Talk:Podiatry

Australia
A lot of the information under the Australian heading is not applicable. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.182.236.162 (talk) 10:21, 10 September 2007 (UTC)

Chiropody
Chiropody should have its own section, especially in historical context. Any takers? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.34.98.154 (talk • contribs)

Got Paragraphs?
This article is very difficult to read, it has almost no paragraphs, especially in the lower sections. 147.10.26.33 03:01, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

Own page for chiropody
Podiatry & Chiropody are the same thing - the name of the page should though make this more clear. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Yabasto (talk • contribs)

The two professions are vastly different in both education & scope of practice. The two different pages are necessary in order to create less public confusion. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.138.89.25 (talk • contribs)

Indeed. I might see a podiatrist for a broken toe. I will see a chiropodist for an ingrown toenail. You may see a chiropodist at Trumper's, and I think you wouldn't want major surgery where you get your shave. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.202.115.32 (talk) 22:41, 20 April 2010 (UTC)

As a layperson from England with English English as my native language, I got to this Wiki page because I had never heard of Podiatry and I understood Chiropody to be what this article describes as Podiatry. Is Podiatry just an Americanisation of Chiropody, or are the 2 terms really different? Are the 2 terms used differently in different countries? Maybe English Chiropodists have given in to American English? American contributors; please do not assume that English as used in America is used and understood by the rest of the English speaking world. Can someone clarify this in the article please? Preferably, the use of the terms in different countries should be clarified by those who work in these professions in those countries. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Lkingscott (talk • contribs) 07:15, 7 March 2012 (UTC)


 * Sure we are not talking Chiropractic here? Note that the UK is mentioned in that article.
 * I agree that Chiropody does redirect here. If different terminology, should probably be mentioned. Or separate article, if not podiatry.
 * Whoever starts an article, gets to name it. It may be legally US-centric for that reason. Not a matter of "giving in." Wikipedia has a lot of "Transport" articles, for example. In the US, the word is "Transportation." No one uses "Transport." Americans didn't "give up." We just conformed to the articles/categories as they were defined in another country. It happens. Student7 (talk) 18:45, 11 March 2012 (UTC)

Foot/Ankle Orthopaedics
Oughtn't there be something about the distinctions between Foot and Ankle Surgery and Podiatry? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.107.155.60 (talk • contribs)
 * YES —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.20.176.60 (talk • contribs)
 * I agree also! 64.60.107.218 (talk) 21:03, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

-- Some personal observations from a Podiatrist, it is interetsing to me that the most derogative comments concerning Podiatry are from no other than a Foot and Ankle Orthopedist. We as Podiatrists graduate with an undergraduate degree then attend Podiatry school for 4 years and a residency for three years for which we are currently making a standard. Granted, we do not do a 5 year residency which an Orthopedist does however in our graduate training all we do is foot and ankle with the exception of our internship training. From Foot and Ankle International, 2006 the Orthopedic literature very clearly discusses the lack of exposure to the foot and ankle the Orthopedist receives in his residency with the average number of procedures equaling 187. Podiatrists today are very qualified and well trained, overly so to treat the foot and ankle, as evidenced by our schools becoming incorporated with osteopathic medical schools.

A little personal observation...... When it comes to Foot and Ankle (or ANY) surgery, the degree doesn't matter. Theory is taught nearly identically, so as a rule of thumb .. experience is what counts - just check out how many years / how many victims the prospective surgeon has under his belt for your particular proposed-procedure. :) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.34.98.154 (talk) 03:05, 25 January 2008 (UTC)

