Overview

Podiatric medicine is a branch of the medical sciences devoted to the study of human movement, with the medical care of the foot and ankle as its primary focus. A doctor of podiatric medicine has undergone lengthy, thorough study to become uniquely well-qualified to treat a specific part of the body.  Many practitioners can focus on a particular area of podiatric medicine. These options can include surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, and primary care.

The skills of podiatric physicians are in increasing demand because disorders of the foot and ankle are among the most widespread and neglected health problems. To learn how diabetes affects foot health, watch "Jordan's Story," a video created by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

For more information about pursuing a degree in podiatric medicine, see the Website for the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM). AACPM also operates the AACPM Application Service, a centralized application service for students interested in pursuing graduate or postgraduate study in podiatry.

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Podiatric Medicine Overview 17 Sep 2009 [pdf, 184 KB]