My situation...plz be honest about it

[daryoush85]

Basically about 2 yrs back i took the mcat and made a really low score. So i was like screw this and i took the DAT instead and got a 19, got into NYCPM, and got a 16 k scholarship. The dilemma is that I also got into Boston Univ, and New Jersey for dent. school. The truth is that I dont like dentistry but it's just that dentists make some serious dough. I know podiatry is a much better field b/c you are actually a physican, doing medicine, and it's rewarding. But it just seems like ppl look down on DPMs, and you dont make serious dough..i mean Azpod said the avg. podiatrist was 150-170k for 2006. Yet, i dont know...the good part is that pod school is like 20-40k cheaper than boston and new jersey. What would you guys do if you were me honestly?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[PODonny]

Basically about 2 yrs back i took the mcat and made a really low score. So i was like screw this and i took the DAT instead and got a 19, got into NYCPM, and got a 16 k scholarship. The dilemma is that I also got into Boston Univ, and New Jersey for dent. school. The truth is that I dont like dentistry but it's just that dentists make some serious dough. I know podiatry is a much better field b/c you are actually a physican, doing medicine, and it's rewarding. But it just seems like ppl look down on DPMs, and you dont make serious dough..i mean Azpod said the avg. podiatrist was 150-170k for 2006. Yet, i dont know...the good part is that pod school is like 20-40k cheaper than boston and new jersey. What would you guys do if you were me honestly?

What good is some "extra dough" when you hate your job? Also, when was 150K+ a year not serious dough?

 

[crhoody12]

I was in a similar situation in terms of deciding between the two programs. I was initially applying to dental school (had desire for a few years) but then this past April/May I learned about podiatry. After doing the shadowing between the two, hearing the debates about each profession and the money, quality of life, schooling, residency, etc, I felt that that even if I got into a dental school (after applying to both types of schools), that I would do podiatry. I feel that is just more suited for me and what I was looking to get out of a field in medicine. It doesn't make sense to spend all that money and going through dental school to make a few thousand more a year and be miserable - on top of owing twice the amount back in student loans due to the cost difference between the programs. Honestly, go with what makes you happier and can see yourself doing for many many years. Funny, 8 months ago as stressed as I was about doing well in undergrad, looking at dental schools, and the application process, when I received my first rejection letter a few weeks ago (after already accepting TUSPM), I literally could have cared less. I really wasn't whole-heartedly into it and I think that moment truely solidified my desire to push forward in podiatry.

 

[UW66]

If you cant stand your job it wont matter how much money youre making.

More importantly, if you cant stand your job, chances are your patients will suffer in one way or the other because of it.

Do what you think will be most enjoyable. The fact that you already think being a dpm will be more rewarding than being a dentist is sign enough that you should pursue that route, or at least contiune researching it versus dentristy.

It may sound cliche, but follow your heart man. Dont hop on the cash train thinking it leads to a higher quality of life.

Plus, who wants to be sticking their hands into peoples mouths all day!

 

[daryoush85]

I know this sounds greedy but if you are a surgical podiatrist who did a plastic/reconstructive fellowship could you make 300k/yr? like you should be paid as much as a surgeon b/c you are trained like one

 

[JEWmongous]

wow brah

 

[SAFOOT]

Honestly, these days general dentists are having tough times finding jobs and the salary is not that amazing as it used to be. My cousin just finished 2 years ago and is having a tough time setting up and getting patients, before that he was working for a group and wasn't getting the pay he wanted. Unless if you become specialist in dentistry then no doubt you will make more money than a podiatrist, But it isn't guaranteed that you will, since you would have to be at the top of your class to get specialties. Maybe a few years ago but now dentistry has become extremely saturated. If you threw a rock i'm pretty sure you'd hit a dental office. I mean look around there is at least in my state Cali every block there is 2-4 dental practices minimum and the only ones that are doing well are the ones that were there first since the established their patient base. I was also in your shoes and was going for dentistry for the longest time from high school till the end of undergrad and came upon podiatry my last year, and Podiatry became the thing for me. If your in it for dough don't worry you won't be unhappy with the lifestyles that podiatrists have, it all depends how much u want to work and how business savy your are although this applies to dentistry as well there is much less competion and more room to play around. If you keep your head down sure you'll probably make an average podiatrist salary but if you think outside the box there is a lot more room to make money. One other MAJOR thing that bothered me with dentistry is being in one position for hours at time, my dentist complains to me about his back problems and such so do your research go observe and talk to several dentists as well as podiatrists. It's the only way to get a true feel of the professions and look at the details. Gluck

