Pediatric Podiatrist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of advanced medical care, the role of pediatric podiatrists has never been more critical.

As healthcare evolves, the need for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and prevent foot conditions in children grows.

But let’s delve a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric podiatrist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the demands of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate aspects of pediatric podiatry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric podiatrist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Pediatric Podiatrist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions in children.

These professionals must have a keen understanding of children’s growth and development patterns, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with young patients and their parents.

Pediatric Podiatrists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Examine and diagnose foot and ankle deformities, diseases, and injuries in children
• Design and implement treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of the child
• Perform surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle conditions, if necessary
• Prescribe and fit orthotic devices, insoles and corrective shoes for children
• Guide children and their families on foot and ankle care, including proper shoe selection and hygiene
• Coordinate care with other pediatric specialists when necessary
• Monitor and document the patient’s progress over time
• Stay updated about the latest advancements in pediatric podiatry
• Provide postoperative care and rehabilitation recommendations
• Communicate with children and their parents or caregivers, explaining conditions and treatment options in an understandable manner

 

Pediatric Podiatrist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Podiatrist to diagnose, treat, and manage foot and lower limb conditions in children.

The Pediatric Podiatrist’s responsibilities include conducting physical examinations, prescribing medication, performing surgical procedures, and developing treatment plans.

Our ideal candidate is adept at diagnosing and treating a wide variety of conditions, from flat feet to sports injuries, and is comfortable working with children of all ages.

 

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and treat foot and lower limb abnormalities in children.
• Perform surgical procedures when necessary.
• Prescribe medication and orthotic devices as part of treatment plans.
• Provide advice and guidance on foot health and prevention of foot problems.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Keep detailed patient records.
• Stay updated on the latest research and advancements in pediatric podiatry.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with patients and their families.

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited institution.
• Successful completion of a pediatric podiatry residency.
• Board certification in podiatry.
• Proven experience working with children.
• Strong knowledge of pediatric foot and lower limb conditions and treatments.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex medical information to patients and their families.
• Compassionate and understanding with good bedside manner.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Podiatrist
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. Occasional on-call and weekend shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Podiatry or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $150,000 minimum to $240,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Podiatrist Do?

A Pediatric Podiatrist is a specialist in the branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures in the leg, specifically for children.

They diagnose, treat, and manage foot and ankle problems in children, such as flatfoot, in-toeing/out-toeing, clubfoot, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and foot and ankle injuries.

They may offer preventive care advice to parents about their child’s foot development, the importance of proper footwear, and ways to avoid foot injuries.

Pediatric Podiatrists often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

Some also provide services at schools or community health events.

Their job involves conducting physical examinations, requesting necessary imaging tests, prescribing medications, performing surgery if necessary, and referring patients to other medical specialists when required.

Additionally, they provide rehabilitative care instructions to the child and their parents for post-surgery or injury recovery.

 

Pediatric Podiatrist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Podiatrist should possess a range of clinical, technical and interpersonal skills to diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions related to the feet, ankles and lower legs of children, such as:

• Medical knowledge to diagnose, treat and prevent foot and lower limb conditions in children
• Technical skills to conduct foot exams, analyze gait, carry out minor surgeries and provide treatments
• Problem-solving abilities to analyze symptoms, diagnose conditions, and determine appropriate treatment plans
• Interpersonal skills to build rapport with both the child patients and their parents, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed throughout the process
• Communication skills to explain complex medical conditions in an understandable way to patients and their families, and to coordinate effectively with other healthcare professionals
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods during surgeries or consultations
• Attention to detail to accurately assess patient needs and ensure that treatments are carried out precisely
• Patience and compassion to work with children who may be scared or uncooperative, and to ease parental concerns
• Customer service skills to manage appointments, follow up with patients, and provide an overall positive experience

 

Pediatric Podiatrist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Podiatrists usually begin their journey with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, followed by a 4-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited college.

After this, they typically complete a 3-year hospital-based residency program where they gain hands-on experience in pediatric podiatry, podiatric medicine, and surgery.

Early career Pediatric Podiatrists often have 1 to 3 years of experience, usually gained during their residency, working with children and adolescents, addressing a variety of foot and ankle conditions.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are generally skilled in diagnosing, treating, and performing surgeries on deformities, diseases, and injuries of the feet and lower legs in children.

They may also have experience with specific conditions such as flat foot, in-toeing, and sports injuries.

Pediatric Podiatrists with over 5 years of experience may have the necessary skills and knowledge to take on more responsibility and could be ready for a senior podiatrist or managerial role within a hospital or clinic.

They could also have experience training and mentoring less experienced podiatrists.

Additionally, for all stages of their career, Pediatric Podiatrists should have an active state license to practice, and certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine can be advantageous.

 

Pediatric Podiatrist Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Podiatrist typically requires a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from a college of podiatric medicine.

Before entering a podiatric program, individuals must first complete a bachelor’s degree and complete the necessary prerequisite courses, which often include biology, chemistry, and physics.

After earning a DPM degree, a residency program, typically lasting three to four years, is required.

This offers in-depth training and experience in pediatric podiatric medicine and surgery.

Board certification is also an option for Pediatric Podiatrists.

This often entails additional coursework and passing an exam from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).

Continuing education is crucial in this medical field.

Pediatric Podiatrists are recommended to participate in ongoing learning opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and treatments.

In addition to education and training, Pediatric Podiatrists need excellent communication skills, patience, and a keen attention to detail, as they’ll be working closely with children and their parents, diagnosing and treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions.

 

Pediatric Podiatrist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Podiatrist earns an average salary of $203,620 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors like years of experience, level of specialization, and the geographical location of the practice.

 

Pediatric Podiatrist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Podiatrist need?

A Pediatric Podiatrist should possess good analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat foot and ankle disorders accurately.

They should have excellent manual dexterity for performing surgical procedures, and patience and compassion when dealing with young patients.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also essential to explain complex medical situations in a way that both children and parents can understand.

 

What qualifications does a Pediatric Podiatrist need?

A Pediatric Podiatrist needs to have completed a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited college of podiatric medicine, followed by a three-year hospital residency.

Some podiatrists also complete additional fellowship training in pediatric podiatry.

They must be licensed to practice in their state, and board certification, though not mandatory, is highly desirable.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Podiatrist’s resume?

You should look for a DPM degree, completion of a hospital residency, and any additional fellowship training in pediatric podiatry.

Check for their license to practice and any board certification.

You should also look for experience working with children, as this requires a different set of skills and temperament than working with adults.

Any mention of specific expertise, like pediatric foot and ankle surgery, orthotics, or sports medicine, could also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Podiatrist?

A good Pediatric Podiatrist should be compassionate and patient, with excellent communication skills to interact with children and reassure their parents.

They should be detail-oriented and have a strong aptitude for problem-solving to accurately diagnose and treat foot conditions.

They should also be committed to staying updated with the latest developments in their field to provide the best possible care to their patients.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Podiatrist?

Hiring a Pediatric Podiatrist can be a challenge due to the specialized nature of the role.

You not only need a skilled podiatrist but also one who is good with children.

It’s important to offer a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional development to attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the full story.

Today, we’ve shed some light on the true responsibilities of a pediatric podiatrist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about treating children’s foot conditions.

It’s about fostering their wellbeing, one footstep at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive pediatric podiatrist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take a step forward.

But don’t stop here!

Delve further with our job description generator. This is your next stride towards precision-crafted job postings or honing your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every treated footstep is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s stride towards that future. Together.

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