Our DPMs vs. Orthopedic Surgeons

At Foot Healers, we get a lot of patients who come in for minor foot ailments but go to an orthopedic surgeon if they suffer a more severe foot injury. They don’t realize our own doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) can offer the same surgery and likely have more experience performing foot procedures than the average orthopedic surgeon.

The difference comes down to the specialized training of a DPM.

Our DPMs have completed a four-year curriculum at an accredited podiatric medical school, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

Although identical in length to programs at medical schools for osteopathic doctors (DOs) and medical doctors (MDs), the podiatric medical school curriculum also provides intensive focus on conditions of the foot and ankle.

After graduation from podiatric medical school, the DPM enters a postgraduate residency in podiatric medicine approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. These residencies are similar to, and are often integrated with, residencies for MDs and DOs. The critical difference is the higher volume of cases and time focused on the foot and ankle for podiatric surgeons.

Our doctors are capable of fixing a lot more than an ingrown toenail or a minor sprain. If you have an injury from the ankle down, our DPMs are the best to treat it.