Podiatrists

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This occupation is part of the Healthcare Practitioner and Technical cluster

About the Job

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

It is also Called

  • Chiropodist
  • Doctor
  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
  • Doctor of Podiatry
  • Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
  • Foot and Ankle Surgeon
  • Foot Doctor
  • Foot Orthopedist
  • Foot Roentgenologist
  • Foot Specialist

What They Do

  • Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, and abscesses.
  • Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
  • Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
  • Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
  • Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
  • Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
  • Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
  • Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
  • Perform administrative duties such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, and keeping records.
  • Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: ISR.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Investigative interests, but also prefer Social and Realistic environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Relationships and Independence in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Education Required

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $110,260.00 with most people making between $43,330.00 and n/a

Outlook

0.91%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 1,100 people in California. It is projected that there will be 1,100 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 10 openings due to growth and about 20 replacement openings for approximately 30 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

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