Actually, podiatrists usually go to school for about 4 years. Podiatry school is much easier to get into than medical school. Then they attend a 1 to 2 year residency. Now, as an orthopaedic surgeon, i can tell you that the first 2 years of training in any capacity usually involves basic patient care (such as prescribing medications) and learning basic surgical technique. I have seen podiatry residents and they learn the same thing (at least their first year). To say that they are as well trained as someone that has done a 5 to 6 year residency is ridiculous. If podiatrists claim that they get more training out of their two years, then they necessarily sacrificing the training in basic patient care. THAT would be really scary. Now, their claim that orthopaedic surgeons only get about 4-6 weeks of foot and ankle surgery is ridiculous when you consider that foot and ankle fractures are among the most common fractures treated in residencies. 67.49.98.244 (talk) 03:39, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

The podiatric residencies are actually 2-3 years with the majority being 3 years and in the near future all being 3 years. While podiatry school may be easier to get into than medical school, many of the podiatry schools are actually integrated for the first year or two with the medical school. Just because it might be easier to get into podiatry school doesn't mean the students aren't held to the same standards as their allopathic or osteopathic colleagues. Also, an orthopedic surgery residency focuses on the whole musculoskeletal system whereas a podiatric residency focuses mainly on the foot and ankle. An orthopedic surgeon certainly does not spend more than the 2-3 years that a podiatric surgeon spends on the foot and ankle because the ortho surgeon is also busy working on knees, hips, shoulders, etc... Also, podiatrists start learning about the foot and ankle starting there 1st year of podiatry school-by the time they get to their residencies, it is certainly not the 1st time they have had experience on treating the foot and ankle. All of the curriculum's for the podiatry schools are available on each schools websites...theres no secrets what classes are added and what classes are taken out compared to a medical school. 12.216.17.54 (talk) 07:33, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

DPM
I have removed this from the DPM article as obviously is belongs here (have left link though) - this article seems relatively developed so I will leave the copy here for you to decide if you want to use:


 * Podiatry is a field of medicine that strives to improve the overall health and well-being of patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are physicians and surgeons who practice on the lower extremities, primarily on feet and ankles. The preparatory education of most DPMs includes four years of undergraduate work, followed by four years in an accredited podiatric medical school, followed by a hospital-based residency. DPMs are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to diagnose and treat the foot and its related or governing structures by medical, surgical, or other means. The vast majority of states also include ankle care as part of the podiatric physician's scope of practice.


 * In addition to private practice, podiatrists serve on the staffs of hospitals and long-term care facilities, on the faculties of schools of medicine, as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces and the US Public Health Service, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and in municipal health departments. Many podiatrists today are also members of group medical practices.


 * 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.


 * Established in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association is the premier professional organization representing the nation's Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (podiatrists). The APMA represents a vast majority of the estimated 15,000 podiatrists in the country. Within APMA's umbrella of organizations are 53 component societies in states and other jurisdictions, as well as 22 affiliated and related societies. APMA's national headquarters is in Bethesda, Maryland. APMA has a staff of approximately 60 professionals who are dedicated to promoting foot and ankle health, to member service, and to professional excellence.

Thanks Lethaniol 15:50, 16 November 2006 (UTC)

Very repetitive
This article contains a great deal of redundancy, facts stated over and over again, such as the number of years required to get a degree, the number of years of residency, etc. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Moisture (talk • contribs)
 * It is so reduntant that podiatry and podiatrist are almost exact replicas of each other, which seems rather unnecessary. -- MacAddct1984 13:24, 30 August 2007 (UTC)

Before skewering each other, it would be nice if the parties involved would correct such grammatically offensive bits as...

"The United States is one of the few countries, which grants more invasive surgical privileges to podiatric physicians"

and

"There is considerable variable between state laws regarding the prescribing rights of Australian Podiatrists."

Perhaps I'm wrong but these do not feel right.............. *and bad grammar is just fine on this talk page. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.34.98.154 (talk) 03:09, 25 January 2008 (UTC)

UK foot practitioner
Dear Mr. Pingstone: It is assumed you are a well intentioned gentleman. Your credentials and expertise within the  aerospace industry, however, do not translate immediately to the profession of podiatric medicine & surgery. Therefore, kindly refrain from editing things for which you lack complete knowledge & expertise.

