A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is a medical professional specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and lower extremity disorders.

Podiatrists are trained to provide both medical and surgical care for a wide range of foot-related conditions, including sports injuries, diabetic foot complications, structural deformities, and other foot and ankle problems.

Here is an overview of the typical steps and duration:
Bachelor’s Degree: Before entering podiatric medical school, aspiring podiatrists must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program, usually in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry.

Podiatric Medical School: After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, students must attend an accredited podiatric medical school, which typically takes four years to complete. During this period, students study subjects specific to podiatry, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biomechanics, and pathology. They also gain clinical experience through rotations and clerkships.
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Residency Training: After graduating from podiatric medical school, aspiring podiatrists must complete a postgraduate residency training program, which usually lasts for three years. During the residency, they work under the supervision of experienced podiatrists and gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions.
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Licensure: After completing their residency training, podiatrists must obtain a state license to practice in the United States. Licensing requirements vary from state to state but typically include passing written and practical exams.
Optional Fellowships: Some podiatrists choose to pursue additional specialized training through fellowships in areas such as sports medicine, diabetic foot care, or foot and ankle surgery.

The entire educational process to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine typically takes around 7 years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.