Chinook Foot & Ankle Clinic

Podiatry

The Canadian Podiatric Medical Association Podiatry FAQs.

What is podiatry?

Podiatry is a field of medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle by medical, surgical or other means.

The skills of podiatrists are in increasing demand because disorders of the foot and ankle are among the most widespread and neglected health problems.

What education and training is required to become a podiatrist?

Depending on where the training was received, podiatrists can take up to eight years of university level education before beginning to practice as a podiatrist. Students who receive the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree first complete a four year undergraduate program in the sciences at an accredited university, followed by an additional four years at an accredited College of Podiatric Medicine in the U.S.  Students study courses in all basic medical sciences. In the final two years, emphasis is placed on disorders affecting the foot and ankle and their various types of treatment.  These courses are coordinated with clinical training in various university teaching hospitals. Upon completion, graduates obtain their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine  (DPM) degree.  Comprehensive Board exams as well as provincial licensing exams must then be passed before being licensed to practice.  Students must also complete hospital-based surgical residency programs of 2-3 years duration where they also rotate on outside rotations such as orthopaedic surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine...

 In addition, continuing education courses keep podiatrists up-to-date regarding new developments in podiatric medicine and foot surgery.