 

[cool_vkb]

Somewhere i read that Dentists has the highest suicide rate. So keep that also in mind

But seriously, stop thinking abt money. Believe me 6 months back i also used to think abt salary, money,etc. The most important issue is your survival in School. Unless you enjoy Podiatry and appreciate the courses you take, you will have a hard time in Pod school. Atleast in Scholl, we have exams every two weeks. Now if i really love this profession i will take it as challenge and enjoy them. But if you are someone who is in here just bcoz you have nothing else to do and looking just to make money then seriously you will never succeed. These salary, money matters will come after you graduate. First think abt your survival in Dental School or podiatry school. unless you enjoy what you are doing, you will never be able to get good grades or appreciate the syllabus or the hardwork which you put into it. you will end up disgruntled.

 

[daryoush85]

yeah i know but i just hate how podiatrist are treated that are you are not a physician.... podiatrists are as smart as an MD, just a well-trained, and should be given the same respect/money as a podiatric surgeon (especially if you are in a sub speciality like plastic/reconstructive) as a general surgeon..like i shouldn't have to say i am a podiatry student i should say i am in medical school!

 

[165007]

Podiatry school is podiatry school, even though we do practice through the allopathic way. If someone was to ask me if I was in medical school, I would say no.

If you have to think twice about attending podiatry school, then maybe its not your thing.

 

[cool_vkb]

Podiatry school is podiatry school, even though we do practice through the allopathic way. If someone was to ask me if I was in medical school, I would say no.

If you have to think twice about attending podiatry school, then maybe its not your thing.

I agree with you 100%.

 

[cool_vkb]

..like i shouldn't have to say i am a podiatry student i should say i am in medical school!

I dont understand why are somepeople obsessed with the term "MEDICAL SCHOOL". noooooooooooo! we are not in medical school. we are in Podiatric medical school. And there is a difference between them atleast in 1st yr curriculum which i have compared (may be DMU and AZPOD are different). and iam pretty sure as there are many differences in second, third and fourth years. even the schools themselves dont call "medical schools". all the 8 schools names ends with School of podiatric medicine or Podiatric School or Podiatric medical School. No one says " Scholl medical School" or "Barry School of Medicine". etc. Why the heck do we need to say we are in medical school. that is out of question.

 

[Feli]

You won't succeed if you're not interested, and you seem to be picking programs for all the wrong reasons. Take a step back and figure out what you want in life.

 

[bdaddyjolley]

You won't succeed if you're not interested, and you seem to be picking programs for all the wrong reasons. Take a step back and figure out what you want in life.

I agree. THink about this hard not just for you but us because podiatry doesn't need any more disgruntled Pods who feel they made a bad decision.

 

[JoeNamaMD]

Dentists have some serious upward income potential, who cares if California is saturated, CA is long overdue to fall into the ocean anyway. There are many areas of the country where Dentists make "serious money". I heard of Dentists in the Boston area earning 250k a year as generalists working 35 hours a week.

 

[narkotiks]

Dentists have some serious upward income potential, who cares if California is saturated, CA is long overdue to fall into the ocean anyway. There are many areas of the country where Dentists make "serious money". I heard of Dentists in the Boston area earning 250k a year as generalists working 35 hours a week.

if 250k is serious, upward money, i need both my asses kicked. the STARTING salary+bonus for some first-year-out-of-res students is pushing 200k...i know a few personally who have gone over 200k their first year out. this thing can be a money machine if you know what you are doing. having said that, if you are a ho-hum type of guy, the type that "i just want to help people", then don't plan on turning 200k anytime soon--5-10 yrs out of res may be a safe estimate.
now, if our 2015 resolution passes, we may see a slight bump in income, but its not going to take Dr. Backwoods from 150k to 375k. its all about running a business WHILE you take care of your patients.

 

[daryoush85]

tite that's what i wanted to hear..hahah yeah screw dentistry i called the navy up and they said starting dentist salary is 83k and podiatry is 110k/yr but this is given that they pay all ur loans off for you. It showed me that yes I am still a physican and physican>> dentist anyday of the week.

 

[JEWmongous]

The how come the "healthcare truth and transparency act" covers MD, DO, and DDS/DMD's as physicians but not podiatrists?

