Should I be a podiatrist?

Where do people go when they have problems with their feet?

A visit to a podiatrist's office will get them the diagnosis and treatment they need.

If you want a career where you can help people stay on their feet, the exciting field of podiatry might be the one for you!

A podiatrist is a physician and surgeon who diagnoses and treats problems with feet, ankles, and related structures of the leg. They treat people of any age.

Podiatrists treat:

• Fractures and sprains

• Bunions and hammertoes

• Nail disorders

• Complications from diabetes

• Complications from arthritis

• Growing pains

• Heel pain

• Conditions like Morton’s neuroma

👇 Watch the video below to meet a podiatrist working for the UK's National Health Service.

• Podiatrists usually work in offices of podiatry, other medical offices, or hospitals

• Most work full-time, and some need to be on call for emergencies

• Most podiatrists perform surgical procedures

Here is an example of a typical podiatrist's day:

• 8:00-10:30 See patients in the office — conduct exams, diagnose, prescribe meds, and advise about treatments

• 10:30-11:45 Prosthetic appliance fittings and plaster casts

• 12:00-1:00 Lunch

• 1:30-3:30 Surgical treatments for a variety of conditions

• 4:00-5:00 Finish patient charting and follow-up patient calls

The average base salary per year for a podiatrist is: $158,380 in the US and $95,881 in Canada.

• You like working with people and you don't mind seeing their feet

• You want to make a positive impact on others' lives

• You're not squeamish about the human body and surgery

• You understand and accept that you'll need to attend 4 years of podiatry school

• You're not interested in an additional 4 years of school after your undergraduate degree

• You don't want a job that's hands-on all the time

• You're not really a people person and aren't interested in seeing patients all day and possibly listening to their complaints

• Feet gross you out, blood grosses you out, and you could never see yourself performing surgery

Think being a podiatrist is the career for you?

Follow your dreams!