What does a Podiatrist do?

Podiatrists work in hospitals, clinics and private practices, providing care for patients with problems related to their feet and ankles. In addition to diagnosing issues, they deliver in-office interventions, including cryotherapy and surgery, as needed. By delivering appropriate treatments and adhering to established guidelines regarding infection control, patient safety and patient privacy, they help protect employers from liability claims. At the same time, they can provide the best possible outcomes for patients, raising patient satisfaction rates to help practices grow.

Podiatrist skills and qualifications

To perform well in their role, a Podiatrist must possess certain skills. Some qualifications that you may wish to specify in your Podiatrist job description include:

• Deep understanding of the anatomy of the foot and ankle and conditions that affect it
• Ability to utilize tools to examine and treat conditions of the foot and ankle
• Knowledge of the latest standards of care and best practices for podiatric medicine
• Oral communication skills to communicate effectively with patients and other members of the care team
• Attentiveness to detail to maintain accurate records and reduce the risk of medical errors
• Strong interpersonal skills to reduce anxiety and fear in patients of all ages
• Familiarity with patient records management software

Podiatrist experience requirement

Before working in the field, Podiatrists typically complete a residency that lasts for at least two years. During the residency, they gain hands-on experience working with patients under the direct supervision of other medical professionals. Whether a candidate will need additional experience beyond the required residency depends on the nature of your open position. If you have a team of Podiatrists on staff, a new graduate from a residency program may be experienced enough to succeed. Practices that have a sole Podiatrist on the team or need a Podiatrist capable of supervising other healthcare professionals may wish to focus on candidates who have a few years of work experience post-residency.

Podiatrist education and training requirements

All 50 states require Podiatrists to gain a license before practicing medicine. The requirements for licensing vary but generally include graduating from a program accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education and passing the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE). Accredited programs usually last for four years and require prospective students to either complete three years of undergraduate education or earn a bachelor’s degree prior to admission.

As you review resumes, you may want to prioritize candidates who have obtained board certification through the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery or the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry. Requirements for certification vary but often include work experience and education requirements and passing a certification exam.

Podiatrist salary expectation

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Podiatrist is $246,959 per year. Actual salaries vary based on education, board certification status, work history and location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Podiatrist job description isn’t a good match for your open position, consider the following related jobs:

• Physician
• Medical Director
• Sports Medicine Physician

Podiatrist job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Podiatrist and a Foot and Ankle Specialist?

Podiatrists and foot and ankle specialists treat different types of issues. A Podiatrist is a medical professional who treats a variety of conditions that affect the feet, including arch problems, bunions, corns and calluses. A foot and ankle specialist is a type of orthopedic medical doctor who treats muscular and skeletal issues of the feet and ankles, such as arthritis, soft tissue injuries, clubfeet and sports injuries. Which type of medical provider your practice or facility needs will depend upon the needs of your patient population.

How can I call attention to my Podiatrist job description?

To capture interest when sharing your Podiatrist job description in a job posting, add a bulleted list that summarizes the benefits of working for your organization at the top. Perks and benefits that can increase interest include student loan repayment programs, daylight-only office hours, stipends and paid time off for continuing education coursework and practice-paid malpractice coverage.

Who does a Podiatrist report to?

Generally, a Podiatrist reports to the Medical Director for a practice. Usually, this individual is a licensed medical professional who sees patients while also acting as a supervisor for a team. The Medical Director may oversee other Podiatrists, medical doctors in other specialties and other healthcare professionals.