Podiatrists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the lower extremity, and in particular, the foot and ankle. Most podiatrists work in general practice and see an interesting and wide range of patients with foot and leg problems often associated with other medical conditions. Many podiatrists develop expertise in a specific area of podiatry, such as the management of sporting injuries or podiatric biomechanics, treatment of the high-risk foot, the elderly or children’s foot and leg problems.Podiatrists are independent practitioners with the right to perform minor foot surgery, refer patients for relevant investigative tests and to prescribe drugs necessary for the treatment of podiatric conditions.

DPM graduates will be eligible for registration as general podiatrists in Australia and New Zealand without the need for any further preregistration training or compulsory internship.