Just read a very concerning survey on podiatrists. Can anyone please clarify?

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doctor in da makin

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It makes sense though. When I went to a podiatrist for my bone spur surgery on my great toe, she wouldn't even see me until I had gone back to my PCP and gotten a referral. Most people go through their PCP first before they get referred out to a specialist. It makes perfect sense, bro. I don't think people randomly just walk in to see a neurosurgeon. Usually PCPs refer patients out to other specialist.

This isn't cause for panic
 
dr.phoot said:
It makes sense though. When I went to a podiatrist for my bone spur surgery on my great toe, she wouldn't even see me until I had gone back to my PCP and gotten a referral. Most people go through their PCP first before they get referred out to a specialist. It makes perfect sense, bro. I don't think people randomly just walk in to see a neurosurgeon. Usually PCPs refer patients out to other specialist.

This isn't cause for panic
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It is though. This survey just said how people will check online before seeing an actual licensed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, who studied at least 7 years.

2 in 10 Americans don't even care about their foot health.
 
doctor in da makin said:
It is though. This survey just said how people will check online before seeing an actual licensed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, who studied at least 7 years.

2 in 10 Americans don't even care about their foot health.
Click to expand...

Lol.... I think a vast majority of people quickly hop on google and start looking stuff up when they notice something abnormal on their body. It's 2017, man c'mon. And if 2 in 10 Americans don't care about their foot health, doesn't that leave 8/10 that do care? 😀

There's no need to panic. Seriously. I've seen about 3 podiatrists (for shadowing purposes) and not a single one of them said they were struggling to find work to do. People were coming in for all kinds of issues.

Don't be afraid....
 
dr.phoot said:
Lol.... I think a vast majority of people quickly hop on google and start looking stuff up when they notice something abnormal on their body. It's 2017, man c'mon. And if 2 in 10 Americans don't care about their foot health, doesn't that leave 8/10 that do care? 😀

There's no need to panic. Seriously. I've seen about 3 podiatrists (for shadowing purposes) and not a single one of them said they were struggling to find work to do. People were coming in for all kinds of issues.

Don't be afraid....
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What area do you live in though?

And I got it wrong, here's the quote:
" Only 2 in 10 think about their foot health regularly, and this
number has remained consistent since 2010. "
 
I'm in NY, but one of the docs actually told me it's better for business purposes to look for work outside of NYC. I'm opened to anywhere in the 50 states, really. In NY there's overcrowding so you'll see one podiatrist office, then two blocks down is another podiatrist' office.

I think in general people just neglect their health until it's too late or something serious happens before they go in to see a professional. People just take unnecessary risks.
 
dr.phoot said:
I'm in NY, but one of the docs actually told me it's better for business purposes to look for work outside of NYC. I'm opened to anywhere in the 50 states, really. In NY there's overcrowding so you'll see one podiatrist office, then two blocks down is another podiatrist' office.

I think in general people just neglect their health until it's too late or something serious happens before they go in to see a professional. People just take unnecessary risks.
Click to expand...

The main drawback to applying to pod school (for me) was the fact that I wouldn't get many patients. That is why I am a bit scared right now. Surveys are showing that people don't care about their foot health and will go to a pod as a third option.
 
doctor in da makin said:
The main drawback to applying to pod school (for me) was the fact that I wouldn't get many patients. That is why I am a bit scared right now. Surveys are showing that people don't care about their foot health and will go to a pod as a third option.
Click to expand...

I think you're overreacting, but maybe this might not be the field for you. I haven't come across any pod who was struggling to find patients though. Plus, are you also aware you could work for a hospital and not worry about going searching for your patients?

Podiatry is such a great field. I can't wait...
 
It makes total sense that most patients will go see their PCP first. They just wouldn't know what to do and would rather seek guidance from their physician first. The PCP can then refer the patient to us. Podiatry is a subspecialty. It's great that there are some patients who know what podiatry is and would seek us out on their own. However, a big chunk of our patients will be referred. Also, it's like that for most specialties in medicine. Would patients know if they had a hormone problem and have to see a endocrinologist? Would patients with abnormal lumps rush to the nearest oncologist?
 
There are surveys like that for every profession. It just goes with the economy. When money is tight people spend less on their health. The same was said in a survey about dentists and oral health. There have also been surveys about optometrists and eye health. Its also been said about medical specialties. People's responses in those surveys are usually tied to how thick their wallets are at that moment. But the bottom line is America is getting fatter and sicker haha. Diabetes is growing rapidly. Obesity is getting worse. Doesn't matter if they care or neglect their foot care, eventually they will need work done. If you are a good worker who is good with people, and you are smart and trustworthy then you, as a Podiatrist, are always going to be busy and successful.

