A Podiatrist is a medical specialist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine DPM) who diagnoses, treats and prevents conditions of the foot, ankle and related structures of the lower leg.
Position overview
- Job title: Podiatrist (Podiatric Physician / Foot & Ankle Specialist)
- Department: Orthopedics / Surgery / Outpatient Clinics / Diabetic Foot Clinic (as per hospital structure)
- Reports to: Head of Orthopedics / Medical Director / Chief of Surgery
Key responsibilities
- Examine patients' feet, ankles and lower legs; take comprehensive history and perform focused physical examinations to identify pain, deformities, wounds, infections and functional limitations.
- Order, interpret and/or perform diagnostic tests (X-rays, ultrasound, vascular studies, lab tests, gait analysis) to support diagnosis of podiatric conditions.
- Diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, warts, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, fractures, tendon/ligament injuries, ingrown toenails, ulcers, infections and diabetic foot problems.
- Perform in‑clinic procedures and surgeries on the foot and ankle (e.g. nail surgery, wound debridement, soft‑tissue and bone procedures, fracture management) in line with hospital privileges and scope of practice.
- Prescribe and manage orthotics, footwear modifications, braces, insoles and other mechanical devices to correct or relieve foot and ankle problems.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans including medications, minor procedures, physical therapy referrals and lifestyle recommendations ensuring continuity of care.
- Provide specialized care for high‑risk patients (e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy) focusing on ulcer prevention, wound care and limb‑saving strategies.
- Educate patients and families on foot care, footwear selection, disease prevention, wound monitoring and when to seek urgent care.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (endocrinology, vascular surgery, orthopedics, physiotherapy, nursing, wound‑care teams) for comprehensive management of complex cases.
- Maintain accurate, timely electronic medical records, operative notes and reports in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications and registration
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) or equivalent podiatry degree from an accredited institution.
- Completed internship/residency in podiatric medicine and surgery as per local regulatory standards.
- Valid license/registration to practice podiatry in the relevant jurisdiction and eligibility for hospital privileges.
- Desirable: Fellowship or additional training in subspecialties such as diabetic foot care, sports podiatry, pediatric podiatry or reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.
Skills, experience and competencies
- Proven clinical experience in podiatric practice (hospital clinic or multidisciplinary center) preferably with exposure to surgical and high‑risk foot clinics.
- Strong diagnostic and surgical skills for foot and ankle conditions with up‑to‑date knowledge of evidence‑based podiatric medicine and infection‑control standards.
- Proficiency in using podiatric equipment and technologies (e.g. imaging requests, pressure platforms, orthotic scanning, minor surgical instruments).
- Excellent communication and patient‑education skills with the ability to counsel patients of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds and to reduce anxiety around foot surgery and procedures.
- High attention to detail, documentation accuracy and adherence to clinical governance, risk‑management and quality‑improvement processes.
Behavioral & organizational expectations
- Demonstrate professional ethical behavior and maintain patient confidentiality at all times in line with hospital and regulatory standards.
- Participate in departmental meetings, clinical audits, CME activities and training of junior staff or students as requested.
- Contribute to service development of podiatry/foot‑care programs including pathways for diabetic foot wound care and fall‑prevention clinics.