Podiatrist vs md

The differences between podiatrists and mds can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a podiatrist, becoming an md takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a podiatrist has an average salary of $94,771, which is higher than the $75,011 average annual salary of an md.

The top three skills for a podiatrist include patients, EMR and patient care. The most important skills for an md are patients, customer service, and surgical procedures.

Podiatrist vs md overview

	Podiatrist	MD
Yearly salary	$94,771	$75,011
Hourly rate	$45.56	$36.06
Growth rate	2%	16%
Number of jobs	16,003	58,569
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age	47	37
Years of experience	4	12

What does a podiatrist do?

As a podiatrist, the responsibility is to diagnose and advise treatment of minor or serious injuries and diseases of the feet, ankles, and the lower part of legs. They examine patient's leg and even perform surgeries concerning the foot and ankle, prescribing orthotics and step by step application of treatments for issues like arthritis, including fractures and calluses. They also review the patient's medical history and advice the patient's foot care. This role requires a doctoral degree and experience in a hospital or clinic.

What does an md do?

A Doctor of Medicine or MD is the designation of a person who completed medical education. Generally, MDs focus on the treatment of conditions in need of medication. These doctors do health assessments, prescribe medication, run diagnostic tests, treat patients, and offer health and wellness advice. Among their health specialties are in the areas of neurology, gynecology, and dermatology. They may also perform surgery when necessary. All these are made possible with their knowledge and skills in medicine.

Podiatrist vs md salary

Podiatrists and mds have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Podiatrist	MD
Average salary	$94,771	$75,011
Salary range	Between $49,000 And $181,000	Between $25,000 And $224,000
Highest paying City	Rockville, MD	Vancouver, WA
Highest paying state	Maryland	Washington
Best paying company	Baylor Scott & White Health	Atrium Health Floyd
Best paying industry	Health Care	-

Differences between podiatrist and md education

There are a few differences between a podiatrist and an md in terms of educational background:

	Podiatrist	MD
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common major	Podiatric Medicine	Nursing
Most common college	Kent State University	-

Podiatrist vs md demographics

Here are the differences between podiatrists' and mds' demographics:

	Podiatrist	MD
Average age	47	37
Gender ratio	Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1%	Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 1.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Asian, 13.3% White, 73.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 9.1% White, 47.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	36%	6%

Differences between podiatrist and md duties and responsibilities

Podiatrist example responsibilities.

Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
Utilize ultrasound, x-ray, casting, and orthotics.
Adhere to OSHA, CILA and HIPPA regulations.
Schedule appointments, register patients and verify patients' eligibility and claims status with insurance agencies.
Perform evaluations and treatments of patients with vascular, dermatological, orthopedic and neurological problems of the lower extremity.
Assist Dr.Guidice in office surgeries.

Md example responsibilities.

Manage the office regarding Clia and OSHA laws and regulations
Manage on call pager for after hours triage and urgent matters while staying in complete communication with the physician.
Manage patient files by making new charts, keying all encounters through ICD-9 coding procedures and posting in patient database.
Operate electrocardiograph (EKG), call to schedule test for patients and routine office visits.
Back office responsibilities include rooming patients, obtaining vitals, chief complaint and documenting into EMR system.
Assist physicians in exams rooms, administer intramuscular injections and perform venipuncture on adult and pediatric patients.

Podiatrist vs md skills

Common podiatrist skills

Patients, 32%
EMR, 16%
Patient Care, 11%
Medical Care, 6%
Ankle, 4%
Test Results, 4%

Common md skills

Patients, 33%
Customer Service, 8%
Surgical Procedures, 6%
Surgery, 5%
Patient Care, 5%
Vital Signs, 4%

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Podiatrist
Podiatrist vs MD

Updated January 8, 2025

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