Podiatry or not to be??? Question!

[mrjbb]

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Hello, 😀
how are you guys/gals doing? I am a Pre-Med student and I have wanted to become a doctor for a long time now, I have a passion for the Anatomy of the Body and biology in general, but I have a choice to make, after Undergrad do I go off to become an Osteopathic doctor (D.O.), an Allopathic doctor (M.D.) or a Podiatry doctor (D.P.M.). I have been doing research latley on the Podiatric Medicine field and I like it, I want to become a doctor but to tell you the truth im having a self derived conflict, if I go the (D.O) and (M.D.) route what would be the difference in the sense of time spent in residency? But I would trully appreciate some insight from all you Guys/Gals on WHY you chose the DPM route instead of the MD or DO route???? (And dont think I am going make your answer my reason in the end on why I would go the DPM route)

Thanks,

 

[Podman]

Hey there,

here's a link (one of many) pertaining to why students chose DPM:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=317719&highlight=Podiatry

I think if you do a search in this forum you should dig up a few more. As for residency lifestyle and our curriculum - you can find that information posted ini the podiatry student forum in a sticky thread entitled "what is podiatric medicine?"

As for your choices - I recommend you visiting and shadowing a number of different docs before making that decision because this is a lifetime investment for sure.

Best of luck!

 

[mrjbb]

Hey there,

here's a link (one of many) pertaining to why students chose DPM:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=317719&highlight=Podiatry

I think if you do a search in this forum you should dig up a few more. As for residency lifestyle and our curriculum - you can find that information posted ini the podiatry student forum in a sticky thread entitled "what is podiatric medicine?"

As for your choices - I recommend you visiting and shadowing a number of different docs before making that decision because this is a lifetime investment for sure.

Best of luck!

Thanks Podman I appreciate it. 😀

 

[funfeet]

I was debating the same. I chose podiatry because I want a family life. Not saying MD/DOs can't, its just I wanted to be either ER or GP. GP get late calls, called away, nothing on a 'schedule'. ER doctors can have a schedule (i'm sure this varies from hospital to hospital), but the ones I talked to get different shifts. Some midnights, many weekends, etc. Podiatry I can make my own hours. I do want to do surgery, but most surgeries are scheduled. To me it was a way I can have both a normal family life and work with medicine.

 

[7385]

I am a researcher in the field of biomechanics, and previously wanted to go to medical school. I have decided on the DPM route because there is room for me to be a star in the profession. There is a great need for research in podiarty, and therefore much grant money to be had. I will likely do the DPM/PhD program at Scholl's which may write my ticket into podiatric academia and clinical practice. What I am trying to say here is there is plenty of growth in the field of podiarty, and I want my slice. Also, I want to have a great family and social life... (not to say that MDs cannot) I have realized with a little age that it is more fun to have free time to take holidays rather than spend your life at the office.

 

[mrjbb]

Thank You,
I want to know though how long would a Surgical Residency take and would it be better or eisier to work in a Hospital or would it be better or esier to set up a private practice. I am intreseted in Podiatry but I am thinking that f I do decide to go into podiatry then I want to be able to perform minor and major Surgical procedures.

 

[lillytwig]

Thank You,
I want to know though how long would a Surgical Residency take and would it be better or eisier to work in a Hospital or would it be better or esier to set up a private practice. I am intreseted in Podiatry but I am thinking that f I do decide to go into podiatry then I want to be able to perform minor and major Surgical procedures.

you will be trained to do both, and the frequency of the procedures will probably depend upon your location. i don't think hospitals keep a ton of pods on staff, so either private, group, or multispecialty practices seem to be the way to go...a surgical residency is 36months, sometimes just a little longer depending upon the residecy you choose.
i would sincerely recommend that you go and shadow a podiatrist, along with several other tyes of doctors. in your original post, you said you have wanted to be a doctor for a long time, or something...this is too big a commitment to just jump into half-heartedly. make sure you like it, or do, or md for that matter. in other words, don't do it for the title. my best friend just decided he no longer wanted to go to dental school. he began looking at other options, and after shadowing different docs and stuff, decided to leave the field completely, and he joined his dad's business. the point is that just because you have a doctor in front of your name does not mean you will make mega bucks, and always be happy with what you are doing. ill quit lecturing, but i think it would be a good idea to shadow a few pods, and make sure you like it before you invest all your time (about 7 years) into becoming a pod. surgeon.
best of luck!!

