Board Certification for Podiatrists

When looking for a Long Beach Foot Doctor, there are many different things to consider. The skill of the doctor and the friendliness of the staff are one consideration. In addition, a doctor can be completely qualified and still not be the right match for everyone. The staff should treat patients with respect. In addition, the doctor should listen to problems and concerns and not rush the patient through the appointment. Also, the right podiatrist will not have a problem educating his or her patients about problems or treatment programs. It is important for the patient to hear his or her treatment plan discussed in detail, as well as the opportunity to discuss realistic goals and outcomes.


What are the qualifications of a podiatrist?

Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government and in most states. DPMs receive medical education and training comparable to medical doctors, including four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at one of eight accredited podiatric medical colleges and two or three years of hospital residency training. Within the field of podiatry, practitioners can focus on many different specialty areas, including surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics or primary care.

What is a podiatrist?

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association "a podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), also known as a podiatric physician or surgeon, qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the foot and ankle based on their education, training and experience.” When looking for a podiatrist Orange County residents should be sure to make sure they are a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Board Certification


There are two main board certifications in podiatric medicine. The first is the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. The second is the American Board of Podiatric Orthropedics and Podiatric medicine. Since Board certification is such a difficult process, the patient can be assured that he or she is in good hands.


In Los Angeles, Orange County and Long Beach Podiatrist Centers are very popular. However, few can boast of all their podiatrists being board certified. One Long Beach Foot Surgery Center, Kim Foot & Ankles Centers Inc. can boast of all its podiatrists being certified, but that is more of an exception than the norm.