 

[jays2cool4u]

tite that's what i wanted to hear..hahah yeah screw dentistry i called the navy up and they said starting dentist salary is 83k and podiatry is 110k/yr but this is given that they pay all ur loans off for you. It showed me that yes I am still a physican and physican>> dentist anyday of the week.

Don't mean to burst your bubble but the U.S. military does not consider you a physician.

 

[busupshot83]

Basically about 2 yrs back i took the mcat and made a really low score. So i was like screw this and i took the DAT instead and got a 19, got into NYCPM, and got a 16 k scholarship. The dilemma is that I also got into Boston Univ, and New Jersey for dent. school.

Fist off, congrats on your acceptances!

The truth is that I dont like dentistry but it's just that dentists make some serious dough.

If you do not like dentistry, then all the money in the world will not make you happy in the long run. As for salaries: in case you did not notice, podiatrists command pretty high salaries also.

I know podiatry is a much better field b/c you are actually a physican, doing medicine, and it's rewarding.

By no means does your explanation prove that that podiatry is "better" than dentistry. Both fields are rewarding in their own way... to each his/her own.

But it just seems like ppl look down on DPMs, and you dont make serious dough..i mean Azpod said the avg. podiatrist was 150-170k for 2006. Yet, i dont know...the good part is that pod school is like 20-40k cheaper than boston and new jersey. What would you guys do if you were me honestly?

I suggest you stop becoming so concerned with what others think, and follow your own heart. Who cares if "people" look down on DPMs? Do not live for other people, live for yourself.

 

[JoeNamaMD]

The military only considers surgically trained podiatrists, also they are listed under Allied Health professionals. Dentists have a separate designation. Seriously if you are just thinking about money, Dentistry would be more of a sure thing, despite costing more the default rates for Dentists on student loans is low.

 

[narkotiks]

The military only considers surgically trained podiatrists, also they are listed under Allied Health professionals. Dentists have a separate designation. Seriously if you are just thinking about money, Dentistry would be more of a sure thing, despite costing more the default rates for Dentists on student loans is low.

maybe. if you could sart practicing tomorrow, maybe. i think the saturation of dentists is a real thing. if things continue as they are, it might change the story a little bit. again, you can make boat loads in healthcare, you just need to know what you're doing.

 

[busupshot83]

Keep in mind that all health professions fluctuate: what is "hot" today may not necessarily be so tomorrow.

 

[JoeNamaMD]

MDs and DOs are more of a sure thing than anything else among the doctor professions. Only 1 in 1000 MDs or DOs default on their student loans. The rate for Podiatrists is 1 in a 100, meaning 1 percent will fail. The rate for Chiropractors is insane I heard nearly 10 percent of Chiropractors will default on their student loans. Dentists have a lower default rate than Podiatrists.

Other than that Nursing is pretty upward these days. NPs earn roughly the same amount as PCPs.

Pretty much you have to work hard to succeed anywhere, also be flexible to go anywhere. I think doctors who work outside of major metropolitan areas have the capability to make more money.

 

[DRCM]

well honestly, dentists and podiatrists earn about the same amount. the only thing with dentistry is that if you decide to go into a specialty, then you'll be making serious money. but with that, you also have to be in the top 10% of the class to get into some of these residencies. but if you were a general everyday type of dentist (doing routine check-ups, etc), then you'll be making the same amount, if not a little less, than podiatrists. the average salary of a podiatrist is around $145,000 whereas for a general dentist it's $126,000. if you go into specialty, it'll be more around the high 100's or low 200's. honestly, if you don't like dentistry, i would tell you not to go for it. what i think you should do is shadow a few dentists of different specialties (if you haven't already done so) to see how it is on a daily basis for them. you should also shadow a few podiatrists to see the same. from that, see what you'd be happier doing. remember, money is not everything. i think it's better to be happy with a little bit less money, than to have a little more money and really not like what you're doing. remember, this is something you'll be doing until you retire. think of it this way, you'll be making a lot of either way..... let me know what you decide to do ok?

 

[Dmayor22]

Its been said many times before but all the salary reports are just a little skewed in my opinion. Every survey is different as it wether it includes part timers, non surgical trained, etc. Even though non surgically trained Pods are out there, I have only met/shadowed surgically trained ones. And no podiatrist I have met has made less than $275. I know absolutely nothing about dentists salaries but pods do just fine. They key is to trained hard and run a good business.