 

[Cheetos]

Just Do it! Everyones doing it! 😀

 

[mrjbb]

you will be trained to do both, and the frequency of the procedures will probably depend upon your location. i don't think hospitals keep a ton of pods on staff, so either private, group, or multispecialty practices seem to be the way to go...a surgical residency is 36months, sometimes just a little longer depending upon the residecy you choose.
i would sincerely recommend that you go and shadow a podiatrist, along with several other tyes of doctors. in your original post, you said you have wanted to be a doctor for a long time, or something...this is too big a commitment to just jump into half-heartedly. make sure you like it, or do, or md for that matter. in other words, don't do it for the title. my best friend just decided he no longer wanted to go to dental school. he began looking at other options, and after shadowing different docs and stuff, decided to leave the field completely, and he joined his dad's business. the point is that just because you have a doctor in front of your name does not mean you will make mega bucks, and always be happy with what you are doing. ill quit lecturing, but i think it would be a good idea to shadow a few pods, and make sure you like it before you invest all your time (about 7 years) into becoming a pod. surgeon.
best of luck!!

Yes your right, I should shadow some podiatric doc's, but the reason I want to become a doctor and have for a while now is NOT because of the mega bucks, NOT because I figured I am always gonna be happy with what im doing. I mean thats just reality, I want to become a doctor to help, because of the passion I have for medicine, because I love the Anatomy of the body and the different actions and the different ways the body reacts to things, and because I love Biology (some may find this one hard to believe). My decision is not an "overnight" one, I have been researching and trying to get as much knowledge about the health care field for a long time now. Money is NOT the major and the first driving force in my life, if it were money I would do Engineering or Business but it's not like that at all, all I want is to be able to live good with my family as long as I am able to provide for them and take care of all my bills im ok. I have been thinking about doing Pod because I believe that they somewhat have a better schedule, life style do to more time and they are able to specialize early in the field as well as they can perform surgical procedures. But I will not make my final decision until I shadow a Podiatrist, which there's quite a few in my area. So thank you all for your answers and time. Im just another real curious Pre-Med student taken into SERIOUS consideration the field of Podiatry, that's all.

Thank You,

 

[Catayst]

I wandered into podiatry somehow, knowing I wanted to be a doctor but unsure why. As I began shadowing some pods at the Texas Diabetes Institute I saw something very appealing in their work--the incredible relationship they had with their patients. Having patients is what makes being a doctor so unique. It's a great privilege to be entrusted with one's very health, and too many people go into medicine not realizing this. They have the passion, but the compassion is severely lacking.

My own reason for choosing podiatry has little to do with the admission reqs (my stats are no different than the average allopathic applicant) or the salary/workweek. It's definitely nice that the application process is much friendlier and that most podiatrists make as much as any non-surgical physician (while still being able to have lives outside the clinic), however the real advantage of podiatry is the patient involvement.

Many patients you'll see every couple months, and you'll know them well. These are your neighbors, your community, and when each one is like a personal friend your work becomes infinitely more fulfilling. Podiatrists are unique in that they are often involved with the same patient throughout the entire recovery process. I've seen people come in with horrendous diabetes-related wounds, and when you as a podiatrist can give these people back their mobility when all other doctors had thought an amputation inescapable, it's an incredible feeling.

 

[whiskers]

I am a researcher in the field of biomechanics, and previously wanted to go to medical school. I have decided on the DPM route because there is room for me to be a star in the profession. There is a great need for research in podiarty, and therefore much grant money to be had. I will likely do the DPM/PhD program at Scholl's which may write my ticket into podiatric academia and clinical practice. What I am trying to say here is there is plenty of growth in the field of podiarty, and I want my slice. Also, I want to have a great family and social life... (not to say that MDs cannot) I have realized with a little age that it is more fun to have free time to take holidays rather than spend your life at the office.

Take a number and while we both wait to get that slice of podiatry, in the "stars only" line, you can tell me all about that grant money.

 

[krabmas]

Take a number and while we both wait to get that slice of podiatry, in the "stars only" line, you can tell me all about that grant money.

hey wiskers,

are you graduating this year?

Are you looking at residencies?

Are you planning to stay in podiatry?

I wish I were as poetic as you and creative in my posts, but well... that is just not my style.

 

[mrjbb]

I wandered into podiatry somehow, knowing I wanted to be a doctor but unsure why. As I began shadowing some pods at the Texas Diabetes Institute I saw something very appealing in their work--the incredible relationship they had with their patients. Having patients is what makes being a doctor so unique. It's a great privilege to be entrusted with one's very health, and too many people go into medicine not realizing this. They have the passion, but the compassion is severely lacking.

My own reason for choosing podiatry has little to do with the admission reqs (my stats are no different than the average allopathic applicant) or the salary/workweek. It's definitely nice that the application process is much friendlier and that most podiatrists make as much as any non-surgical physician (while still being able to have lives outside the clinic), however the real advantage of podiatry is the patient involvement.

Many patients you'll see every couple months, and you'll know them well. These are your neighbors, your community, and when each one is like a personal friend your work becomes infinitely more fulfilling. Podiatrists are unique in that they are often involved with the same patient throughout the entire recovery process. I've seen people come in with horrendous diabetes-related wounds, and when you as a podiatrist can give these people back their mobility when all other doctors had thought an amputation inescapable, it's an incredible feeling.

