JOB DESCRIPTION
Podiatrists look after the health of people's feet by diagnosing, treating and preventing foot abnormalities, and by educating the public about good foot health.
DUTIES AND TASKS
Podiatrists may perform the following tasks:
- examine patients' feet to diagnose any disorders or infections and decide on an appropriate treatment
- give advice about foot health and the prevention of foot disorders
- treat deformities such as flat feet and foot imbalance by using corrective devices such as orthoses
- work with patients suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disorders and other neuropathies
- perform surgical procedures on the foot
- treat abnormalities of bones, joints, skin and nails such as bunions, toe deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, warts and other infections
- recommend footwear for specific foot conditions
- prescribe orthotic devices for protection and correction of a wide range of foot and leg irregularities.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- desire to work with people on a one-to-one basis
- independent and highly motivated
- enjoy health care
- good communication skills
- good with hands