The doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) or podiatrist is the specialist concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of foot disorders by medical and surgical means.  These disorders include conditions involving skin, nail, tendon, nerve, soft tissue, bones and joints.  Both adults and children are treated by podiatrists. 

It requires 8 years minimum of higher education to become a podiatrist.  Most students entering colleges of podiatric medicine today have 4 years of undergraduate study and a baccalaureate degree.  An additional 4 years of study is required at a college of podiatric medicine.  On completing academic, clinical, and other requirements, the graduate is awarded the doctor’s degree.  This is followed by an additional period of residency and postgraduate training.