Facts are facts. The UK foot practitioner does not receive nearly the same or similar education as a USA podiatric physician & surgeon. The public requires & deserves clarity; not confusion. These words are expressed with kind regards and are therefore, respectfully submitted. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.138.89.25 (talk • contribs)

Seems like some users need to be blocked from editing, basically complete lies are being posted about Aus and UK trained podiatrist by people who obviously don't understand the training systems..... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.171.169.146 (talk) 02:45, 18 September 2007 (UTC)

podiatrist too long?
anyone think the podiatrist section is too long winded??? maybe could be shorted ???

perhaps highlight 2 points of the definition

1.in usa all podiatrist perform surgery, in other countries podiatrist generally treat through not invasive means, with some performing surgery 2. usa podiatrist = physician, worldwide podiatrist = allied health

just an vry short idea of a proposed section??

Podiatrist
A podiatrist (podiatric physician), or foot doctor is a podiatric professional, a person devoted to the study and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremity.

The term originated in North America but has now become the accepted term in the English speaking world for all practitioners of Podiatric Medicine.

Worldwide, the term Podiatrist refers to Allied Health professionals who specialize in the treatment of the lower extremity, particularily, the foot. Podiatrists in these countries are specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of foot pathology through not surgical means. In some circumstances these practioners will further specialise, and following further training, perform foot and anle surgery.

In contrast, American Podiatrists who hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), complete surgical residencies and thus all practioners are trained in surgical treatments of the foot and ankle.

Though the title "chiropodist" was previously used in the United States to designate what is now known as a "podiatrist," the title "chiropodist" is now considered to be an antiquated and etymologically incorrect term. Although podiatrists worldwide do not attend traditional allopathic medical school, in many countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia they are granted privileges to perform surgical procedures of the foot and ankle.

Surgical Scope Comment
I question the validity of Podiatrists treating more than the foot. At most, possibly surgery of the ankle but at that point I would think an Orthopaedic Surgeon and particularly one with a foot & ankle fellowship should be sought. I would highly doubt that Podiatrists are performing knee or hip surgeries and if any of them are, I would find that hospital must be outrageously lenient in their hospital surgeon priveleging. Whomever typed that initial paragraph must be a proponent of podiatrists performing more procedures because "the ankle is connected to the foot, and the knee is connected to the ankle, and the hip is connected to the knee." Next we'll hear the heart pumps blood which goes to the foot. Hmmm. Maybe we should perform cardiothoracic surgery too. Most importantly is to go back to the training and see if there is formal teaching for an extended time on what specific body part. A podiatrist may work on the ankle while rotating through Orthopaedics but that still does not qualify a person to perform that surgery. Otherwise, all M.D. surgeons rotate through other surgical subspecialties during their intern year but I would not want an ENT performing an Acetabular reconstruction or an Orthopaedic Surgeon performing a radical neck dissection just because they may have happened to participate in one or two cases. 64.60.107.218 (talk) 21:03, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Sounds sensible, though I am not sure what country you are speaking about.
 * This is a danger of writing an article from a general knowledge in one or two countries, rather than citing sources as we go.
 * Surely we should get citations from the accrediting boards in some more countries, explaining the scope of practice, as I did for the Ch.S. in the UK? Preferably in plain English so non-medical people like myself can verify them.  --Hroðulf (or Hrothulf) (Talk) 12:53, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Regarding the comment about the 5 medical specialties permitted to perform surgical interventions, since when have optometrists been allowed to do so?Godofredo29 (talk) 16:26, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Cleanup
--Lendorien (talk) 14:04, 20 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Article needs editing for clarity and flow.
 * Better section layout is desperately needed.
 * Intro is too long. Consider moving part of it to a more detailed general description catagory.
 * Article needs a longer more detailed description on Podiatry before moving into the details of invividual countries and the like.
 * Section on the United States is pretty long. Perhaps it needs to be moved to its own article?
 * Also seems to be tywo US sections, one being an apparent text dump.
 * Needs proper sourcing.

