Foot care seems to have been one of humankind's primary concerns for as long as records exist. About 1500 B.C., foot care remedies were listed on papyrus in Egypt. The early Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen wrote extensively of foot care.

Over the centuries knowledge spread, and in 1774 a physician opened an office in London to specialize in problems of the feet. In 1840 the first podiatric office opened in Boston. Abraham Lincoln had his tired feet treated by one of the pioneers in the field.

In 1895, New York became the first state to pass licensing laws for podiatrists, and now podiatric medicine is a licensed profession in all 50 states and throughout the world.

Great strides have been made, and now there are seven colleges of podiatric medicine in the United States. Prior to admission to the four-year course in any of these colleges of podiatric medicine, the applicant must meet requirements identical to those of traditional medical schools. A minimum of three years of pre-medical study at an accredited college or university, and a satisfactory score on the medical college admissions test are required. More than 90% of students who enter a college of podiatric medicine have a baccalaureate degree or higher.

The four-year podiatric colleges provide a general medical curriculum parallel to that of traditional medical schools, but with special emphasis on the lower extremity. The more than 4,000 hours of instruction concentrate on the basic sciences during the first two years, and on clinical training and practice during the final two years.

Among the required courses are anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomechanics, microbiology, pathology, general and podiatric surgery, and general and podiatric medicine, in addition to specific courses related to clinical practice.

Much of the study during the final two years is accomplished in the college clinics, allied clinical programs, affiliated teaching hospitals and private offices. Here the student learns first-hand about podiatric medicine and surgery and its relation to the general health, well being, and emergency care of patients.

Graduates earn the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM. The majority of graduates from colleges of podiatric medicine continue their training in residency programs that last from one to four years. These are usually carried out in teaching hospitals, and include training and experience in such fields as emergency services, anesthesiology, radiology, general medicine, pathology, general surgery, and podiatric surgery, as well as pediatrics, dermatology, neurology, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Continuing education courses highlighting new developments in the profession also are required for license renewal in most states.

Can a podiatrist help you? We make it easy to find out. Here's how....

The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.

You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.

Back to General Information about Podiatry