best podiatrist in DFWMost industries and professionals have specific training that practitioners must have, and trade organizations that uphold certain standards. For example, attorneys must pass the bar exam administered by the state where they practice in order to be considered in good standing. Beauty professionals, electricians, and bartenders are all required to be licensed and certified. Doctors of podiatric medicine, DPMs, are no different. Learn more about what makes the best podiatrist in DFW below.
 

What Training is Necessary to Become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

The training necessary to become a DPM is extensive and intense. It’s frequently compared to the training necessary to become a medical doctor (MD), and there are some similarities. Here’s the most common way podiatrists are trained:
  • Attain a bachelor’s degree
  • Score well on the medical college admission test (MCAT)
  • Apply and be accepted into a podiatric medical school program
  • Complete a hospital residency training
  • Consider further training through a fellowship

The Different Types of Podiatry Board Certification

Board certification represents the culmination of years of building expertise, and is necessary to become the best podiatrist in DFW. There are two certifying organizations for podiatry: the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

The two boards are recognized for different things. The American Board of Podiatric Medicine certifies that those who are certified are specialists in the areas of podiatric orthopedics and primary podiatric medicine. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery provides certification for those DPMs who are qualified to perform surgery on the foot and ankle.

What Does This Mean for Me?

As a patient, you’re placing your body literally in your health care provider’s hand, which is why it's important to see the best podiatrist in DFW. Having the reassurance that your DFW podiatrist has met the rigorous standards imposed by a credentialing organization for their speciality makes it a bit easier to feel comfortable in trusting them.

At Alliance Foot and Ankle, all of our podiatrists are board-certified, and Dr. Nichols is double board-certified, meaning that he holds certification from both The American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Certification Is More Than a One-Time Exam

Once a DPM has received certification from either organization, they don’t hold it for life. Along with recognizing the DPM has completed a rigorous course of study, appropriate residency program, and passed a challenging exam, certification for the best podiatrist in DFW involves a commitment to continuing education.

In order to remain board-certified through the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, DPMs must continue to demonstrate and improve their skills through a program that involves continuing education, examinations, and self-evaluation. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery has similar maintenance of certification requirements.

Schedule an Appointment With the Best Podiatrist in DFW

Your feet are critical to your health, and you’ve taken an important step by entrusting the care of your feet to the experts at Alliance Foot and Ankle. Making sure that our podiatrists have each obtained board certification is one more way that we work to earn and keep your trust.

If you’d like to know more about how our DPMs are trained, or you have questions about how board certification relates to the health of your feet, contact us online, or give us a call to schedule an appointment with the best podiatrist in DFW. We’re always happy to answer your questions!