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Podiatric Medicine is the branch of medicine which medically and surgically manages care of the lower extremity. The podiatric physician is a health professional who is involved with examination, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders by physical, medical, and surgical means. He/she is trained to detect the signs of general bodily disorders which may appear first in the lower extremity, such as diabetes or circulatory disorders. When such diagnoses are made, the podiatrist consults with the patients family doctor concerning continuing treatment.A career in podiatric medicine can include the areas of primary care, surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, geriatrics, and pediatrics. According to a recent medical news update by the American Podiatric Medical Association, a new study shows a demand for Doctors of Podiatric Medicine to surge over the next several years.A study conducted by the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the School of Public Health, University of Albany, attributes an increase in foot problems as a result of growing obesity, diabetes, and aging rates to have a direct impact on the profession.In 2002, podiatrists provided close to 40 percent of all foot care services in the United States, compared to 13 percent for orthopedic physicians and 37 percent for all other physicians, including primary care doctors. Adding to the attractiveness of the profession, a recent survey in 2006 revealed that a median salary of a podiatrist is 150,000.In 2007, podiatric medicine placed 15th on the Forbes survey of Americas 25 Best Paying Jobs.Also, the profession of podiatrys working conditions compared to other medical professions offer more options in practice structure; offering those who want an intense and busy hospital emergency room setting or offering those looking for a more laid-back, family-friendly private practice schedule. For those looking for a promising career and job security in a current, insecure economy, entering the field of podiatric medicine is definitely a step forward in a successful and meaningful professional career path.

 

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