Job description
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 overviewJob 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 responsibilitiesExamine 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 registrationDoctor 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 competenciesProven 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 expectationsDemonstrate 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 falls‑prevention clinics.