Feet are complex anatomical structures, all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines that are instrumental to overall health and well-being. They require expert care. Be sure you’re seeing the most qualified health-care professional to treat your feet by looking for the letters “DPM” after his or her name. The DPM means a physician has completed years of rigorous foot and ankle training in podiatric medical school and hospital-based residency training, making him or her uniquely qualified to care for this part of the body.

Podiatrists complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training. Their training is similar to that of other doctors. Podiatrists may go on to complete fellowship training following their residency.

Podiatrists can focus on many fields, including surgery, sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care.