Podiatric Medical and Surgical Care
Seeking treatment by a Foot & Ankle specialist
Foot and ankle physicians and surgeons are the leading experts in lower extremity care. Podiatric physicians specialize in all aspects of lower extremity care, including but not limited to treating Diabetic foot conditions and complications. Foot and ankle specialist also treat plantar fasciitis, foot and fractures, lower extremity infections, Achilles tendonitis and tears, heel spurs, bunion deformities, hammertoe deformities, as well as flat and high arched feet. Foot and ankle surgeons have more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other healthcare provider.
Understanding the educational background of a Podiatric physician
After completing undergraduate education, the foot and ankle surgeon completes a four-year curriculum at an accredited podiatric medical school, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Although identical in length to programs at medical schools for osteopathic doctors (DOs) and medical doctors (MDs), and covering basic and clinical sciences, the podiatric medical school curriculum also provides intensive focus on conditions of the foot and ankle.
Following graduation from a podiatric medical school, they enter a postgraduate residency in podiatric medicine and surgery approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. These residencies are similar to, and are often integrated with, residencies for MDs and DOs, and provide training in general medicine, general surgery and surgical specialties. The critical difference is the higher volume of cases and time focused on the foot and ankle in residency programs for podiatric surgeons. Currently, the majority of podiatric residency programs are three years in length.
Upon completing their surgical residency, foot and ankle surgeons may receive additional fellowship training in specific areas of foot and ankle surgery.
What is a Board Certified foot and ankle surgeon?
The intensive process leading to certification by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) includes four years of postdoctoral clinical experience, completion of an approved residency, a large number of surgeries representing a diverse range of foot and ankle surgical procedures and successful completion of an extensive two-part certification process, in addition to submitting surgical case logs. ABFAS is recognized by the Joint Committee on the Recognition of Specialty Boards of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.
What is the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons?
Foot and ankle surgeons who have achieved certification by ABFAS are eligible to become Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). This 7,800-member specialty medical society provides continuing medical education programming to its members and serves to educate patients and consumers about foot health and the conditions that foot and ankle surgeons treat.