Don't get me wrong though. I am not saying Podiatry is the greatest medical career there is. For some it is and for some it isn't. Any medical field is going to be a good choice. PCP is a great job to pursue. So is Podiatry. They are all going to be around despite doom and gloom for each.
 
doctor in da makin said:
The main drawback to applying to pod school (for me) was the fact that I wouldn't get many patients. That is why I am a bit scared right now. Surveys are showing that people don't care about their foot health and will go to a pod as a third option.
Click to expand...

If you're making a major life decision on a single response, from 1,000 people, from one survey- you don't currently possess the thought process that is associated with competent physicians.
I do not say this to troll or demean- I simply state it to emphasize the need for you to look at this beyond one data point in forming any opinion.
Posting on this forum was a step in the right direction. The next step would be shadowing your local podiatrist. The answer should become clear to you then.
In case you don't follow through on that advice, I'll lend my experience shadowing- the first Podiatrist I met serendipitously. He had taken a liking to me before I knew what Podiatry was or knew he was a Podiatrist. He invited me to his office and I graciously accepted his invitation. From just shadowing him for the morning hours, I was exhausted bouncing from patient to patient. The next five local Podiatrist offices I cold called, trying to get a meeting- I couldn't get a call back. The front desk office agents who answered my calls, began to remember me after my third or fourth callback. I got the same response each time- "I'm sorry, I deliver the message, but Dr. So and So is very busy."

Look up the unemployment rate, salary postings, other threads on this forum. It should alleviate the concern you have, which as I interpret- "If I become a Podiatrist will I find any patients to treat?"
 
Even if a person does not care about their foot health, it does not mean they will not have to eventually see a podiatrist in their lifetime. When one foot ends up amputated I am sure they will care about their other and have it looked at when necessary.
 
Podstar said:
Even if a person does not care about their foot health, it does not mean they will not have to eventually see a podiatrist in their lifetime. When one foot ends up amputated I am sure they will care about their other and have it looked at when necessary.
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And... Before the foot gets amputated, the toes will go first. Guess who will be referred to first try to save them, and if not, take them off. They may not be out there looking for us, but they eventually find their way to us.
 
TimmyTurner said:
If you're making a major life decision on a single response, from 1,000 people, from one survey- you don't currently possess the thought process that is associated with competent physicians.
I do not say this to troll or demean- I simply state it to emphasize the need for you to look at this beyond one data point in forming any opinion.
Posting on this forum was a step in the right direction. The next step would be shadowing your local podiatrist. The answer should become clear to you then.
In case you don't follow through on that advice, I'll lend my experience shadowing- the first Podiatrist I met serendipitously. He had taken a liking to me before I knew what Podiatry was or knew he was a Podiatrist. He invited me to his office and I graciously accepted his invitation. From just shadowing him for the morning hours, I was exhausted bouncing from patient to patient. The next five local Podiatrist offices I cold called, trying to get a meeting- I couldn't get a call back. The front desk office agents who answered my calls, began to remember me after my third or fourth callback. I got the same response each time- "I'm sorry, I deliver the message, but Dr. So and So is very busy."

Look up the unemployment rate, salary postings, other threads on this forum. It should alleviate the concern you have, which as I interpret- "If I become a Podiatrist will I find any patients to treat?"
Click to expand...
I feel a little better now. And I actually am shadowing a podiatrist right now, and he gets alot of patients. But I live in a highly populated area, so that may be an influence. If anyone has a chart/graph/survey on the number of patients the avg pod sees a day, I'd feel much better.

My parents are trying to discourage me to go into this field. They said it doesn't pay well. But then I showed them the average salaries. Then they flat out asked me "Have you ever known anyone who went to a podiatrist?" (Implying that nobody sees a podiatrist) And honestly, I couldn't say that I did, which made me turn to SDN for the facts.
 
dr.phoot said:
I think you're overreacting, but maybe this might not be the field for you. I haven't come across any pod who was struggling to find patients though. Plus, are you also aware you could work for a hospital and not worry about going searching for your patients?

Podiatry is such a great field. I can't wait...
Click to expand...

That is definitely true... and those podiatrists also get more benefits and money.
 
doctor in da makin said:
I feel a little better now. And I actually am shadowing a podiatrist right now, and he gets alot of patients. But I live in a highly populated area, so that may be an influence. If anyone has a chart/graph/survey on the number of patients the avg pod sees a day, I'd feel much better.

My parents are trying to discourage me to go into this field. They said it doesn't pay well. But then I showed them the average salaries. Then they flat out asked me "Have you ever known anyone who went to a podiatrist?" (Implying that nobody sees a podiatrist) And honestly, I couldn't say that I did, which made me turn to SDN for the facts.
Click to expand...

Your parents job is to point you in a direction they believe will benefit you. This means they will say anything and everything they can. They will discourage you. They will berate you. They will get pissed and disapprove of every decision you make down the line, even after you pick a career, graduate, settle down and raise a family. It does not stop after you get in.

