Community Health Podiatrist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the role of community health podiatrists has become increasingly significant.

As the population grows and ages, so does the need for specialized healthcare professionals who can diagnose, treat, and prevent foot and lower limb problems.

So, what exactly is expected from a community health podiatrist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A healthcare institution looking to hire a proficient podiatrist,
• Or simply curious about the challenging, yet rewarding field of podiatry,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable community health podiatrist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve deeper into it.

Community Health Podiatrist Duties and Responsibilities

Community Health Podiatrists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and lower limb problems for a diverse range of patients in the community.

They work in both clinical and home settings.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess the condition of a patient’s feet, ankles, or lower legs by reviewing their medical history, listening to their concerns, performing physical examinations, and ordering tests
• Analyze the biomechanics of the lower limb, gait analysis, and orthotics prescriptions
• Provide treatment for foot conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs, and arch problems
• Diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems such as sprains, fractures, infections, and diseases
• Prescribe therapies or treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, foot inserts (orthotics), or casts
• Perform minor surgeries, such as nail or wart removal
• Educate patients about foot and ankle care, including information about hygiene, nutrition, or exercise
• Collaborate with other health professionals such as physiotherapists, nurses, and doctors to provide holistic care
• Develop and implement foot care programs for specific populations such as the elderly or athletes

 

Community Health Podiatrist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Community Health Podiatrist to provide high quality foot and lower limb care for our patients.

The successful candidate will diagnose, treat, and prevent foot and lower limb conditions in a variety of patients, ranging from children to the elderly.

The Community Health Podiatrist will also be responsible for educating patients about preventive care, promoting overall health and wellbeing, and referring patients to other health care professionals when necessary.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for community health and a commitment to patient-centered care.

 

Responsibilities

• Performing comprehensive podiatric assessments to diagnose foot and lower limb conditions
• Developing and implementing individualized care plans for patients
• Providing foot and lower limb health education to patients
• Performing routine foot care procedures, such as nail cutting and callus removal
• Referring patients to other health care professionals when necessary
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records
• Keeping abreast of the latest developments in podiatry
• Working collaboratively with other health care professionals to promote holistic patient care

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Podiatry or a related field
• Current licensure as a Podiatrist
• Proven experience in a community health setting
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Health Podiatrist
• Work Environment: Community health clinic. May require occasional travel to visit patients in their homes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Podiatry or Clinic Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Health Podiatrist Do?

Community Health Podiatrists primarily provide medical care and treatment for people’s feet and lower limbs in various community settings such as homes, schools, and community centers.

They may work for healthcare institutions or operate their own private practices.

Their primary responsibilities include diagnosing and treating foot disorders, such as bunions, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, warts, and infections.

They also help manage foot problems related to underlying health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

A significant part of their role involves conducting foot health checks and screenings to detect issues early, and providing advice on foot care and footwear to prevent foot and ankle injuries.

Community Health Podiatrists also perform minor surgeries, prescribe medications, and create custom orthotics to help correct foot deformities or provide support.

They may refer patients to other healthcare professionals if needed, for example, for physiotherapy or further diagnostic testing.

They are often involved in health promotion activities, raising awareness about the importance of foot health and educating the public on how to prevent foot problems.

In some cases, Community Health Podiatrists may also work with specific populations, such as older adults or athletes, providing specialized care tailored to their unique needs.

They must stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in podiatry to ensure they provide the best possible care to their patients.

 

Community Health Podiatrist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Community Health Podiatrist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of podiatric medicine and the ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders of the foot and lower extremities.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients, their families, and the wider community, fostering a supportive environment for treatment and recovery.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey diagnoses, treatment plans, and preventative health practices to patients of diverse backgrounds and comprehension levels.
• Experience in community health, demonstrating understanding and empathy for the socio-economic and health disparities that may impact patient access to care and health outcomes.
• Problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities to correctly diagnose complex conditions, design effective treatment plans, and adjust treatments as necessary based on patient progress and feedback.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods during examinations and procedures, and precision in performing delicate foot and lower extremity surgeries.
• Administrative skills necessary for managing patient records, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of community health initiatives and public health concerns.

