42FX Podiatric Surgeon

Core Skills

• clinical assessment and diagnosis
• medical documentation and recordkeeping
• evidence-based decision making
• risk assessment and mitigation
• patient education and counseling
• interdisciplinary team collaboration
• triage and prioritization
• procedure planning and preparation
• infection control and hygiene protocols
• quality assurance and process improvement

Civilian Career Paths

• Surgery
• Rehabilitation

Training & Development

What the Work Involves

• Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
• Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
• Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
• Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
• Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: graduate-level education or extensive experience.