What is the Difference between a Podiatric Surgeon and a Foot & Ankle Orthopedic surgeon?
A common question…..simple answer…..Podiatric physicians and orthopedic physicians go through same undergraduate programs and learn the same academic classes in medical school. However, most podiatric surgeons are more specifically trained on the foot than an orthopaedic surgeon.
| Podiatric Surgeon | Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon |
| 4 year medical school DPM degree | 4 year medical school MD degree |
|
1 year externship rotating hospitals throughout the country during 4th year of medical school 90% education of Foot and Ankle Surgery |
1 year internship at 1 hospital no Foot and Ankle surgery training |
| 3-4 years of surgical residency of the Foot and Ankle |
3-5 years of surgical residency of orthopedics including upper extremity and lower extremity |
| Possible Fellowships in Trauma, wound care, or foot reconstruction 1 year each |
Typically only 1 year of foot and ankle surgery fellowship
. (possibly more you will need to ask) |
| State license | State License |
Please see information on the Pathway to Certification for podiatric physicians by clicking here.
Dr. Dennis M. Timko
Podiatrist
Dr. Dennis Timko, is a podiatrist in the St. Louis, Eureka, MO. area. Dr. Timko specializes in diabetic foot care, foot surgery, AFOs, and orthotics. Dr. Timko is the solo owner of Arch City Foot & Ankle, which has been in business since 2003.