If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to train as a podiatrist, it’s many years. Podiatrists are physicians that specialize in the feet and ankles.
You may have already visited the office of Dr. Danielle Maliin. The podiatrist, who serves patients in the Pulaski, TN, area, is a local girl with deep ties to the community. She’s friendly, outgoing, and good at what she does. But have you ever wondered what it took for Dr. Malin to get her degree? The question of how long does it takes to train as a podiatrist varies from student to student, that there are many steps involved.
Today, we’ll take a look at how most foot and ankle specialists get to where they are today.
It Starts With A Decision
The journey toward becoming a podiatrist begins in high school or college. All aspiring medical professionals have to be diligent in their studies and get good grades so they can be accepted into an undergraduate program that offers pre medical or biology-related majors.
Podiatric Medical School
A future podiatrist will also have to go to podiatric medical school. They’ll need to obtain their bachelors degree first, and then attend the college of podiatric medicine. Dr. Malin underwent her education at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine). There are only nine accredited podiatric medical schools in the United States!
Clinical Rotations
To become a podiatrist, a medical student has to undergo clinical rotations in different healthcare settings. This could include outpatient clinics, hospitals, or other environments. This offers real-world, hands-on experience they can take with them as they enter residency.
Residency
Following graduation from podiatric medical school, students also have to undergo a residency, which typically lasts three years. Residency training is important because it offers specialized education and clinical experience in such areas as foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine, and wound care. Dr. Malin was chief resident at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
Licensure
To practice as a podiatrist in Pulaski (or anywhere else in the US) doctors must obtain a license. This usually involves passing the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam.
Podiatric Specialties
While many podiatrists will work in a general podiatry office, there are many specialty areas of practice. These include podiatric surgery, sports medicine, diabetic foot and wound care, orthopedics, and pediatric podiatry. The vast majority of podiatrists are trained and familiar in all of these areas. Podiatrists can also choose to pursue Board Certification.
Dr. Danielle Malin went to school for many years to pursue her passion. She is now doing what she loves in the hometown she adores. She encourages her young patients to consider a career in medicine, whether in podiatry or other specialty. She notes that as the world ages, the need for qualified healthcare professionals will also have to grow to meet the demand. And podiatry is one area where there will always be a need.
Dr. Danielle Malin of Premier Foot & Ankle Care in Columbia, TN, specializes in treating foot and ankle pain, Achilles tendinitis, warts, nail disorders, hammertoe, bunions, and more. She is a skilled foot and ankle surgeon who offers personalized patient care through her full-service office. Dr. Malin is unique among local podiatric specialists in that she makes house calls so that she can best care for her diverse patient base. Premier Foot & Ankle care treats both adult and pediatric patients. A staff physician at Maury regional, Dr. Malin is board certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.
