Altogether, a foot and ankle surgeon will have 10+ years of training. Podiatrists attend podiatry school for 4 years followed by a 2-3 year residency, which typically focuses on surgery. Altogether, a podiatrist will have 6-7 years of training.

Podiatrists are doctors, but they don't go to traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations. They also have "DPM" (doctor of podiatric medicine) after their names instead of "MD" (medical doctor).

Common problems that podiatrists treat include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot. Treatment methods used by podiatrists can vary depending on the specific condition but often include things like orthotic devices, braces, or surgery.

Once known as chiropodists and later podiatrists, these specialists are now known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) or podiatric physicians.