Nov. 2 edits
Much of the text removed in Jwri7474's good-faith edit was problematic in terms of style and clarity. I am nonetheless reverting, and making a slight correction to some of what I'm restoring, for two reasons. First, the information about podiatry's status within the larger medical field is useful, relevant, and completely appropriate for an encylopedia. (No doubt "interspecialty politics" can be a problem, but these aren't specialties—they're broad fields, many of them comprising various specialties.) Second, there were multiple style and clarity issues with the new text that replaced it. I find it's less confusing to do copy and substantive edits separately, especially if they involve multiple sections in the article, but at any rate it seems easier at this point just to revert and go from there. Rivertorch (talk) 05:17, 2 November 2008 (UTC)

Podiatry as a field of medicine?
Forgive me if I am wrong, but I don't think podiatry can be considered a field of medicine, as the article's first sentence states. Most podiatric physicians and surgeons are skilled and competent individuals, but the medical specialty that deals with the foot and ankle is orthopaedics. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.15.58.34 (talk) 23:10, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

You are forgiven b/c you are indeed wrong. Medicine is DEFINED as the art of science and healing. So, I guess when a podiatrist does a PT tendon transfer, or is involved with limb salvage, he/she is performing voodoo? The "MD" specialty that deals with foot and ankles is orthopedics, but they by no means have a monopoly on the practice of medicine. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.32.194.20 (talk) 02:15, 18 February 2010 (UTC)

Nevertheless, I think the _difference_ between the kind of training a podiatrist receives and the kind of training an MD receives should be outlined - not just the training a podiatrist goes through. Because it it my understanding as a layperson that the training is NOT equivalent, that the MD is in fact a more strenuous achievement, and that the resulting degrees and accomplishments are NOT equivalent. And if I am incorrect, my misperceptions should be cleared up through a factual comparison of training and not through persuasive-type language where the podiatrist states that they are not a quack and insistst that they spent long hours in school. I understand that podiatrists would never want to be considered the lesser counterpart to their orthopedic doctor peers. However if there are in fact fewer hours of school, less rigorous qualifying factors to get into school, it's easier to pass the boards, fewer requirements to keep up the practice, etc. then Wikipedia is the correct place to reveal these facts. Thank you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.247.10.162 (talk) 16:35, 6 May 2011 (UTC)

Why should a comparison be outlined? They are separate degrees with separate scopes. Podiatrists to go a specialized school where they learn how to treat all aspects of care concerning the foot & ankle - not complicated to understand. Orthopods do a general orthopedic residency - which in all likelihood does not train them as experts in all arenas of foot & ankle medicine - which is why they have fellowships.

If we followed your logic, we should probably edit the allopathic orthopedics section and throw in a little bit about how podiatrists specialize MUCH earlier than a foot & ankle fellowship trained orthopod. That doesn't sound very reasonable, but it does sound a bit like a pissing match.

This article is not a suitable place for a comparison of training with allopaths/osteopaths, nor is it a place to prove the worthiness of the degree. Keep that in mind future editors. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.165.28.89 (talk) 05:08, 29 December 2011 (UTC)

Neutral point of view regarding Dx/Tx
The article states "Thus there are four medical professions in the United States that allow for independent diagnosis and treatment" and gives these as physicians (MD/DO), doctors of optometry (OD), dentistry (DMD/DDS) and doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM). I don't think this represents a neutral view point. There are many other professions that are (broadly/allied) medical professions that allow for independent diagnosis and treatment of patients. Clinical psychologists, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, and other professionals are qualified to provide independent diagnosis and treatment. The above quote includes optometry and dentistry, which aren't particularly relevant to podiatry, and I think clinical psychologists (for example, those people who hold a PsyD) are just as relevant.

But this raises a bigger question of relevance... what relevance is it anyway how many professions offer independent diagnosis and treatment? By framing diagnosis and treatment as elite privileges, and then including podiatric medicine among the professions that do these things, this section elevates the DPM to an elite status. In the defense of DPMs and DOs and many others, the MD degree is sometimes seen as the "gold standard" so I don't blame any profession for trying to rub elbows with the MD. But it's really not relevant for an encyclopedia entry, and in my opinion it just reinforces the notion that MDs are the benchmark that other professions should try to measure up to. Each profession should be proud of the services that they provide. If that includes diagnosis, medication, and surgery, then by all means mention these things. But it doesn't make DPMs look good if they look smug about their professional privileges.

You are clearly not one of the real 'doctors' so you are trying to elevate your status. let me make this clear to you we lived in a classed society from a sociological point of view health needs to be structured therefore all physicians are at the top of the foodchain. So it is correct that there are only 4 professions that allow for independent diagnosis and treatment — Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.149.239.158 (talk) 00:20, 5 February 2012 (UTC)

Many people are skeptical about herbal remedies (I might be among them) but consider this: some naturopathic physicians prescribe antibiotics (like penicillin) just like in western medicine. If you exclude them from the conversation and relegate them to second-tier status, you might never find that out about them. Fact is there are many differences between naturopathic physicians and medical doctors, but in some cases they can be similar. Some naturopaths even do some surgical treatments. And what about nurse practitioners? In my state (Oregon), nurse practitioners are legally licensed to practice without a supervising or collaborating physicians. So then the argument is "well, they don't count because they don't have a doctorate." But these days, more schools are offering doctoral-level degrees for nurse practitioners (Doctor of Nursing Practice). So you have someone who is a "doctor," who's licensed to do diagnostic procedures, give orders for treatments including drugs... sounds pretty indistinguishable from an MD, don't you think? Of course, I'm over simplifying--there are differences, I know. But this section that I'm writing about clearly reads like an advertisement: "Come get treated by us, we're real doctors!  Not like those other people..." Ehb (talk) 21:45, 2 March 2009 (UTC)

WHO IS THE NUT-JOB WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE, AND REFERRED TO THE PODIATRIST AS A “PHYSICIAN”???????? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.244.123.54 (talk) 01:31, 6 March 2011 (UTC)

Oh please. we as podiatrists are physicians and are licensed to give medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle, and also the diagnosis and treatment of the ankle to the hip. — Preceding unsigned comment added by PodDPM (talk • contribs) 12:55, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

sofre bump on heel
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A PODIATRIST. MY HEEL HURTS WHEN I WALK 15 MINUTES. 5 YEARS AGO I HAD CORTIZONE INJECTIONS IN MY HEELS EVERY THURSDAY FOR 3 WEEKS. IT DID HELP. NOW THE BUMP ABOUT THE SIZE OF A GREEN PEA, HAS COME ON THE BACK OF MY HEEL AND IT HURTS. THE BOTTOM OF MY FOOT DOES NOT HURT. WHAT IS THIS CONDITION NAMED? THANK YOU, DEB —Preceding unsigned comment added by 220.115.120.44 (talk) 16:19, 29 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Sorry, Wikipedia is not able to offer medical advice. There are many online forums you might find helpful. Try a search at Open Directory Project. Rivertorch (talk) 01:22, 30 June 2009 (UTC)

Citations and cleanup required
I think this article requires some clean up and citations need to be provided. For example there is a statement, without references, that the term chiropodist is falling out of use and that podiatrist is increasingly preferred. I have to say that I find this amusing. I am from Ireland and, although I am not of the podiatry profession, I have to say I never heard of this term until I came across this article. A quick search on Irish sites does indeed show that there is usage of the term here, but I would recommend that citations be provided to show that it is indeed an increasingly preferred term. My own belief (and it is opinion based on my own experiences) is that while the term may be used in Ireland, the majority of people would not have a clue what a podiatrist is, but would know what a chiropodist is. --MacTire02 (talk) 11:28, 26 June 2010 (UTC)

Reasons for name change
The section on History states that chiropodists are now known as podiatrists, but not explain reason for the name change. It would be informative if it did clarify reasons for this change. ACEOREVIVED (talk) 23:37, 14 June 2011 (UTC)

Australia Scope of Practice
In Australia right now, 2011, the profession of podiatry has changed or in other words has an increased in scope of practice and legislation. Access to S4 medications is now legal in Australia on a federal level however on each state level there are poisons acts in each state restricting some drugs wheras others giving full rights. For a while now DPMs in the US are regarded as 'physicians' and 'doctors' (Courtesy title) as such due to the fact that there program has already integrated podiatric surgery as part of the DPM degree. In Australia Podiatrists can now have the option of having the courtesy title of doctor or physician due to current legislation. With podiatric surgery further study giving the status of surgeon.

The Australian podiatry Council is currently lobbying for specialist recognition in podiatry for:

-podopaediatrics, diabetes, high risk, sports and vascular/neurological specialties

I think more should be added to the scope of practice of podiatry in Australia. — Preceding unsigned comment added by PodDPM (talk • contribs) 12:35, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

Podiatric Nurse
there needs to be a new article on podiatric nurse/assistants and a new article on podiatrists — Preceding unsigned comment added by PodDPM (talk • contribs) 06:53, 28 April 2012 (UTC)

Section on the United Kingdom
The section on the United Kingdom could be improved if more clarification could be made of how podiatrists were, before the 1990s, generally called "chiropodists". ACEOREVIVED (talk) 23:31, 13 June 2012 (UTC)

Podiatric Medicine
for the purposes of article references to this, it is now mainstream usage that the words podiatry and podiatric medicine have the same meaning — Preceding unsigned comment added by PodDPM (talk • contribs) 11:36, 22 June 2012 (UTC)

New article sections on the foot and ankle, podiatric medicine, and biomechanics
i have added these new sections to explain more about the scope of practice of podiatry and explain more key concepts — Preceding unsigned comment added by PodDPM (talk • contribs) 06:38, 25 June 2012 (UTC)

Podiatrists treating the back? Citations needed.
Where are the references that state a podiatrist is qualified to treat the back? I can let the hip go as it is a "related structure to the foot & ankle".

The argument that gait is related to the back does not hold water, and by putting the "back" in an encyclopedic entry - well, it is misleading to the general public and does not serve our profession well. Please cite your sources - preferably multiple sources, otherwise for the love of God, don't put that podiatrists treat the back.

Also, the following is misleading:

Within the field of podiatry, podiatric physicians can focus and specialize on different areas, including surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, internal medicine, diabetes, vascular, neurological, dermatological, orthopedics, or primary care.[3]

There is no such thing as a podiatrist who "specializes" in internal med. Internal med is in it of itself a specialty. If you cannot produce where it says a podiatrist specializes in internal medicine, please do not put this up for the world to see. Also, the term "specialize" shouldn't be tossed around lightly. If I study the kidneys for 5-6 years as well because I really enjoy treating renal manifestations of gout, does that make me a podiatric-nephrologist?! Or a podiatric-rheumatologist? Be honest about what we can truly "specialize" in -- true fellowships vs focused areas of clinical practice, -- ie: limb salvage vs primary care podiatry -- that is an honest assessment of what we are able and trained to do. And as always, please provide your sources.

Reference 3 clearly states the following:

"Within the field of podiatry, practitioners can focus on many different specialty areas, including surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics or primary care."

