Orthopedist vs Podiatrist

How to choose — podiatrist or orthopedist

Dr. Travis Kemp, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the foot and ankle, answers this question frequently. There are some key differences between podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons that are important to understand when seeking treatments.

The most significant difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon is the amount of education and training each professional completes. An orthopedic surgeon completes 4 years of medical school, a 5-year orthopedic surgery residency, and 1 year of foot and ankle fellowship training for a total of 10 years of post-college education. An orthopedic surgeon is a Medical Doctor who has a better understanding of the whole body, and therefore they have a deeper understanding of the impact other conditions can have on the foot or ankle.

In contrast, podiatrists attend 4 years of podiatry school, after which they complete a brief residency for a total of 5 years of post-college education. This amounts to half of the training that a medical doctor receives!  Due to the vast difference in training, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons are more qualified to address all foot and ankle conditions, no matter how big or small.

An orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon can treat all foot and ankle conditions, no matter how simple or complex.  Their approach to treating patients is not limited by the scope of their practice, hospital privileges, or education.

If you have any foot and ankle conditions that you want evaluated, walk-in to any four of our DOC locations. We have providers ready to treat patients 365 days of the year, and we are open until 8 PM every day.