Difference Between a Podiatrist & an Orthopedic Surgeon
Learning the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon can help you decide which one you need to see for your particular aliment. If you are thinking about a career in medicine, knowing the difference can help you make a decision. The two have similarities, but there are also many differences
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Description of Work
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Podiatrists work with the foot and lower leg. They treat corns, bunions, hammer toe, fractures, deformities and diseases such as infection and diabetes. They can use medications, physical therapy and surgery as means of treatment.
An orthopedic surgeon treats the musculoskeletal system, meaning the bones and muscles throughout the body. This can be limbs, feet, hands, back, neck and ribs. The surgeon has become an expert in joint replacement and diseases of the bone.
Education
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A podiatrist attends a special school for podiatry. At least 90 college credits must be completed before acceptance to a program, although a bachelor's degree is encouraged. The course of study is four years. In addition, a satisfactory score on the Medical College Admissions test is required. After college, a residency program is required that can last from two to four years.
There are presently nine podiatrist colleges in the United States. Podiatrists also attend a residency program that can last from two to four years.
An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who has completed four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and five years of orthopedic residency that may include one year of general surgery training. Acceptance into a medical school can be difficult, so a high GPA and high Medical College Admissions Test score are very important. There are hundreds of medical schools to choose from if a student does not get accepted into his first choice.
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Income
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for both professions is very similar. A podiatrist's annual income runs about $166,250 while an orthopedic surgeon makes about $166,400. Income can vary depending upon the practice. Private practice may be more lucrative than working as an employee of a hospital.
Licensing
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A podiatrist is required by the state that he/she practices in to obtain a license by successfully passing an oral and written examination. Certifications can be obtained in advanced training in orthopedics and surgery. Podiatrists can obtain advanced training to teach in colleges and universities.
After completing four years of medical school, all doctors must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam. To practice medicine, every state requires licensing. To obtain certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, the candidate must complete the residency requirements, practice for two years and pass the written and oral examination.
Future
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The future for both professions seems to be full of new prospects and advancement. As the population ages, so does the need for more treatments of the foot. It also brings the need for joint replacements and critical surgeries. Sports activities that are more popular are starting a new wave of treatment and specialty by orthopedists.
So in your future, if you get a bunion--call a podiatrist, if you break a hip--call an orthopedic surgeon.
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References
- US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition Surgeon
- United States Department Of Labor Bureau of Stastics Podiatrist May 2009
- United States Department Of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition Podiatrists
- US DOL Bureaus of Labor Statistics Employment and Wages, May 2009 Surgeons
Resources
- Photo Credit senior doctor 10 image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
