Podiatrist Definition
A podiatrist is defined as a physician who specializes in the assessment and management (including surgery) of medical disorders of the human lower leg, ankle and foot. Podiatry as a defined field was recognized officially in 1939 by the American Medical Association.
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College
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College prerequisites for applying to a medical school of podiatric medicine include at least 90 hours (three years) and the successful completion of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Podiatric Medical School
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A focus on the lower part of the leg is part of the podiatric medical school program along with science courses specific to medicine. The first two years are academic, with the last two years spent with patients and learning surgical skills.
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Testing
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In order to show proficiency a comprehensive test, National Board Examination, must be passed preceding graduation. A state also may designate a test for licensing.
Ongoing Education
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Though each state sets its requirements independently, a two-year residency at a health care institution following graduation is usually necessary for licensing. Following this, annual learning is obligatory for being able to stay on staff at a hospital and keep the state license.
Considerations
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The doctor of podiatric dedicine (DPM) is awarded at graduation. A board certification can be obtained in two areas that the American Podiatric Medical Association authorizes: podiatric surgery, and podiatric orthopedics and primary podiatric care.
These two areas of specialization have two boards: American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Care, respectively.
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