Also called: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, DPM, Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Diagnoses and treats problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
Trims and treats a diabetic patient's foot ulcer to prevent an amputation, fits a runner for custom orthotics, and does bunion or ankle surgery a couple days a week.
BLS May 2025 median $160,300; percentiles approximate.
Professional degree (MD, JD, DVM…), about 11 years after high school. Bachelor's, 4-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, then a 3-year residency.
Ways in: 4-year college, Professional school. Training cost: Over $150k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Kinesiology, Chemistry.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35: slower than average, but diabetes and aging keep demand steady.
Low risk for 10 years. Foot scanners and AI help design orthotics; wound care, exams and foot and ankle surgery stay hands-on.
Classes: AP Biology, Anatomy & physiology, Chemistry, Sports medicine CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1081.
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