 

[busupshot83]

the average salary of a podiatrist is around $145,000 whereas for a general dentist it's $126,000.

If you are going to compare salaries, then you should do so accurately: the average salary for an associate dentist is approximately $100,000 to $110,000, while the average salary for a general practioner is around $170,000.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)
http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/careers/infopaks/careers.pdf

 

[narkotiks]

If you are going to compare salaries, then you should do so accurately: the average salary for an associate dentist is approximately $100,000 to $110,000, while the average salary for a general practioner is around $170,000.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)
http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/careers/infopaks/careers.pdf

OMG!! in your thorough investigation did you happen to audit any of the dentists who fall into the 170k range? i guaran-ass-tee you that a significant number of any group of practitioners are pulling in way more than what a governing body, such as the ADA, would ever know. i know a few who write off vehicles, furniture, etc... that never seem to make it to the office. proportionally, your little research project may make sense, but reality is that unless you can get a few docs in a given area to divulge "honest" net income, you will likely not know what reality is until you get there. think of it as a pleasant surprise! in any case, pop a muscle relaxer and chill out--your number isn't accurate either.

 

[WannaBeDPM]

Look -- you make good money with both fields...
At least over $100k

If you want more than that -- go to the Donald Trump Big Money Expo!

He'll show you how to become a billionaire for just $149.00!!

Otherwise -- suck it up and deal with the poverty stricken life of a dentist/podiatrist...

 

[busupshot83]

OMG!! in your thorough investigation did you happen to audit any of the dentists who fall into the 170k range? i guaran-ass-tee you that a significant number of any group of practitioners are pulling in way more than what a governing body, such as the ADA, would ever know. i know a few who write off vehicles, furniture, etc... that never seem to make it to the office. proportionally, your little research project may make sense, but reality is that unless you can get a few docs in a given area to divulge "honest" net income, you will likely not know what reality is until you get there. think of it as a pleasant surprise! in any case, pop a muscle relaxer and chill out--your number isn't accurate either.

I find it funny that an individual who opens their post with "OMG!!" is recommending another to "pop a muscle relaxer and chill out" . In my response to DRCM's comment, not once did I post in a "hyperventilating" manner... it is unfortunate that you cannot say the same for yourself. You clearly are a hypocrite, and perhaps you are the one who should be popping relaxants .

As for my "number" not being accurate: any intellectual person knows that ALL salary averages are not absolute, and should be taken as a grain of salt. The keyword here is "average": there are practioners making both below and above the median value. While you wait for your muscle relaxants to kick in (), I suggest you re-read my previous post. By doing so, you will clearly see that I do not state that "every dentist in the world makes X amount of dollars a year." I did, however, post an average salary determined by one of the accurate sources regarding dentistry in this country: the ADA. If you happen to have a more reliable source, than be my guest: knock yourself out .

As for WannaBeDPM's comment: I agree 100%, both fields offer financial stability... it is just a matter of which the OP is more attracted to .

Edit: I know you love those smileys.

 

[narkotiks]

I find it funny that an individual who opens their post with "OMG!!" is recommending another to "pop a muscle relaxer and chill out" . In my response to DRCM's comment, not once did I post in a "hyperventilating" manner... it is unfortunate that you cannot say the same for yourself. You clearly are a hypocrite, and perhaps you are the one who should be popping relaxants .

As for my "number" not being accurate: any intellectual person knows that ALL salary averages are not absolute, and should be taken as a grain of salt. The keyword here is "average": there are practioners making both below and above the median value. While you wait for your muscle relaxants to kick in (), I suggest you re-read my previous post. By doing so, you will clearly see that I do not state that "every dentist in the world makes X amount of dollars a year." I did, however, post an average salary determined by one of the accurate sources regarding dentistry in this country: the ADA. If you happen to have a more reliable source, than be my guest: knock yourself out .

As for WannaBeDPM's comment: I agree 100%, both fields offer financial stability... it is just a matter of which the OP is more attracted to .

Edit: I know you love those smileys.

i do like the smileys. i also love the way you pick up my inflection over the internet. that is prettydamn good--im impressed. im also impressed that you know i hyperventilated--are you logged on to my free webcam site? you must be a pre-dent crossover, one of those who is ultra inteligent, quick to judge, and hard to change (you remeber that post a few weeks back?) at any rate, ill entertain you.
"any intellectual person knows that ALL salary averages are not absolute, and should be taken as a grain of salt."
so averages aren't really important or of consequence, yet we are having this conversation.....
"I did, however, post an average salary determined by one of the accurate sources regarding dentistry in this country: the ADA. "
let me fill you in on how this data is collected. dentists who chose to participate in a yearly survey provide this info to the ADA. the dentists could pencil in any number they want, with no one verifying the number. the ADA compiles and reports the information, and we hear about it. so, if all of the dentists agreed amongst themselves to pencil in 500k as their income, the ADA would report an average salary of 500k, and because it is the ADA, you would believe it. right? the loyalty you have for the ADA leads me to believe you would. we all know it isn't that high, but the ADA publishes only gospel, so it would be accurate. since salary average is an arbitrary, unimportant figure, who cares anyway. it doesn't matter, no one goes into dentistry for the money, they just want to help people. hahaha! a quick google search for an ADA generated figure doesn't give you foundation my friend. (that relaxer is finally kicking in)
all im saying is that most dentists' honest net salaries are well above 170k. thats it. i do appreciate the explaination of what an average is. i think i missed the lecture on averages during my MBA.
i posted what i feel to be the most accurate indicator in my last post: real nets from physicians practicing in a given area. thats the only way you will really now what the average is. national averages are completely meaningless if you are trying to get a handle on what you might make. regional figures are by far a better tool in estimating what you could expect as salary.

 

[busupshot83]

i do like the smileys. i also love the way you pick up my inflection over the internet. that is prettydamn good--im impressed. im also impressed that you know i hyperventilated

Well then, you should also be impressed with your own picking-up-inflections-over-the-internet skills. Or did you forget that you were the one who first declared that I should "pop a muscle relaxer and chill out?"

you must be a pre-dent crossover, one of those who is ultra inteligent, quick to judge, and hard to change (you remeber that post a few weeks back?) .

Not at all, but I am one who takes the time to spell correctly. As for being the post you are referring to: I cannot say that I do.

"any intellectual person knows that ALL salary averages are not absolute, and should be taken as a grain of salt."
so averages aren't really important or of consequence, yet we are having this conversation.....

Averages are not important... I agree. As for this conversation, I am simply responding to what I interpreted as a bitterness towards my previous post.

"I did, however, post an average salary determined by one of the accurate sources regarding dentistry in this country: the ADA. "
let me fill you in on how this data is collected. dentists who chose to participate in a yearly survey provide this info to the ADA. the dentists could pencil in any number they want, with no one verifying the number. the ADA compiles and reports the information, and we hear about it. so, if all of the dentists agreed amongst themselves to pencil in 500k as their income, the ADA would report an average salary of 500k, and because it is the ADA, you would believe it. right? the loyalty you have for the ADA leads me to believe you would. we all know it isn't that high, but the ADA publishes only gospel, so it would be accurate. since salary average is an arbitrary, unimportant figure, who cares anyway. it doesn't matter, no one goes into dentistry for the money, they just want to help people. hahaha! a quick google search for an ADA generated figure doesn't give you foundation my friend. (that relaxer is finally kicking in)
all im saying is that most dentists' honest net salaries are well above 170k. thats it. i do appreciate the explaination of what an average is. i think i missed the lecture on averages during my MBA.
i posted what i feel to be the most accurate indicator in my last post: real nets from physicians practicing in a given area. thats the only way you will really now what the average is. national averages are completely meaningless if you are trying to get a handle on what you might make. regional figures are by far a better tool in estimating what you could expect as salary

In my previous post, I urged you to provide a more accurate figure, and you did... thanks for a well-thought response. Touche'.

 

[WannaBeDPM]

Touche = thats french for a Good-humored acknowledgment of the validity of a point that is made either in an argument or in retaliation.



Right Jewmongous?

And let's stop this podiatric violence guys...

 

[busupshot83]

Touche = thats french for a Good-humored acknowledgment of the validity of a point that is made either in an argument or in retaliation.



Right Jewmongous?

And let's stop this podiatric violence guys...

Hahaha, I got nothing but love for everyone. However, there is nothing wrong with engaging in a 1-on-1 every so often.

