Foot care

Podiatric physician, chiropodist

Podiatric surgeon performing reconstructive surgery
Occupation
Activity sectors	Medicine, orthopedics, endocrinology
Description
Competencies	Critical thinking, analytical skills, professionalism, management skills, communication and interpersonal skills
Education required	Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Fields of employment	Hospitals, private practices

Podiatry (/poʊˈdaɪətri/) or podiatric medicine (/poʊdiˈætrᵻk/ or /poʊˈdaɪətrᵻk/) is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremity. The term podiatry came into use in the early 20th century in the United States and is now used worldwide, including countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia.

Podiatry is practiced as a specialty in many countries, while in many English-speaking countries, the older title of chiropodist may be used by some clinicians (not to be confused with chiropractic, which is unrelated). In Australia, graduates of recognised academic programs can register through the Podiatry Board of Australia as a "podiatrist', and those with additional recognised training may also receive endorsement to prescribe or administer restricted medications, and/or seek specialist registration as a 'podiatric surgeon'. In many non-English-speaking countries of Europe, the title used may be podologist or podólogo. The level and scope of the practice of podiatry vary among countries.