A podiatrist is a physician who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of the foot. A doctor of podiatric medicine cares for problems ranging from injuries, deformities, skin issues and biomechanical problems to the effects of metabolic disease, arthritic disease and vascular disease on the foot. Podiatrists spend four years in medical school after their undergraduate degree and the go on to residency which can range from one to three years. Podiatrists enjoy a wide range of practice environments including office, nursing home surgical centers and hospitals and podiatrists are often part of medical teams for various athletic programs. Most podiatrists perform foot surgery, the most common of which are bunionectomies, hammer toe repairs, ingrown toenail surgeries and wart excisions to name a few. There is no better group of professionals concerning the medical care of the foot and all its variables.

Podiatrists are in high demand due to the aging population and it is estimated that there are only about 15,000 podiatrists currently practicing in the United States.