It is your job to find out what you like. Do you truly like medical school? Do you truly like podiatry school? Are you picking one because you have exhausted all options for the other? Are you picking one because you have an inpatient itch and don't want to spend the time and resources for the other?

Your parents can't answer these questions for you. They do not know your weaknesses and strengths like you do. They are not you. They will not be waking up and working the job you do 10 years from now. Pick your career based off of what you are going to wake up doing everyday. If that means saying "Yes" but turning a blind eye and going ahead with what you were going to do, do it. Sooner or later you will have that confrontation with them.
 
What are your pros and cons to attending medical and also the pros and cons to attending pod school?
 
smurfeyD said:
What are your pros and cons to attending medical and also the pros and cons to attending pod school?
Click to expand...

They both have similar pros, so I'll focus on the cons. The biggest reason I prefer DPM over MD/DO is for the amazing lifestyle.

Cons for podiatry:
I will get disrespected by MDs or DOs (and maybe even regular people- that Seinfeld episode for example) that don't think I am a real doctor. Hopefully this will get better with time. The second is the fear that I won't get many patients, and therefore less business. But working in a hospital can counteract this.

Cons for medical school: much more stressful work, alot more information to know, long hours in residency as well as when practicing, dealing with death, even when I do everything correctly
 
doctor in da makin said:
They both have similar pros, so I'll focus on the cons. The biggest reason I prefer DPM over MD/DO is for the amazing lifestyle.

Cons for podiatry:
I will get disrespected by MDs or DOs (and maybe even regular people- that Seinfeld episode for example) that don't think I am a real doctor. Hopefully this will get better with time. The second is the fear that I won't get many patients, and therefore less business. But working in a hospital can counteract this.

Cons for medical school: much more stressful work, alot more information to know, long hours in residency as well as when practicing, dealing with death, even when I do everything correctly
Click to expand...
The cons you have for med school also apply to podiatry, except for death. Some doctors work a ton and some dont. They probably have as much say in their schedules as hospital pods. However, there are some specialties with good lifestyles. Either way you go, its a good career. Podiatry is making gains in recognition. And as stats to get into school rise, so will the field.

Are you leaning more towards one? It may just come down to you just picking one and commiting to it. Easier said than done, I know haha
 
Weirdy said:
Your parents job is to point you in a direction they believe will benefit you. This means they will say anything and everything they can. They will discourage you. They will berate you. They will get pissed and disapprove of every decision you make down the line, even after you pick a career, graduate, settle down and raise a family. It does not stop after you get in.

It is your job to find out what you like. Do you truly like medical school? Do you truly like podiatry school? Are you picking one because you have exhausted all options for the other? Are you picking one because you have an inpatient itch and don't want to spend the time and resources for the other?

Your parents can't answer these questions for you. They do not know your weaknesses and strengths like you do. They are not you. They will not be waking up and working the job you do 10 years from now. Pick your career based off of what you are going to wake up doing everyday. If that means saying "Yes" but turning a blind eye and going ahead with what you were going to do, do it. Sooner or later you will have that confrontation with them.
Click to expand...

They view podiatrists as just simple foot doctors.They even question why they go to school for 4 years when it is "just the foot." I would be lying if I said it wouldn't bother me a little.
 
My parents didn't and still don't approve.
They said it's not a real doctor.
Who has to wake up everyday and go to work though?
 
doctor in da makin said:
Cons for medical school:...alot more information to know...
Click to expand...
If you go to one of the integrated schools you'll be learning the same material. If you go to one of the other schools you'll learn just as much, but with a little more of a podiatric slant. I think you basically know what you're getting into but just to be clear to everyone, it's a medical specialty just like any other and it requires a solid understanding of all aspects of medicine and a very deep understanding of your specialty in particular. It is a huge amount of information, any path you take here, MD/DO/DPM. However much you think it'll be, it'll actually be much much more than that.


Sent from my Nexus 5X using SDN mobile
 
doctor in da makin said:
They view podiatrists as just simple foot doctors.They even question why they go to school for 4 years when it is "just the foot." I would be lying if I said it wouldn't bother me a little.
Click to expand...

2 years didactic. 2 years clinical rotations. 3 year residency. 2 year fellowship.

If they don't know this, you should. As for your comment about material- it is a full course load. We are talking 18-23 credit hour semesters in hard sciences. The amount of information will be the same if not extremely similar to medical school or any professional health school for that matter such as optometry/dental.

