<Tr> <Th> Competencies </Th> <Td> The science of medicine, surgical skills, biomechanics, ethics, critical thinking, analytical skills, professionalism, management skills, and communication skills . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Fields of employment </Th> <Td> Hospitals, Clinics </Td> </Tr> <P> A podiatrist, also known as a podiatric physician (/ poʊˈdaɪətrɪst / poh - dye - eh - trist) or "foot and ankle surgeon", is a medical doctor devoted to the study and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremity . The term originated in North America, but has now become the accepted term in the English - speaking world for all practitioners of podiatric medicine . Podiatrists are the only medical professionals who exclusively specialize in treating the foot and ankle . </P> <P> In the United States, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) are doctors who practice on the lower extremities, primarily on feet and ankles . The preparatory education of most podiatrists includes four years of undergraduate work, followed by four years in an accredited podiatric medical school, followed by a three or four - year hospital - based surgical residency . Podiatrists are licensed in all 50 states . </P>

What is the proper name of a foot doctor