Podiatrist surgeons are medical professionals with high specialization in medical treatment and study of disorders that affect ankles, the lower extremities, and feet. Podiatry is the mother branch of medicine. The use of the word podiatry began in the US during the 19th century but has now gained worldwide usage. For all US residents who need to see a skilled podiatric surgeon Austin offers the best place to find a solution to all problems one may have.

Podiatric surgery refers to a subspecialty within podiatry which is concerned with application of surgical methods in treatment of ankles, lower extremity structures, and feet. The primary goal emphasized in this subspecialty is maintenance of proper functional of regions surrounding the ankles and feet. There are a broad collection of treatment options for joint and ligament problems. Professionals in podiatry may specialize in full reconstruction, minimally invasive surgery, or both.

These specialists have many responsibilities that may differ from state to state. Major responsibilities include performing surgeries, prescription of medicines, providing advice, treatment of sports-related injuries, and performing physical examinations and health histories. Additional responsibilities are taking and analyzing X-rays and such like imaging studies and performing and ordering physical therapies. They may prescribe and fit custom-made shoes, insoles, and orthotics too.

People who hope to become podiatric surgeons must start specializing at college or university level before getting into podiatric schools or beyond. College or university courses relevant to this field include human anatomy, pathophysiology, physiology, general medicine, surgery, sociological and psychological perspectives, and pharmacology among others. Further education is required after university education. Education in school that train podiatry normally takes another four years.

The first year of study in podiatric medical school is similar to that of M. D and D. O students because courses are the same. The difference is that their courses place a little more emphasis on foot, ankle, and lower extremity. Admission into these schools may require one to take a Medical College Admission Test. Only successful candidates are given admission but having excellent co-curricular abilities may be an added advantage.

Surgical based residency comes after the four years of study in schools that train podiatry. Surgical based residencies equip students with skills in surgery and medicine because it is mainly hands-on. Surgical residencies are of two types with one taking 2 years and the other one three years. Both residencies provide experience in internal medicine, emergency medicine, plastic surgery, infectious disease, vascular surgery, dermatology, physical medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, and orthopedic surgery.

After successfully going through the residency programs, one may seek to be certified from any US based certification board. Certification boards are currently many in the US. Seeking employment is the most common route followed by certified individuals, however some decide to go into the private sector and establish private facilities. Qualifying as a surgeon in this field requires much experience and further training.

Foot and reconstructive rearfoot surgeries are the two major surgical certifications available in this field. Before seeking reconstructive rear-foot certification, one needs to be certified in foot surgery. Mostly, certification involves passing both written and oral exams plus computer clinical simulation questions. Surgical logs that show experience and variety must also be availed.