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Homer Simpson walking in his kitchen. His feet hurt. As he steps, he cries in pain.

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.

Homer Simpson is in a hospital bed with his foot in a splint. Dr. Hibbert tells him he tore a ligament.

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!

What a Podiatrist Does

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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.

A Day In the Life

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  • 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

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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

How Much Podiatrists Make

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

Did you know?

Podiatrists are sometimes called chiropodists, especially in England (www.oneeducation.org.uk, "What is the Difference Between a Podiatrist and a Chiropodist?" Abbey Morgan, 2021).

You'll Love Podiatry If...

  • 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

A woman says, 'That's me!'

Podiatry Is Not For You If...

  • 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

A woman crossing her fingers, saying 'Cool. No thanks.'

Quiz

Podiatry is a good career choice if you (select all that apply):

Take Action

Think being a podiatrist is the career for you?

A young person says, 'I'm so excited. This is my time to shine.'

Follow your dreams!

License:

This Byte has been authored by

JG

Julia Golod

Instructional Design-eLearning Development

English

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