When In Search For A Well Trained Podiatric Surgeon Austin Is Worth Paying A Visit

By Ina Hunt


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.

The functions of these specialists are many and they may vary from one state to another. Some of them include performing full physical examinations and medical histories, performing surgeries, prescription of medications, provision of advice, and treatment of sports-related injuries. Other responsibilities include taking and interpreting X-rays and related imaging studies and ordering and performing physical therapies. They also prescribe and fit insoles, orthotics, and custom-made shoes.

People who intend to become podiatric doctors must begin specializing at university or college level before proceeding into podiatric schools. University or college courses that are relevant to this area of study include general medicine, human anatomy, surgery, pathophysiology, sociological and psychological perspectives, pharmacology, and physiology among others. University education must be followed with further training. Podiatric school takes a period of four years to complete.

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.

The four years one takes in the school come before surgical based residency. Surgical based residency equips candidates with a lot of skills in medicine and surgery because it is highly hands-on. There are two forms of the residency and one lasts two years whereas the other one lasts three. Both residencies cover areas such as internal medicine, plastic surgery, emergency medicine, dermatology, infectious disease, vascular surgery, physical medicine, orthopedic surgery, and podiatric medicine and 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.




About the Author: