Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Podiatrists
Podiatrists diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Table of contents
What they do
Podiatrists diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
- Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
- Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
- Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for the prevention of future problems.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Podiatrists advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for the prevention of future problems. They treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
A typical day for a Podiatrist will also include:
- Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
- Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
- Treat deformities using mechanical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths, and electrical methods, such as short wave and low voltage currents.
- Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Podiatrists also make and fit prosthetic appliances. They may also refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Podiatrists perform administrative duties, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, or keeping records. They might also correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
In addition, they educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
To some Podiatrists, it is also their responsibility to treat deformities using mechanical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths, and electrical methods, such as short wave and low voltage currents.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
66% said they were satisfied with their job and 83% said they found their job meaningful.
I have been in private practice for many years. Some podiatrists are employed by a hospital or medical group. While I interact with the hospital occasionally, I usually spend most of my time in my offices (we have two). I perform foot surgery in the local hospital operating room or nearby surgery center. Periodically, I receive calls from the local hospital where I have privileges to see patients for consultations. The conditions I treat for consultations range from diabetic foot infections to fractures (broken bones) to elongated or ingrown toenails.
Some podiatrists perform complicated foot and ankle reconstructions, and some handle severe trauma conditions that require surgery. Others treat patients for conservative conditions in the office on a daily basis and may never interact in a hospital setting. There are some podiatrists who specialize in treating childrens’ disorders (which are usually biomechanical in nature). Some focus primarily on toenail conditions, such as toenail fungus, which affects millions of individuals. Others are primarily sports medicine based and treat mostly athletes. My practice is rather well-balanced between all these areas, with an emphasis on treating toenail disorders.
My Typical Day
My typical week runs from 9am to 6pm, and I choose to see patients on Saturdays from 9am – 12pm. Rarely do I receive emergency calls. Being the owner of a private practice has many benefits, as I set my own schedule and manage the practice and all of our employees. Having the freedom to choose when I see patients is a major benefit. Managing the practice is a skill I developed over time which I enjoy. For me, I am a business owner, as well as a doctor. I enjoy the lifestyle and the balance. Other podiatrists, however, may prefer to be employed by a hospital or group practice, which limits their responsibility (and their freedom).
Pros
Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
One of the fastest-growing careers.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to follow routines.
It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Podiatrists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $55,230 to $82,750 per year or $27 to $40 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $208,000+ | $100+ |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $196,030 | $94 |
| Median | $134,300 | $65 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $82,750 | $40 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $55,230 | $27 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Podiatrists based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient Care Centers | $181470 | $87.24 |
| Offices of Physicians | $164300 | $78.99 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $147530 | $70.93 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $147490 | $70.91 |
| Federal Executive Branch | $143850 | $69.16 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Podiatrists work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Podiatrists including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 6060 | $147490 | $70.91 |
| Offices of Physicians | 1760 | $164300 | $78.99 |
| Federal Executive Branch | 880 | $143850 | $69.16 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 710 | $147530 | $70.93 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 180 | $181470 | $87.24 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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