by: G. Shimpi
Podiatrists are also known as foot doctors. Podiatrists are physicians or surgeons who treat and examine disorders, diseases, deformities and injuries of the foot, ankle and lower leg. The foot bears all the body weight, and hence it is the most important part of our body. Podiatrists' job has become challenging over the years. A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatry Medicine (DPM). He is required to do a two year internship or residency. There are good job opportunities for entry-level graduates of accredited podiatry medicine programs.
Podiatrist Job Description: Podiatrists' job involves using surgical, mechanical, medical and electrical methods to treat injuries and disorders. Podiatrist must be licensed and must have a degree in medicine. A podiatrist prescribes medicines and carries out surgeries. Podiatrists also treat foot and ankle fractures, sprains, or other injuries. Some podiatrists design and develop mechanical devices to create better walking models to correct balance troubles. The foot is the first area to show signs of some major diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart diseases. Patients with diabetes have poor blood circulation and hence are prone to foot ulcers and infections. Podiatrists help detect symptoms of such disorders and refer these cases to other doctors. Podiatrists can also work in related fields like assisting in athletic training and massage therapies. Podiatrists can specialize in sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care.
Podiatrist Salary Range: According to Projections data from the National Employment Matrix, in 2008, out of 12,200 podiatrists 76 percent were on job while 24 percent were self-employed. Podiatrists work for over 40 hours a week. Podiatrist salaries have increased over the years. A survey by Podiatry Management Magazine reported the average salary of podiatrist as $114,768 per annum in 2008. Lowest salary that a podiatrist can get is $64,000 per annum. Experienced podiatrists can earn over $160,000 per annum. No wonder, podiatry medicine was on the 15th position in Forbes Magazine's survey of 'America's 25 Best Paying Jobs' in 2009.
Even in times of recession, a podiatrist salary is high. Podiatrist salary also varies depending on his specialization. The average salary of a podiatrist who specializes in pediatrics is $154,295 per annum whereas that of an experienced specialist in sports medicine is $208,000 per annum. Podiatrists working in health care sectors like hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, nursing homes and health maintenance organizations, are eligible for health insurance and retirement benefits. Self employed podiatrists earn higher than podiatrists working in hospitals but they have to provide for their own health insurance and retirement expenses. They also have to bear the costs of handling their own offices. Podiatrists in partnerships sometimes earn higher incomes than self employed podiatrists. Salaries of podiatrists are different in different regions.
An average podiatrist salary in Houston is $145,000 per annum, while in New York, it is $155,300 per annum. Podiatrists in the following five states earn the maximum salary per year - Oregon $177,800, Michigan $169,700, Kentucky $163,200, Louisiana $162,920, and Georgia $162,200.As is the case with any other profession, a podiatrist has to work hard to rise up the ranks and achieve a salary hike. A career in podiatry is not preferred by many, but as people all over the world are getting foot conscious, the demand for podiatrists is bound to increase. As the demand is high and the supply is less, podiatrist salary is increasing by leaps and bounds. So, if you want to make a career choice, make hay while the sun shines.
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