Chiropodist vs Podiatrist
Chiropodists and podiatrist are the same. Even though the actual services provided by the podiatrist differ from country to country, they usually provide education as well as surgical procedures for various foot and ankle conditions.
Chiropodist or podiatrist is a doctor or a physician devoted for the care of foot and ankle conditions. Podiatry originated in USA and spread to all countries practicing western medicine. Podiatrists undergo four years of specialized podiatric training after four years of basic medical education. Some may undergo three to four years of surgical residency training, as well. In many countries, podiatrists are classified as allied health workers.
In Australia, the basic degree on the way to becoming a podiatrist is the bachelor’s degree in podiatric medicine, which is 3 or 4 years long. Podiatric surgeons complete a rigorous training regimen to become reconstructive surgeons. There are three pathways in Australia to become a specialist podiatrist.
In USA, the basic degree is Doctor of podiatric medicine. It takes 4 years to complete. This basic degree is followed by 3 to 4 years of residency training. After the residency, the specialists may become board certified by one of many podiatric medical boards.
In the United Kingdom, after the basic Bachelor of Science in podiatry, practitioners undergo six years of postgraduate training to become board certified podiatrists.
American board of podiatric medicine provides board certification for practicing podiatry. There are many sub-specialties such as podiatric orthopedics, podiatric reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, high risk wound care, podiatric dermatology, and diabetic foot care. In some countries, other health care workers also may gain specialist status as a podiatric nurse, podiatric medical assistant, and podiatric hygienist.
Conditions like heel pain, nerve entrapment syndromes, skin conditions, structural abnormalities and congenital deformities may need podiatric assessment.
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