This whole stigma with "I want to be called a doctor.".....I have no doubts that you are an extremely intelligent individual with the skills necessary to become one. But you need to remember, no matter how good you are there is someone younger, faster, and smarter than you. That doctor title comes with a price. Everyone pays it but not everyone makes it. Focus on what is tangible and what you can do to succeed. Not what your ego wants.
 
dr.phoot said:
My parents didn't and still don't approve.
They said it's not a real doctor.
Who has to wake up everyday and go to work though?
Click to expand...

In the same boat. To this day they still don't really know what a podiatrist does. They only reluctantly made their peace after I put down the deposit.
 
My parents and family think it is awesome that I want to be a podiatrist. I did physical therapy for close to seven years and all of our foot and ankle patients had nothing but praise and admiration for their podiatrist. Also, I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the Navy podiatrist who helped me with one of the nastiest foot infections while serving my country in the Marine Corps. I just find some of these other comments interesting as well. Sorry for the rant as I usually stay quiet on the boards despite being on here all the time!!!
 
doctor in da makin said:
They view podiatrists as just simple foot doctors.They even question why they go to school for 4 years when it is "just the foot." I would be lying if I said it wouldn't bother me a little.
Click to expand...
It's all personal preference.

My old neighbor had a kid that graduated from Hopkins a few years ago, I talked to him recently and he currently works 50 hour weeks in neurosurgery and does another 20 a week on research with mice for spinal this-and-that. He's 33, rents a studio apartment and lives by himself and absolutely loves his job as a doctor.

I would rather be a podiatrist. It's something I became interested in, would enjoy doing, and you can call me whatever you want. So long as I can have a family and go fishing from time to time...
 
Additionally, pod schools today graduate about 100 fewer people per year than they used to like 20 years ago, so as older pods retire they'll be leaving behind plenty of patients and/or jobs for us to take over. Plus as more hospitals are finding value in podiatrists there should be growth for a long while in pod job opportunities at hospitals.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using SDN mobile
 
bobtheweazel said:
Additionally, pod schools today graduate about 100 fewer people per year than they used to like 20 years ago, so as older pods retire they'll be leaving behind plenty of patients and/or jobs for us to take over. Plus as more hospitals are finding value in podiatrists there should be growth for a long while in pod job opportunities at hospitals.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
Did schools shut down?
 
Weirdy said:
They capped the class size as well as number of schools opening.

Really would've liked to have one in Texas :/
Click to expand...
Texas resident here also wishing we had a school.

Edit: on the plus side I do see a lot of DPMs employed with hospitals in my area.
 
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Additionally I believe there was a second school in Illinois and another in the Northeast (New York maybe) but they were both pretty short lived so I don't think those had major impacts on the numbers. I know the situation now is like Weirdy said, where schools are capped. There may have been a steady decrease before that but I'm not sure what the reason may have been.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using SDN mobile
 
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For Texas, Dr Harkless kinda laid the groundwork for opening a school and I believe he plans on returning to finish the job and open a Texas school before he retires. I'm sure at some point the moratorium on opening schools will be lifted and hopefully a Texas school would be first in line.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using SDN mobile
 
doctor in da makin said:
You don't have Asian parents do you lol?
Click to expand...

Not asian myself, but a classmate who is of Vietnamese descent passed on the same parental communication struggles that you did. Same for the students of Indian/Bangladesh descent.
Cultures are based on traditions, and traditions are meant to be broken. Your parents don't have to show up to your job everyday. Make sure you're happy. What good will it do if you pick what makes them happy and you're miserable? Besides, they may moan and complain, but if you bring home the checks and are a good son, they will move past their misgivings.
 
Bravo to the field of podiatry. It seems like every profession sees the high supply of applicants and just keep opening more and more schools
 
Weirdy said:
As for your comment about material- it is a full course load. We are talking 18-23 credit hour semesters in hard sciences. The amount of information will be the same if not extremely similar to medical school or any professional health school for that matter such as optometry/dental.
Click to expand...
For some reason couldn't sleep and just thought I'd look it up to verify our point and it looks like TUSPM averages just over 25 credit hours per semester for the class of 2020 schedule.



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bobtheweazel said:
For some reason couldn't sleep and just thought I'd look it up to verify our point and it looks like TUSPM averages just over 25 credit hours per semester for the class of 2020 schedule.



Sent from my Nexus 5X using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

CSPM starts at 18 then bumps to 23 I believe. Western was something like 35.
 
Weirdy said:
CSPM starts at 18 then bumps to 23 I believe. Western was something like 35.
Click to expand...
Yea, I'm sure there's also variance in how many contact hours there is per credit hour too. Even at Temple there are some classes worth the same credit hours but with significantly different contact hours. Doesn't seem as straight-forward as it was in undergrad, so you probably can't put tooooooooooooo much weight in the credit hours. I'm assuming Western's 35 credit hour semester isn't actually twice as many contact hours as CSPM's 18 hour semester, ya know? Regardless of which school, it's gonna be a heck of a lot of work.

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