What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists Dallas are the medical specialists who do treat people with problems that affect one’s feet or lower legs. Podiatrist Dallas can treat injuries as well as complications from ongoing health issues like diabetes. one might hear them called a podiatric physician or doctor of podiatric medicine.

Are They Doctors?

Podiatrists Dallas are doctors, but they don't go to any traditional medical school. Podiatrists have their own schools as well as professional associations. After their names, Podiatrists Dallas also have "DPM" (doctor of podiatric medicine) instead of "MD" (medical doctor).

Podiatrist Dallas also can-do surgery, prescribe drugs, reset broken bones and order lab tests or X-rays. Podiatrists often work closely with other specialists when a problem affects your feet or lower legs. In the Dallas, U.S., podiatrists are licensed and regulated by state governments.

Education and Training

In college, students who want to be podiatrists take biology, chemistry, and physics along with other science classes to get ready for podiatry school. Most get a bachelor's degree in biology or a similar field of science. 

Then they go for 4 years to podiatry school. They study how nerves, bones, and muscles work together to help move. They also study the illnesses and injuries that can affect one’s feet. At the same time learn how to diagnose and treat them and how to fix the feet with surgery if needed.

There are nine podiatry schools in the U.S. accredited by the American Podiatric Medical Association. 

After graduating from podiatry school, they work in a hospital for 3 years. This is called a residency, and they put what they've learned to use. They also work with doctors in other fields, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, pediatricians, and specialists in infectious diseases.

After the residency, they can get advanced certifications in surgery on feet and ankles.