Podiatric surgeons are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the foot, ankle and related structures using medical and surgical methods.
Foot and ankle conditions managed by podiatric surgeons include:
- Structural deformities, including bunions, hammertoes, painful flat foot and high arch deformity, bone spurs
- Heel pain;
- Nerve entrapments;
- Arthritic and degenerated joints;
- Skin and nail conditions;
- Congenital deformities; and
- Trauma-related injuries, including fractures and dislocations
Podiatric surgeons provide safe, effective and cost-efficient clinical care. They practice within multi-disciplinary healthcare teams involving general practitioners, specialists and other health professionals. Where indicated appropriate referrals are undertaken to support safe and quality provision of foot and ankle surgery.
Specialist Recognition
The Podiatry Board of Australia recognizes podiatric surgeons who have qualified for Fellowship of the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons (ACPS) as specialist surgeons.
Education and Training
Fellowship training with the ACPS requires completion of an accredited podiatry degree(4 years equivalent) 2. A minimum of 2 years postgraduate podiatric clinical practice and an accredited Masters degree must be completed. Podiatrists are then eligible to apply for a training position with the ACPS.
Fellowship training with the ACPS take 3 to 6 years to complete. This means that ACPS Fellowship trained podiatric surgeons are highly experienced and knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders.