Who We Are
What is a podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), also known as a podiatric physician or surgeon, qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the foot and ankle based on their education, training and experience.
What are the qualifications of a podiatrist?
Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government and in most states. DPMs receive medical education and training comparable to medical doctors, including four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at one of eight accredited podiatric medical colleges and two or three years of hospital residency training. Within the field of podiatry, practitioners can focus on many different specialty areas, including surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics or primary care.
Are all podiatrists board certified?
A majority of podiatrists are board certified. Certification is considered to be an earned credential for those podiatric physicians who have achieved certain levels of skill and ability based upon completion of specific advanced training and clinical experience and examination. The American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine (ABPOPPM) is the certifying board for the specialty areas of podiatric orthopedics and primary podiatric medicine. The American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) is the certifying board for the specialty area of foot and ankle surgery.
About APMA
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is the leading resource for foot and ankle health information. Currently, the organization represents a vast majority of the estimated 15,000 podiatrists in the country. In addition to the national headquarters, APMA boasts 53 state component locations throughout the United States and its territories, as well as affiliated societies. APMA’s staff, comprised of approximately 60 professionals, is dedicated to promoting foot and ankle health, member service and professional excellence. Looking toward the future, the APMA will continue to advance the growth and stability of podiatric medicine by increasing nationwide awareness of foot and ankle health through public education and legislative advocacy.
APMA's Council on Podiatric Medical Education is the body designated by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit the nation's podiatric medical schools. In addition, the Council has the responsibility to approve residency programs and continuing medical education programs. The Council recognizes specialty certifying boards within podiatric medicine which meet its standards.
APMA's Educational Foundation, established in 1959, is dedicated to advancing the growth and stability of podiatric medicine through student scholarships and increasing nationwide awareness of foot and ankle health.
APMA Members
All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. Members are obligated to follow a strict professional code of ethics set forth by APMA. As members of the association, DPMs are afforded many benefits at the national and local level. Nationally, the association provides members with a cohesive platform from which to advocate for podiatric physicians on all issues affecting foot and ankle health. Locally, membership provides a network of peers and resources offered by each state component society.