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By Ina Hunt


Podiatrist surgeons are medical professionals with high specialization in medical treatment and study of disorders that affect ankles, the lower extremities, and feet. Podiatry is the mother branch of medicine. The use of the word podiatry began in the US during the 19th century but has now gained worldwide usage. For all US residents who need to see a skilled podiatric surgeon Austin offers the best place to find a solution to all problems one may have.

Podiatric surgery is a specialty within the field of podiatry and it is concerned with treatment of feet, ankles, and structures of the lower extremity using surgical means. The main aim of this specialty is to ensure that feet and areas around the ankle continue working properly. People with complaints about joints and ligaments have a wide range of surgical solutions they can choose from. A specialist in this field may decide to specialize in minimally invasive or full reconstruction surgery.

The functions of these specialists are many and they may vary from one state to another. Some of them include performing full physical examinations and medical histories, performing surgeries, prescription of medications, provision of advice, and treatment of sports-related injuries. Other responsibilities include taking and interpreting X-rays and related imaging studies and ordering and performing physical therapies. They also prescribe and fit insoles, orthotics, and custom-made shoes.

To become a podiatric surgeon, one must start specializing in college or university before advancing to podiatric school and beyond. Relevant college or university courses one should take include pathophysiology, physiology, human anatomy, general medicine, pharmacology, surgery, and sociological and psychological perspectives among others. After university education, one should then advance into the school to further their education. This education normally lasts for another four years.

The first year of study in podiatric medical school is similar to that of M. D and D. O students because courses are the same. The difference is that their courses place a little more emphasis on foot, ankle, and lower extremity. Admission into these schools may require one to take a Medical College Admission Test. Only successful candidates are given admission but having excellent co-curricular abilities may be an added advantage.

Surgical based residency comes after the four years of study in schools that train podiatry. Surgical based residencies equip students with skills in surgery and medicine because it is mainly hands-on. Surgical residencies are of two types with one taking 2 years and the other one three years. Both residencies provide experience in internal medicine, emergency medicine, plastic surgery, infectious disease, vascular surgery, dermatology, physical medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, and orthopedic surgery.

After the successful completion of the residency program, one may decide to receive certification through one of the many boards involved with certification in the US. Once one is certified, they can seek employment or decide to venture into the private sector. To become a surgeon in this field, one may have to undertake further training and gain more experience.

This field has two main surgical certifications, that is, foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot surgery. One must gain certification in foot surgery before seeking certification in reconstructive rear-foot. In most cases, certification requires passing oral and computer exams on clinical simulation, written exams and providing surgical logs to show experience and variety.




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