Podiatry vs. Orthopedics?

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saintelsewhere

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I am a pre-medical student, and I just recently got exposed to podiatry when I broke the arch of my foot (ouchee). My doctor was awesome, so I started shadowing her, which got me even more interested in podiatry. Now I'm feeling a very torn about which schools to apply to. As far as MD/DO programs go, orthopedic surgery is my main interest (and always has been, I love bones!). However, the surgeries I've observed with my DPM have been very cool, and I'm not gonna lie, a 3-year residency is very appealing.

I'd really like to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation and chose podiatry. Right now I feel like I could really go either way.

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I am a pre-medical student, and I just recently got exposed to podiatry when I broke the arch of my foot (ouchee). My doctor was awesome, so I started shadowing her, which got me even more interested in podiatry. Now I'm feeling a very torn about which schools to apply to. As far as MD/DO programs go, orthopedic surgery is my main interest (and always has been, I love bones!). However, the surgeries I've observed with my DPM have been very cool, and I'm not gonna lie, a 3-year residency is very appealing.

I'd really like to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation and chose podiatry. Right now I feel like I could really go either way.

Please keep in mind that Foot and Ankle Orthopedics is a part of podiatry. The patient list of a Podiatrist is very diverse interms of medical conditions than the patients that go to a F&A ortho. Podiatry is composed of many other branches like medicine, derm, vascular,etc. And to be honest, you will not find many Pods who are pure orthopedic surgeons. As a podiatrist you will be doing a lot of work in wound management, foot reconstructions, Pallitative care, Biomechanics,basic derm problems of foot,etc. If you like all branches of medicine and like to apply it together then you will love podiatry. But if its only bones you like then you should consider Orthopedics.

Even with 3yr residency, no one can guarantee you 100% pure orthopedic practice. You would still be doing a good share of other work. I would shadow both pods & orthos , observe the patient profile,etc and then decide. goodluck.
 
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"If you like all branches of medicine and like to apply it together then you will love podiatry."


UR THE MAN!! I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO SPILL IT LIKE U DID BUT THIS IS THE REASON WHY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS FIELD!!
 
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Please keep in mind that Foot and Ankle Orthopedics is a part of podiatry. The patient list of a Podiatrist is very diverse interms of medical conditions than the patients that go to a F&A ortho. Podiatry is composed of many other branches like medicine, derm, vascular,etc. And to be honest, you will not find many Pods who are pure orthopedic surgeons. As a podiatrist you will be doing a lot of work in wound management, foot reconstructions, Pallitative care, Biomechanics,basic derm problems of foot,etc. If you like all branches of medicine and like to apply it together then you will love podiatry. But if its only bones you like then you should consider Orthopedics.

Even with 3yr residency, no one can guarantee you 100% pure orthopedic practice. You would still be doing a good share of other work. I would shadow both pods & orthos , observe the patient profile,etc and then decide. goodluck.

Oooh thank you so much :)
 
Pods vs Ortho = general overall foot total care vs specific bodypart assignments. The versatility is w/ pods. The $ is w/ ortho. Albeit, pods is a comfy living.
 
One more question...

Are there hospitals that keep podiatrists on staff (other than teaching hospitals)?
 
Pods vs Ortho = general overall foot total care vs specific bodypart assignments. The versatility is w/ pods. The $ is w/ ortho. Albeit, pods is a comfy living.

love your quote!!
 
Here are a few things to consider:

Pods are limited to below the knee in most states, Ortho is the whole body, although most stay away from the head,

Orthos make more money, but the divorce rate is REALLY high.

Pods make less money, but you never have to be on call unless you want to be

Pods can be on hospital staff, if you want to be.

Ortho's have to get into MD school, which can be near impossible if you are in a certain demographic. Once you are in med school, you have to do very well if you want an to get an Ortho residency. You will be on call 24/7 for the rest of you life.

Pod school is easier to get into, though it is getting harder every year.

Some MD's don't see DPM's as "real" doctors, This can be either a plus or minus, depending on how you look at it.

Pods only get to cut off feet, orthos get to cut off the whole leg. I don't know why I mentioned this, unless you are into amputations...

Pods are way more laid back than MDs.:cool:
Do Whatever you want, and if you are really well qualified, choose Pod, we need more people like you..
 
Here are a few things to consider:

Pods make less money, but you never have to be on call unless you want to be

Pods can be on hospital staff, if you want to be.

Ortho's have to get into MD school, which can be near impossible if you are in a certain demographic. Once you are in med school, you have to do very well if you want an to get an Ortho residency. You will be on call 24/7 for the rest of you life.


Pods are way more laid back than MDs.:cool:
..

At my hospital for podiatrist to be on staff the current rule is that they have to take call.

The foot and ankle guys here take call for their offce which is strictly foot and ankle and do not take call for the hospital because there are 4-5 ortho trauma surgeons that take call and podiatry takes foot and ankle call more for DM infx...

I thought pods were more laid back when I was applying to school compared to MDs. I have since changed my mind. I think the MDs are more laid back since they feel they have nothing to proove where as it seems the pods always have something to proove.

Just my 2 cents.
 
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