The Podiatrist provides preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs. This can include infections, defects and injuries, as well as foot and nail conditions related to other major health disorders such as diabetes.
Key Responsibilities
- Reviews patients’ medical history to evaluate the condition of the feet, ankle or lower leg
- Prescribes, produces and fits orthotics and other aids and appliances
- Understands the mechanics of the body in order to preserve, restore and develop movement
- Carries out diagnosis on the feet through X-ray examination and medical laboratory tests
- Performs X-rays and physical scans of a patient’s lower extremities.
- Orders ultrasounds and bone density tests.
- Prescribes and fit prosthetic appliances such as shoe inserts to improve patients’ mobility
- Performs foot and ankle surgeries (for example, removing bone spurs)
- Prescribes joint pain relief medication and foot orthoses that improve mobility
- Performs foot and ankle surgeries to remove bone spurs and address leg deformity
Job Requirements/Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in podiatric medicine.
- Appropriate state licensure.
- Proven previous work experience as a Podiatrist
- Excellent knowledge of therapeutic and surgical treatments for the lower extremities
- In-depth knowledge of modern surgical and therapeutic treatments.
- Familiar with all types of foot problems including genetic abnormalities and deformities
Skills needed for this role
The Podiatrist must have an understanding and knowledge of science, particularly biology, anatomy and chemistry. He/She must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and in writing, including the ability to explain medical terminology and treatment in easy to understand language.
Career Level
Licensed Professional, Doctor of Medicine
Job Specializations
Healthcare