Why podiatry?

[NRAI2001]

Just wondering what peoples reasons are for going into podiatry? Why podiatry over the other medical fields (medicine, dentistry, nursing, Optometery, pharmacy, PA, chiro.....etc)?

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[krabmas]

I wanted to do orthopedics and biomechanics and since MD orthos do just the hip and knee of the lower extremity I figured I'd do feet and get lots more joints and bones out of it.

Also, I could have gone the foot and ankle route of orthopedics MD but why spend so much time focusing on other stuff and so little time on my specialty.

I heard today that the Anatomy lab professor at RWJ med school told the students to not bother with the foot because the Podiatry Students will cover that.

 

[NRAI2001]

I wanted to do orthopedics and biomechanics and since MD orthos do just the hip and knee of the lower extremity I figured I'd do feet and get lots more joints and bones out of it.

Also, I could have gone the foot and ankle route of orthopedics MD but why spend so much time focusing on other stuff and so little time on my specialty.

I heard today that the Anatomy lab professor at RWJ med school told the students to not bother with the foot because the Podiatry Students will cover that.

Any others?

 

[oncogene]

How about you? Why are you interested in podiatry?

oncogene

 

[NRAI2001]

How about you? Why are you interested in podiatry?

oncogene

I m not sure about podiatry or what field i will enter. Just trying to learn more about all the fields, it will definitely be health related.

 

[jonwill]

I spent time shadowing seven different Docs (ER, OB, FP, radiologist, general surgeon, anesthesiologist, podiatrist) and the podiatrist was the one that I liked best. A pod has a good balance between the clinic and the OR. The surgical procedures are challenging, but no one is dying. The pay is good and the hours are pretty good compared to a lot of other specialists. I really enjoy it because it is a very procedure-based medicine. You're actually DOING something to nearly every patient that comes in the door instead of writing a RX and sending them home, or to someone else. It is a great specialty and I highly recommend it!

 

[IlizaRob]

When I started to shadow podiatrists in my area I really liked it. The hours were good and the pay decent. A huge plus for me however is the fact that you can still have a family life. There are not many emergencies in podiatry. I am also very interested in how podiatry has a good balance between surgery, orthopedics and medicine.

 

[oncogene]

I picked podiatry because of the specialization of the foot and ankle. I like the concept of being an "expert" in one part of the body. By an expert I mean the podiatrist uses many different specialties of medicine to treat their patients, they are complete physicians of the foot and ankle.

Secondly, I see podiatry as a profession on the rise. It offers many oppourtunities and challenges in the realm of politics, public awareness, and education. For somebody who not only wants to be a clinician but also a leader on a national level in the profession it can be truly rewarding. I mean what better honor is there than to help guide podiatry to its place in healthcare.

 

[RaiderNation]

Just a quick word on the hours. I shadowed a pod that worked 60-70 hours a week. He said he loved the profession at first, but with the insurance companies having the final say in almost everything he seemed kind of discouraged now...almost like he regretted going into medicine. He also kept all his own books and only had one person at the front desk and that was it. So I think alot of the burden he brought upon himself.

 

[oncogene]

Just a quick word on the hours. I shadowed a pod that worked 60-70 hours a week. He said he loved the profession at first, but with the insurance companies having the final say in almost everything he seemed kind of discouraged now...almost like he regretted going into medicine. He also kept all his own books and only had one person at the front desk and that was it. So I think alot of the burden he brought upon himself.

Was this in California?

 

[RaiderNation]

Was this in California?

Actually, this was in Utah.

 

[jonwill]

Private practice is getting tough with all of the insurance crap going on. The doc I spent a lot of time with in Albuquerque originally had his own practice for many years. He ended up selling it and going in with a multi-specialty group. He had a similar complaint. He was working more and more hours to make less money. He does very well now (around $225,000) but considering what private practice used to be, it's a pay cut. Private practice is still possible in some parts of the country. However, the trend with most pods coming out is to join a multi-specialty or orthopaedic group. Don't let a private practice doctor get you down. Private practice is getting tough for all docs (talk to FP's) but there are many other viable options for the graduating podiatric physician.

 

[psionic_blast]

My reason for picking podiatry is the minute I sign up for this profession I knew exactly what I would be doing. I was in direct control fof picking what I would be doing and not rely on the match. This is a great profession with good pay and an amazing opportunity to expand the profession. This is a great time in the history of podiatry. I am most excited about the ability to do surgery, some sports medicine and diabetic foot care (limb salavage etc.). There is a great deal of diversity of daily activity and different types of things to do.

 

[NRAI2001]

 

[cliftonjr]

Just wondering what peoples reasons are for going into podiatry? Why podiatry over the other medical fields (medicine, dentistry, nursing, Optometery, pharmacy, PA, chiro.....etc)?

My reasons for going into podiatry are as follows: Depending on where you practice and your scope, you will have relatively low malpractice insurance, you will hardly ever be on call, no life or death situations, you can make a good salary (six figures like MD'S AND DO'S) and relatively decent work hours!!