 

[lightfoot]

You don't think that podiatrist don't have the opportunity to make "serious dough"? Think again my friend. Remember, 18% of podiatrists reported making over $500,000 a year. I know that statistically that is not a high number, but it proof that it is possible. Compare the national salary averages between dentists and podiatrist. Podiatrist on average make about 20K more annually. My significant other is going into dentistry and I am going into podiatry so we frequently have a war of the two professions. There is great potential to make a good deal of money in either field. BUT like mentioned previously, if you don't like dentistry DON'T DO IT!! Honestly, I don't want someone doing a root canal on me if he/she isn't really interested in it. Do what makes you happy. Unless you are trying to support a family of 13 people, I wouldn't worry too much about the money factor.

 

[daryoush85]

dude chill busupshot u got like a 14 on ur dat..i dont know how great that is

 

[busupshot83]

dude chill busupshot u got like a 14 on ur dat..i dont know how great that is

Just when you think the conversation is getting back on track, leave it to dary to mess everything up . Even if you "dont know how great" a 14 on the DAT is, you should at least know to communicate properly. You are about to enter professional school... I suggest you learn basic grammar.

I have a question for you: how is scoring low on a standarized test correlated to having validity in an argument? To think this is coming from an individual who previously took "the mcat and made a really low score." Anyhow, I did do poorly on the DAT, but I fared much better on the MCAT .

 

[Buspar]

I know this sounds greedy but if you are a surgical podiatrist who did a plastic/reconstructive fellowship could you make 300k/yr? like you should be paid as much as a surgeon b/c you are trained like one

IMO, it sounds like your more a lover of money than either Podiatry or Densitry....I would say go into Investment Banking.

 

[JohnnyRockets]

I got actual salary statistics from my Pod school, Pods who make six figures usually have around 3 to 5 years of POST residency experience, meaning it will be well over a decade from the moment you start Pod school to bringing home a six figure income. To the original OP go for Dental school, Dentists have high incomes and there is more accurate data for this than for Pods.

Residency is just a waste of time, even people who get surgical residencies wind up cutting toe nails in the long run.

 

[WannaBeDPM]

" Residency is just a waste of time, even people who get surgical residencies wind up cutting toe nails in the long run."

that is an incredible statement -- wow -- I shadow a pod who is intensely into surgery and damn good at it...i hope to one day be like him...from what current residents say-and past residents have said ---residency is where the REAL learning begins, don't take it so lightly bud...

 

[JEWmongous]

lol did your school tell you that one too???

 

[jonwill]

Residency is just a waste of time, even people who get surgical residencies wind up cutting toe nails in the long run.

That is one of the most absurb statements I have seen on SDN in a long time. As someone currently in a surgical residency (and apparently wasting my time), I work with PLENTY of pods that do a good amount of surgery.

I would love to see your references for that statement!

 

[cool_vkb]

That is one of the most absurb statements I have seen on SDN in a long time. As someone currently in a surgical residency (and apparently wasting my time), I work with PLENTY of pods that do a good amount of surgery.

I would love to see your references for that statement!

Not only is his/her statement absurd but also very irresponsible and deliberate attempt to provoke SDN members. he is nothing but an ignoran troll trying to piss us off. Moderator should ban this nonsense.

Even a first day pre-pod knows that state law requires residency and most residencies are surgical be it 24 or 36. What kind of a fool would say surgical residency is a waste of time. He is just trying to stir up a debate nothin else.

 

[cool_vkb]

Residency is just a waste of time, even people who get surgical residencies wind up cutting toe nails in the long run.

"Residency is a waste of time!" . oh really! then i guess more than that Your presence and your ignorant posts on SDN is a waste of cyber space. .

 

[215512]

settle down people! i thought this forum was for people to give advice and insight? :\

 

[doclm]

Residency is just a waste of time, even people who get surgical residencies wind up cutting toe nails in the long run.

Its not that Pods end up doing nails because they cannot do surgery. But rather the most successful Pods do everything for their patients from nails to orthotics to wound care to surgery. "Selling" surgery to patients is not as easy as one would think. Most patients would rather try some type of conservative care before being layed up at home, with no income for 6 weeks. However, if you are a pod that went through a good surgical residency, you can offer surgery to your patients when everything else has failed for them.

What it ultimately comes down to is the more you learn, the more you can do as a physician. A podiatrist can either be just a foot doctor, with some knowledge in other aspects of medicine or a medical physician who has a respective knowledge in medicine who specializes in the foot and ankle.