If you cite it, please don't add your own opinions. I have removed it again. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.33.78.52 (talk) 19:48, 26 June 2012 (UTC)

Copyright/NPOV
I haven't read through the whole article, but I did look at the section on California licensing and skimmed a few other. Much of the material there (2.1) has been cut and pasted from the references (at least one displaying a copyright notice) to the point that "fair use" might be called into question.

In addition, a) there's a fair amount of cheerleading going on in this and a few other sections and b) some passages waver between defensiveness and complaints about limits or designations. The article could be crisper and less emotional (for want of a better word). Tito john (talk) 12:52, 3 July 2012 (UTC)

Out from a podiatry school pamphlet:
The US section seems to come straight from a Podiatry school pamphlet

Podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat only diseases of the foot and ankle. Whether it’s sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology or diabetes, today’s podiatrist can tackle the many diverse facets of foot care. Podiatrists can be the first to identify systemic diseases in patients, such as diabetes and vascular disease.[12] Today’s podiatrists: perform surgery perform complete medical histories and physical examinations prescribe medications set fractures and treat sports-related injuries prescribe and fit orthotics, insoles, and custom-made shoes order and perform physical therapy take and interpret X-rays and other imaging studies work as valued members of a community’s health care team Doctors of podiatric medicine receive medical education and training in podiatric medical colleges including four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at one of nine podiatric medical colleges and three years of hospital-based residency training. All podiatrists receive a DPM degree.[13] — Preceding unsigned comment added by 148.87.19.210 (talk) 23:53, 25 October 2013 (UTC)

This article is a mess
I'm flagging with a multiple issues tag. Horrid grammar, redundant statements, and, worst of all, downright misinformation and/or misuse of sources. Also, what's with the "competencies: critical thinking, analytical skills, professionalism, management skills, communication and interpersonal skills" in the infobox? Wouldn't these be the competencies required of every medical professional? It seems as if someone just dreamed these up. PacificBoy  19:21, 8 August 2014 (UTC)

Hi, I do agree the competencies merit its own section. For example in Australia podiatry competencies are aligned with ANZPAC to facilitate registration. (PodDPM (talk) 06:53, 30 August 2014 (UTC))

Copyright violations
I just had to remove the entire "Scope of practice" section as it was made up entirely of close paraphrasing and outright copyright violations of two sites. cymru.lass (talk • contribs) 17:11, 9 July 2018 (UTC)

UK: podiatrists are not doctors
The article (and this talk page) contains repeated assertions that a podiatrist is a 'physician', 'medical specialist', or a 'doctor'. In the UK, the term 'physician' refers to someone with the qualification 'Doctor of Medicine' (MD). In general, the term 'medical specialist' is an MD who has undertaken additional specialist training; e.g. see Psychiatrist, Oncologist, Radiologist. The idea is that all of these specialists have been fully trained in general medicine, and can tell when a case they are looking at is clearly the realm of a different kind of specialist.

From what I can tell from this article, a podiatrist need only receive training in podiatric medicine to be qualified to practice.

It says: "Those using protected titles must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)". From that I conclude that they are not required to register with the BMA (otherwise it would say so), and so the use of the terms 'physician', doctor' and 'medical specialist' are misleading, or at best confusing. Nobody refers to a dentist as a 'medical specialist', and for a dentist to self-identify as a doctor would arguably be fraud.

"Physician" is a term that is relatively little-used in the UK; I take it to mean the same as MD. US usage may be different. I would like it made clear that a UK podiatrist is not a trained MD, is not a doctor in the usual sense of that term in the UK, and is not a 'medical specialist' in the sense in which a psychiatrist or radiologist is a medical specialist (i.e. a fully-trained and qualified Doctor of Medicine who has further qualified in one or more specialist fields). MrDemeanour (talk) 09:33, 4 August 2019 (UTC)

ABPS Changed Their Name to ABFAS in 2014.
Paragraphs/Mentions of ABPS should be adjusted to ABFAS (Source), uncertain if any policy changes were also made. Leaving this note here just incase anyone wants to clean this article up...