 

Community Health Podiatrist Experience Requirements

Community Health Podiatrists typically need extensive educational and practical experience.

This begins with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field like Biology or Health Science, followed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited podiatry school.

During their DPM program, they gain substantial clinical experience, treating patients under supervision and learning about various foot and ankle conditions, as well as general medical conditions.

Upon completion of their degree, they are required to complete a 3-year podiatric medical and surgical residency program where they gain comprehensive experience in podiatry and surgery.

Entry-level Community Health Podiatrists may have completed their residency program, giving them around 3 years of practical experience in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have specialized experience in areas like pediatric podiatry, sports medicine, or diabetic care, and are likely to have held positions of responsibility or leadership.

Those with more than 10 years of experience are considered highly experienced and may be well-positioned for roles such as head of a podiatry department or a teaching position in a podiatric medical school.

They may also have a considerable amount of experience in public health and community outreach programs.

In all cases, continued education and staying updated with the latest treatment modalities and advancements in the field of podiatry is essential.

 

Community Health Podiatrist Education and Training Requirements

Community Health Podiatrists typically require a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited college of podiatric medicine.

Before entering a DPM program, applicants usually need to have at least 3 years of undergraduate education, including specific courses in laboratory sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics as well as general coursework in subjects like English.

DPM programs usually take 4 years to complete, and include coursework in biochemistry, medical principles and practices, and therapeutic procedures, along with clinical rotations in various medical settings.

After earning a DPM, podiatrists must also complete a 3-year residency program.

This provides hands-on experience in areas like orthopedics, surgery, and primary care.

Most states require a license to practice podiatric medicine.

Licensing requirements include completing the DPM degree and residency program, and passing an exam.

To maintain their licenses, podiatrists must take continuing education courses.

This helps them keep up with advances in medical and surgical care.

Additional certification in a specialty area, such as pediatrics, diabetes, or sports medicine, is not required but may enhance job prospects.

 

Community Health Podiatrist Salary Expectations

A Community Health Podiatrist earns an average salary of $129,550 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may differ based on factors such as experience, specialized skills, location, and the employer’s policies.

 

Community Health Podiatrist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Community Health Podiatrist need?

A Community Health Podiatrist should hold a degree in podiatry.

This is usually a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Podiatry.

Some might also have a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.

Additionally, they must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and might also have additional training in specific areas like diabetes or sports injuries.

 

What skills are essential for a Community Health Podiatrist?

A Community Health Podiatrist should have strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions.

They should also have good manual dexterity, as the job often involves intricate work on small and delicate structures in the foot.

Communication skills are important to explain treatments to patients, and they should have good physical stamina as the job can involve standing for long periods.

Additionally, they should be caring and compassionate, with a desire to help people and improve their quality of life.

 

What is the typical work environment of a Community Health Podiatrist?

A Community Health Podiatrist typically works in a variety of settings.

They may work in clinics, hospitals, care homes, or patients’ own homes.

The work can be physically demanding as it often involves standing for long periods, and they may also need to lift or move patients.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Community Health Podiatrist?

A typical day for a Community Health Podiatrist might start with reviewing patient referrals and medical histories.

They then spend much of their day examining patients’ feet and lower legs, diagnosing problems, discussing treatment options with patients, and carrying out treatments.

This might include things like removing calluses, fitting orthotics, or giving advice on foot care.

They also keep detailed patient records, and may need to liaise with other healthcare professionals about patient care.

 

What qualities make a good Community Health Podiatrist?

A good Community Health Podiatrist should be caring and empathetic, with a real desire to help people and improve their quality of life.

They should be good listeners, to understand patients’ concerns and reassure them about treatments.

They should also be methodical and detail-oriented, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Finally, they should be committed to ongoing learning and professional development, to keep up-to-date with the latest research and treatments in podiatry.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricate details and true essence of being a community health podiatrist.

Surprise!

It’s not just about treating foot-related conditions.

It’s about improving overall community health, one step at a time.

With our handy community health podiatrist job description template and authentic examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next move.

But why pause there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating detailed job postings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every step taken towards better foot health is a stride towards improved community well-being.

Let’s step into this journey. Together.

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