Career: Podiatrists
A fashionable woman strolls down the street wearing three-inch heels. A runner passes her as he clocks his tenth mile. What do these two have in common? They’ll probably both be visiting a podiatrist at some point in their lives -- if they haven’t done so already.
Podiatrists care for the feet of athletes and high-fashion enthusiasts; young and old. They treat everything from sprains and fractures to bunions and ingrown toenails.
Podiatrists are experts of the foot and lower leg. They diagnose and treat foot disorders, diseases, and injuries.
Did You Know?
- The bones in your feet account for about one-fourth of all the bones in your body.
Are You Ready To...?
- Improve the health and mobility of patients of all ages
- Order x-rays and lab tests
- Prescribe drugs
- Set fractures
- Design casts and shoes for patients with special needs
- Work closely with other physicians and specialists
- Take on the administrative and financial obligations of running your own business
- Work some evening and weekend hours to accommodate patient schedules
It Helps to Be...
Able to work precisely with your hands, interested in science and business, and a good communicator. Most podiatrists have their own practice, so you’ll need the business and personal skills to keep patients coming back and referring their friends and family.
Make High School Count
- Take plenty of math and science courses all through high school.
- Enhance your communication skills through English, drama, and speech classes.
- Sign up for business and accounting classes.
- Learn to use word processing and spreadsheet software.
- Volunteer to work at a health clinic, hospital, or eldercare facility.
- Explore summer study programs like the University of Massachusetts’ High School Health Careers Program or the Health Careers Opportunity Program at the University of Montana.
Did You Know?
- Podiatrists often diagnose the first signs of serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for podiatrists to grow as fast as the average for all careers through 2016. An increasingly active population -- as well as an aging one -- will require ongoing foot care.
However, limited insurance coverage for podiatric services will continue to limit growth. Insurance may be more likely to cover similar care provided by physicians and physical therapists.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates average yearly earnings for podiatrists at $119,790 in 2007.
