Podiatry used to be called chiropody, referring to the professional treatment and care of people’s feet. The first professional chiropody society was created in New York in 1895; the first school opened in 1911. … Chiropodists were independently licensed to treat feet, ankles and legs.

What was the old name for a podiatrist?

A chiropodist was originally a hand and foot doctor, but in many parts of the world today chiropodist is used instead of podiatrist to designate a foot doctor.

Are podiatrists real doctors?

Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government. A DPM is a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower extremity disorders, diseases and injuries. … Within the profession, podiatric physicians can specialize in a variety of areas such as surgery, orthopedics, or public health.