What is a Podiatrist / Podiatric Surgeon?
A podiatrist will have studied for three years
to obtain a degree in Podiatry or Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists
are independent clinicians, qualified to diagnose and treat foot
problems. Many podiatrists specialise in specific areas of work
such as diabetes, rheumatology, sports injuries etc.
With the exception of nail surgery, podiatrists use non-surgical
(all noninvasive) methods of treatment and this remains the
mainstay of treatment for most foot problems. Until recently,
podiatrists in the United Kingdom were known as chiropodists.
A Podiatric Surgeon is a podiatrist who has
undertaken extensive post graduate training in foot surgery. They
are therefore non-medically qualified specialists in the treatment
of all foot problems utilising conservative (non-surgical) and
surgical treatment methods.
Training
A podiatrist is specifically trained to assess, diagnose and
manage foot complaints. Whilst a podiatrist is not medically
trained and therefore not a doctor, extensive postgraduate training
enables podiatrists to perform foot surgery. Podiatric Surgeons are
highly specialised only operating on the foot rather like a dental
surgeon who will only treat your mouth. Podiatric surgery is a
proven and effective aspect of foot health care with thousands of
foot operations performed each year.
The training involves:
- 3 year full time degree in Podiatry
- 2 years general Podiatric Practice
- 2 year primary fellowship - Postgraduate Certificate in
Podiatry
- 2 year surgical training programme - Postgraduate Diploma in
Podiatry
- Final Fellowship examination
- 3 year specialist training (Clinical Fellow in Podiatric
Surgery)
- Accreditation with the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery
- Consultant Podiatric Surgeon
All Podiatric Surgeon's are required to be registered with the
Health Professions Council with the award of Fellowship and
training provided by the Faculty of Surgery, The Society of
Chiropodists & Podiatrists