How to Be Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 1, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) profession is a vital part of the healthcare system, as it focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and disorders affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. DPMs specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of foot and ankle issues. This includes medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, as well as preventive measures to help patients maintain healthy feet.

Achieving this level of expertise requires significant educational training, including a bachelors degree followed by four years of podiatric medical school and a hospital-based residency program. As a result, DPMs are highly-skilled professionals who are qualified to diagnose and treat ailments such as bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, foot ulcers, diabetic foot care, and more. Furthermore, they play a key role in helping people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and vascular diseases to maintain healthy feet.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Bachelors Degree. Before applying to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program, individuals must first complete a bachelors degree program. This degree should ideally be in a science-related field.
Take the MCAT. All applicants to Doctor of Podiatric Medicine programs must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). This test is designed to measure an applicants critical thinking, problem solving and verbal skills.
Complete the Prerequisite Coursework. Students should also complete prerequisite coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, and English before applying to a DPM program.
Apply to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Program. Once students have completed all of the prerequisites, they can apply to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. These programs typically take three years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations.
Take the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners Exam. After graduating from a DPM program, students must then take and pass the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners exam in order to become certified as a podiatrist.
Obtain Licensure. Lastly, students must obtain a license to practice podiatry in their state of residence. This process usually requires passing a state board exam, completing continuing education courses and maintaining current certification.

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is a highly skilled and efficient healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower leg conditions. To become a DPM, one must complete a four-year podiatric medical school program, followed by a three-year residency program to obtain specialized training in the areas of podiatric medicine, orthopedics and surgery. This rigorous training results in a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the lower extremity and the ability to diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical conditions.

The DPM is also trained in the latest medical treatments and technologies to provide the best possible care for their patients. A successful DPM must possess excellent communication and diagnostic skills, as well as knowledge of pharmacology, public health, and business management. By utilizing all of these skills, a DPM can effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of foot, ankle and lower leg conditions, helping to improve the quality of life for their patients.

You may want to check Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) for alternative.

Job Description

Podiatrist: Diagnose and treat conditions of the feet, ankles and lower legs. Conduct exams, diagnose and treat injuries, and provide preventive care.
Foot and Ankle Surgeon: Perform surgical procedures to repair foot and ankle deformities, injuries, and diseases.
Orthopedic Podiatrist: Diagnose and treat conditions of the feet, ankles and lower legs caused by bone, joint, ligament, and muscle disorders.
Sports Medicine Podiatrist: Treat foot, ankle, and lower leg injuries related to sports activities.
Pediatric Podiatrist: Diagnose and treat conditions of the feet, ankles and lower legs in children.
Geriatric Podiatrist: Diagnose and treat conditions of the feet, ankles and lower legs in elderly patients.
Research Podiatrist: Conduct scientific research on the study of foot, ankle and lower leg conditions.
Teaching Podiatrist: Educate students in podiatric medicine through lectures, seminars, and clinical instruction.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the foot and ankle
Understanding of biomechanics, gait analysis, and lower extremity orthopedics
Proficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot and ankle
Ability to recognize systemic conditions that may manifest in the lower extremities
Skill in performing clinical and surgical procedures related to the foot and ankle
Ability to prescribe and manage medications for use in the treatment of patients with podiatric conditions
Knowledge of patient education and preventive care strategies
Ability to provide emergency medical care
Understanding of medical ethics and legal issues related to the practice of podiatry
Proficiency in the use of diagnostic imaging and other technologies for the evaluation of lower extremity conditions

The ability to stay organized and multitask is an essential skill for any Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). With the constant influx of patients and medical information that a DPM must manage, it is important to be able to remain organized, prioritize tasks, and stay focused. being able to communicate effectively with both patients and staff is key.

A DPM must be able to explain medical conditions and treatment options clearly, as well as provide support for their patients. Furthermore, strong clinical skills are essential for a DPM to be able to properly diagnose foot and ankle conditions and provide appropriate treatment. Lastly, a DPM must be able to work efficiently and effectively in order to provide the best care for their patients.

All of these skills combined make a successful DPM and can help provide the best care possible for their patients.

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), and Doctor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in treating conditions of the foot and ankle?
How do you stay up to date on the latest treatments and technologies related to podiatric medicine?
How do you approach patient education and management of chronic conditions?
How do you manage challenging cases or difficult patient interactions?
What strategies do you use to ensure excellent patient care?
What is your experience with preventive care and health promotion for your patients?
How do you stay organized when dealing with a high volume of patients?
What has been your most rewarding experience as a DPM?
How do you handle difficult diagnostic and treatment decisions?
How have you incorporated research into your practice?

Common Tools in Industry

Hammer. Used to drive in nails (eg: hammering in a screw).
Screwdriver. Used to turn screws and bolts (eg: tightening a hinge).
Wrench. Used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts (eg: fastening a pipe).
Pliers. Used to grip, twist, and hold objects (eg: tightening electrical wires).
Drill. Used to make holes in wood, metal, and other materials (eg: drilling a hole in a wooden board).
Saw. Used to cut wood, metal, and other materials (eg: cutting lumber).
Stapler. Used to attach papers together (eg: stapling a stack of papers).
Glue Gun. Used to attach objects together with glue (eg: gluing two pieces of wood together).
Tape Measure. Used to measure distances (eg: measuring the length of a window).
Calipers. Used to measure the size and shape of an object (eg: measuring the circumference of a foot).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM)
American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine (ACFAOM)
American Podiatric Medical Specialties Board (APMSB)
American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA)
Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP)
The Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons (AENS)
The International Federation of Podiatrists (IFP)

We also have Doctor of Theology (ThD), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Podiatric Medicine. A branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
Orthopaedic Surgery. A medical specialty that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Biomechanics. The study of mechanical properties and motion of living organisms.
Gait Analysis. The process of analyzing a persons walking pattern to identify abnormalities and assess the functioning of the lower limbs.
Pedorthics. A specialty focusing on the design, fabrication and fitting of custom-made orthopedic footwear and other pedorthic devices.
Orthotics. Devices worn externally to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts.
Radiology. The use of imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of practice for a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)?

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is a specialist in podiatric health care, which includes medical and surgical care, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs.

What qualifications are required to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)?

To become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), one must have a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from an accredited podiatric medical school and pass the required licensing exams.

How long does it take to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)?

It typically takes four years to complete the necessary studies and training to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). This includes three years of study at a podiatric medical school and one year of residency.

What types of treatments can a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) provide?

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) can provide a variety of treatments, including foot and ankle surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, orthotics, and wound care.

How much does a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) typically make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) was $126,770 in 2019.

Web Resources

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine | DPM Degree - Des Moines University www.dmu.edu
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) - Rosalind Franklin University www.rosalindfranklin.edu
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine : The University of www.uwa.edu.au