The next two years of studies include additional medical subjects as well as clinical and surgical training under the guidance of attending physicians. In the clinical setting is where history and physical intaking skills are learned as well as charting, diagnosing and treating illnesses.
 Upon graduating from podiatry school, additional education begins in a residency which is a hospital -based training. It is here where the residents are exposed to numerous medical illnesses and are again responsible for diagnosing, admitting and treating patients. Some podiatrists earn additional education through fellowships and internships.
The medical suffix for a podiatrist is D.P.M. which stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
In order to practice medicine, a podiatrist must be licensed by the state’s board of medicine. Upon graduating from podiatry school, we are required to sit for two national board examinations. To practice in some states, before licensure occurs, one must pass a required state board. Not all states require this. However, most hospitals and some medical insurance agencies require board certification.
A doctor is considered board certified once they have successfully passed rigorous oral and written examinations as well as submit case studies to the examining board. Upon this completion, a doctor is considered a diplomate with that particular board.
 The scope of practice for podiatrists includes the foot and ankle in most states. There are numerous foot pathologies that we treat. Some of them include podiatric skin conditions such as fungal skin and nail diseases, diabetic foot care, non-surgical and surgical care for bunions and hammertoes.
Other podiatric conditions in which podiatrists are trained to treat are flat feet, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, foot and ankle fractures and joint disorders.
Hopefully this article has enlightened you as to what podiatric medicine is all about.
If you are in need of foot care, call a podiatrist to help you. | 
