A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist.
History of Podiatry
Podiatry, initially known as chiropody, first became a recognized profession in the United States in 1895. Chiropody is the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the feet. The first podiatric society originated in our home state of New York. Since then the profession has grown and changed significantly over the years.
Schooling to become a Podiatrist
Podiatric schooling is a lengthy process. Following 4 years of undergraduate education, all podiatrists receive 4 additional years of doctorate training. There are currently only 9 schools in the United States that offer a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), degree. During this time each student must pass 3 board examinations (one of which is their licensing exam). Next is the stressful period known as “match.” After doing several external rotations, each student applies to and matches at a hospital-based residency program. As podiatry evolved as a profession, residency programs have changed from just one additional year of training to a mandatory three years. Some programs even require 4 years. During this time, each podiatrist will train under established physicians until they graduate and are ready to practice on their own.
Why Podiatry?
Podiatry is a unique field where all physicians are medically, as well as surgically, trained. It allows the doctor to specialize from day one of school and provide a holistic treatment approach for their patients. In a typical day I will treat anything from a dermatology infection, to a sports medicine injury, to an elective bunion surgery. Although we do still heavily refer patients to other specialists when necessary, we can act as the dermatologist, the neurologist, the physical therapist, and many other specialties, as long as they pertain to the foot.
What we treat
- Ingrown toenails
- Bunions and digital deformities
- Warts
- Ankle sprains
- Heel pain
- Diabetic foot conditions
- Infections
- Much, much more
If you are experiencing any foot pain, call Hollowbrook Foot Specialists today at (845) 298-9074, for an appointment. We are serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls.
By: Samantha DelRegno D.P.M.