Thank You Catayst and everybody else who has posted a reply, I trully appreciate your efforts in replying to my post, thank you.

 

[whiskers]

hey wiskers,

are you graduating this year?

Are you looking at residencies?

Are you planning to stay in podiatry?

I wish I were as poetic as you and creative in my posts, but well... that is just not my style.

I'm totally looking to hook up with a "bandwagon." Does anyone know of one with some gnarly pinwheel spokes and a pack animal named Eeyor towing their line?

 

[krabmas]

I'm totally looking to hook up with a "bandwagon." Does anyone know of one with some gnarly pinwheel spokes and a pack animal named Eeyor towing their line?

I'm still looking.

when I find one for me I'll pass up my seconds to you 😍

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

I'm totally looking to hook up with a "bandwagon." Does anyone know of one with some gnarly pinwheel spokes and a pack animal named Eeyor towing their line?

I'm sorry I only have the wagon from Oregon trail which I play on my table top (Apple 1). And Bobby was just bitten by a rattlesnake. It is a sad day for the Feelgood family. I'm going hunting.

 

[cool_vkb]

I'm sorry I only have the wagon from Oregon trail which I play on my table top (Apple 1). And Bobby was just bitten by a rattlesnake. It is a sad day for the Feelgood family. I'm going hunting.

I'am sorry. I dont mean to hijack the thread, but i have a quick question for Feelgood. hey i read somewhere that you are an active member in APMA. Can you please find out from APMA if they know anything about Podiatry in India. Iam trying very hard but havent found anything yet. I am sure APMA must be having international information also. Plzzzzz.

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

I'am sorry. I dont mean to hijack the thread, but i have a quick question for Feelgood. hey i read somewhere that you are an active member in APMA. Can you please find out from APMA if they know anything about Podiatry in India. Iam trying very hard but havent found anything yet. I am sure APMA must be having international information also. Plzzzzz.

I search the professional pages of the APMA website and found only India mentioned in an obituary and a few volunteer missions. I do not think that they would have any information b/c it is the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Also, for clarification I am a member of the APMSA which gives me access to the APMA member site.

 

[Podman]

I'am sorry. I dont mean to hijack the thread, but i have a quick question for Feelgood. hey i read somewhere that you are an active member in APMA. Can you please find out from APMA if they know anything about Podiatry in India. Iam trying very hard but havent found anything yet. I am sure APMA must be having international information also. Plzzzzz.

Yeah, I don't see the affiliation with the APMA and India - but I think it would be far more helpful if you contact your department or ministry of health in india and inquire.

 

[cool_vkb]

Yeah, I don't see the affiliation with the APMA and India - but I think it would be far more helpful if you contact your department or ministry of health in india and inquire.

Yeah, i know but just as AMA and AOA have relations with similar organizations in other countries. i thought APMA was also having contact with other organizations all over the world.

Recently i saw AOA document which has listing of all the countries where DOs can practice. So i thought may be APMA will also have some thing like that.

 

[Podman]

Yeah, i know but just as AMA and AOA have relations with similar organizations in other countries. i thought APMA was also having contact with other organizations all over the world.

Recently i saw AOA document which has listing of all the countries where DOs can practice. So i thought may be APMA will also have some thing like that.

The AOA can do that because osteopathic students go through medical residencies recognized across the globe - surgery, cardiology, etc. However, with podiatric medicine, no other country (with the exception of a few provinces in Canada) share our scope of practice and training - you may find an affiliation in india or other countries with chiropodists (british podiatrists) because quite a few countries share that training i.e. australia, UK, and Spain (and probably a few more that I'm currently unaware of). So you may very well find a "podiatry" bill in the india but under a british scope of practice - in which case, the APMA will have no say obviously.

I'm sure there are podiatry missions out there to India, but as far as direct relations with the APMA, I doubt that. But again, the best way to go is to investigate through the indian government or department of health.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[krabmas]

I'm sorry I only have the wagon from Oregon trail which I play on my table top (Apple 1). And Bobby was just bitten by a rattlesnake. It is a sad day for the Feelgood family. I'm going hunting.

I love that game. I did not know it was still around. I used to play all the time in elementary school.

 

[mrjbb]

Thanks Guys FOR hijacking my thread, it was fun..🙄 ...lol

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

You can't hate on Oregon trail.

 

[dawg44]

You have to shadow. You are cheating yourself if you don't. One caveat I will tell you though is medical school allows you freedom to choose. Plans change, but if you don't shadow you won't know what you are getting yourself into at least as far as podiatry is concerned. I thought I was going to be a rural family practice doc when I started and ended up a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, medicine allows you that flexibility.

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

You have to shadow. You are cheating yourself if you don't. One caveat I will tell you though is medical school allows you freedom to choose. Plans change, but if you don't shadow you won't know what you are getting yourself into at least as far as podiatry is concerned. I thought I was going to be a rural family practice doc when I started and ended up a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, medicine allows you that flexibility.

👍 This is very true.