Podiatry
The scope of podiatry varies some
between different states but generally includes the medical
and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle, and governing structures
from the leg. The foot is controlled by the muscles and tendons
from the leg, so effectively treating foot problems requires
an extensive understanding of the biomechanics of the entire
lower extremity. Podiatric medical school is a four year medical
school with more emphasis on lower extremity disorders than
allopathic or osteopathic medical schools.
Residency
Programs
Once a person has completed a college
premedical degree and four years of podiatric medical school,
a residency program is entered. There are a few different
types of podiatric residency programs, but podiatric surgical
residency programs are necessary for one to become proficient
in more complex foot and ankle surgery. The length of the
programs varies from one to three years or more. Generally
the first year incorporates the other relevant medical/surgical
specialties, and subsequent years provide more intensive training
for complex foot and ankle procedures. Some podiatric surgeons
participate in fellowships in addition to their residency
program.
Board
Certification
The certifying board for podiatric
surgeons is the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. For a
podiatric surgeon to become certified he must take written
and oral examinations as well as have cases reviewed. Prior
to 1991 only one exam existed and offered certification in
"Foot and Ankle Surgery". Since 1991 two separate certification
categories have been established: Foot Surgery and Reconstructive
Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery. A surgeon can become certified in
"Foot Surgery" alone or, both "Foot Surgery" and "Reconstructive
Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery". Those surgeons achieving certification
in both of these categories have the most appropriate credentials
for performing more complex foot and ankle procedures.
Podiatric
Foot & Ankle Surgeon vs Orthopedic Surgeon
Podiatric training involves four
years of medical school with emphasis on lower extremity problems.
The biomechanics of the foot and lower extremity are intensively
studied. Orthopedic surgeons complete four years of general
medical school. Podiatric surgical residency programs provide
training focused on foot and ankle surgery. By completion
of a multiyear podiatric surgical residency, participation
in greater than 1,000 foot/ankle procedures is typical. An
orthopedic surgery residency provides training for general
musculoskeletal disorders. Aside from trauma training, relatively
little attention is given to the foot. A few orthopedic surgeons
with interest in learning more about foot surgery complete
a one year foot/ankle fellowship. Understanding the biomechanics
of the foot/ankle and having competency in appropriate surgical
procedures offers the best chance of successful foot/ankle
reconstructive surgery. It is in your best interest to learn
the qualifications, training, and experience of your surgeon.
Insurance
Coverage
Most foot/ankle surgical procedures
are covered by medical insurance plans.