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Career Details : Podiatrists

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Description

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Diagnoses ailments, such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin or nail diseases, and deformities, utilizing urinalysis, blood tests, and x-rays.
  • Corrects deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
  • Treats conditions, such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, and abscesses, by surgical methods.
  • Treats bone, muscle, and joint disorders.
  • Prescribes corrective footwear.
  • Makes and fits prosthetic appliances.
  • Advises patients concerning continued treatment of disorders and foot care to prevent recurrence of disorders.
  • Performs surgery.
  • Refers patients to physician when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
  • Prescribes drugs.
  • Treats deformities by mechanical and electrical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths and short-wave and low-voltage currents.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Consequence of Error
    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Provide a Service to Others
    • Deal With External Customers

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