2388-11 Podiatrist

Prevents, diagnoses and treats medical and surgical conditions of the feet, including those resulting from bone and joint disorders, muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases.

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

• examines patients' feet to determine the nature and extent of conditions such as skin lesions, bunions, ingrown toenails, foot infections, and deformities such as flat feet, foot imbalance and injury
• examines and treats foot disabilities of paralysis, ulceration and malfunction caused by diseases such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and other neuropathies
• prescribes and arranges the fabrication of footwear to correct foot disabilities
• performs minor surgery to remove or ameliorate abnormal conditions
• prescribes and fits replaceable pads, palliative and functional supports and other devices for the protection and correction of foot abnormalities
• advises patients about continued treatment and foot care to prevent recurrences
• may provide rehabilitation services to the physically handicapped
• may refer to, or have patients referred from, medical practitioners