Foot and Public Healthcare - Medical Healthcare

Foot care practitioners

Care and treatment for the foot, ankle, and lower leg may be delivered by podiatrists, pedorthists, foot health practitioners, podiatric medical assistants, podiatric nurse and others.

Podiatry or podiatric medicine is a branch  devoted to the study of, diagnosis, and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity.  A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a specialist qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. Podiatric physicians have extensive background knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, sociological and psychological perspectives, general medicine, surgery and pharmacology. Specialist podiatric physicians are podiatrists who are qualified by additional postgraduate training or fellowship training and experience in the specialized field.

Pedorthist is the title of a healthcare professional who specializes in the use of footwear and supportive devices to address conditions which affect the feet and lower limbs. They are trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and bio mechanics  and the appropriate use of corrective footwear – including shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses and other pedorthic devises. “Certified Pedorthist” is a title used by both the College of Pedorthics of Canada as well as the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics . However, in many jurisdictions the practice of pedorthists is self-regulated; professional certification is voluntary.


Public Healthcare practitioners

A public health practitioner focuses on improving health among individuals, families and communities through the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries,  and promotion of healthy behaviors. This category includes community and preventive medicine specialists, public health nurses, dietitians, environmental health officers, paramedics, epidemiologists, health inspectors, and others.


Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. Dietitians work in various different capacities in the field of healthcare, food service, corporate setting, and educational arenas.

Environmental Health Officers (also known as Public Health Inspectors) are responsible for carrying out measures for protecting public health, including administering and enforcing legislation related to environmental health and providing support to minimize health and safety hazards. They are involved in a variety of activities, for example inspecting food facilities, investigating public health nuisances, and implementing disease control. Environmental health officers are focused on prevention, consultation, investigation, and education of the community regarding health risks and maintaining a safe environment.

Environmental health is a graduate career in most countries. The minimum requirements in most countries include an approved university degree program, field training and professional certification & registration.

For more information about other healthcare providers please read page Healthcare Providers.