the completion of written and oral examinations.
Podiatrist Resources
APMA - American Podiatric Medical Association