We all have heard somewhere that orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists don't like each other. But is there any truth to this rumor?
The truth is, that both orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists are important players on your foot health team. Orthopedic surgeons are like the all-around experts of the bone and muscle, with knowledge covering the entire body. Podiatrists, on the other hand, are the true specialists of the foot and ankle. They've dedicated their entire careers to understanding the complicated workings of your feet and ankles.
So, why do orthopedic surgeons hate podiatrists then?
In this blog, we're digging out the reasons behind the occasional tension between orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists. We'll uncover why these two specialties sometimes clash and address any misunderstandings that contribute to this friction. Understanding these dynamics can help foster better collaboration and ultimately improve patient care.
Orthopedic Surgeons are doctor’s experts in the entire musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They handle everything from broken bones to joint replacements and spine surgeries. While some orthopedic surgeons focus on specific areas like the spine, shoulder, or knee, others have a broader practice covering all parts of the body.
On the other hand, Podiatrists are doctors who specialize exclusively in the foot and ankle. Their training is dedicated to understanding and treating conditions affecting these areas. They handle issues like bunions, heel pain, and injuries specific to the foot and ankle.
Both orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists can treat many of the same foot and ankle problems. However, orthopedic surgeons often emphasize treating the whole body, and understanding how a foot issue might relate to overall musculoskeletal health. Podiatrists are highly specialized in the foot and ankle, often starting with more conservative treatments like orthotics or physical therapy before considering surgery.
In terms of patient care, some people prefer podiatrists for their specialized focus and conservative approach, while others might choose orthopedic surgeons for their broader perspective on the body's musculoskeletal system. Statistics show that 39% of patients choose podiatrists for their foot and ankle issues, while 15% opt for orthopedic surgeons, with the rest seeing family doctors or other specialists.
Overall, while both types of doctors are highly skilled, their approaches and areas of expertise can offer different benefits depending on a patient's situation.
Orthopedic surgeons start with a four-year college degree, followed by four years of medical school to earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. After medical school, they enter a demanding five-year residency in orthopedic surgery at an academic hospital. Some may also complete an additional fellowship year to specialize further in specific areas such as spine, joint replacement, and others.
Podiatrists on the other hand first complete a four-year undergraduate degree. They then attend a podiatric medical school for four years, where they earn their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. After that, they undergo three to four years of residency training, focusing exclusively on the foot and ankle.
Orthopedic surgeons achieve board certification through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery by meeting strict standards and passing a comprehensive exam. They can also obtain subspecialty certifications in areas like orthopedic sports medicine or hand surgery.
Podiatrists can achieve board certification through the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery after gaining advanced training, clinical experience, and passing challenging exams. However, these certifying bodies are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Orthopedic surgeons treat the entire musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They handle a wide range of conditions, from fractures and joint replacements to spinal surgeries. Those with specialization in the foot and ankle can provide comprehensive care that considers the overall impact on the body. They are particularly adept at identifying and addressing complex lower extremity issues that may originate from other parts of the body, such as the knee, hip, or back.
Whereas, Podiatrists are specialized in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle only. They are well-versed in biomechanics, foot balance, and fitting orthotics, custom shoes, and braces. They manage conditions like calluses, nail diseases, and diabetic foot ulcers, and perform surgeries specific to the foot and ankle.
One of the main sources of conflict between orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists is the overlap in the conditions they treat. Both professionals deal with foot and ankle issues, and this can lead to disagreements over who should handle certain procedures. Orthopedic surgeons often see themselves as the primary specialists for musculoskeletal issues, including those of the foot and ankle. They may view podiatrists as encroaching on their territory when it comes to performing surgeries or managing complex cases. This perception can lead to a power struggle where both specialties compete for recognition and patient trust.
Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists undergo different training pathways, which can contribute to tension. Orthopedic surgeons complete four years of medical school followed by at least five years of orthopedic surgical residency, with some pursuing additional fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery. In contrast, podiatrists attend four years of podiatric medical school followed by three to four years of residency focused solely on the foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons often view their longer and broader training as more demanding, leading to a perception that podiatrists may not be as well-qualified for surgical procedures. This difference in training can create a sense of superiority among orthopedic surgeons and contribute to professional disputes.
Money is a significant factor in the tension between orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists. Orthopedic surgeons might feel that their potential earnings are being divided by podiatrists when it comes to foot and ankle treatments. While orthopedic surgeons dominate most other areas of musculoskeletal care, the foot and ankle space is more competitive due to the presence of podiatrists. This competition can be frustrating for orthopedic surgeons, who may see it as unnecessary and detrimental to their practice, and leads to competition and disputes over patient care pathways.
Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists often have different approaches to treating foot and ankle issues. Orthopedic surgeons, with their broad training, might lean towards surgical solutions more readily, whereas podiatrists might focus on conservative treatments like orthotics and physical therapy before considering surgery. These differing philosophies can lead to disagreements on the best course of action for patients, further fueling the rivalry.
Sometimes, orthopedic surgeons feel that they have to "clean up the mess" left by podiatrists, especially if they believe a podiatrist has mismanaged a case. This perception can create resentment and reinforce the belief that podiatrists are not as capable of handling complex surgical cases. On the other hand, podiatrists may feel that orthopedic surgeons undervalue their specialized expertise and conservative treatment methods.
The medical profession has long had a hierarchical structure, with surgeons often being seen at the top due to the complexity and high stakes of their work. This historical dynamic can contribute to tensions, as orthopedic surgeons may see themselves as more highly ranked compared to podiatrists. This perceived hierarchy can cause friction, especially in areas where their practices overlap and they must work together or refer patients to one another.
Misunderstandings and stereotypes can contribute to tension between orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists. One common misconception is that podiatrists are not as qualified as orthopedic surgeons to perform foot and ankle surgeries. However, podiatrists undergo extensive, specialized training that makes them experts in their field. Similarly, some podiatrists might believe orthopedic surgeons do not have enough focus on the foot and ankle, ignoring the broad and in-depth training orthopedic surgeons receive. Clarifying these misconceptions can help to foster mutual respect and reduce negative perceptions.
There are many instances where orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists can work together effectively. For example, successful interdisciplinary care can be seen in many healthcare settings where teams of orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work together. Where an orthopedic surgeon might handle a hip replacement surgery, while a podiatrist manages the patient's foot health to prevent complications and promote overall recovery. Such joint approaches ensure that all aspects of a patient’s condition are addressed, leading to better outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Ethical considerations in patient care also play a significant role. Every healthcare professional must prioritize the patient's best interests, which often means collaborating with others who have different but complementary expertise. Both orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists should acknowledge the importance of each other's roles and contributions to patient care. This way they can maintain a respectful and professional relationship ensuring a positive work environment and better patient outcomes.
Led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Lochemes, Titan Orthopedics is dedicated to providing exceptional foot and ankle care for people of all ages in the Memphis area. That's why we take time to listen to your concerns and thoroughly assess your condition. From common issues like bunions and plantar fasciitis to complex fractures and diabetic foot care, our orthopedic surgeons in Memphis have the expertise and experience to get you back on your feet and moving with confidence.
If you're in Memphis and struggling with foot pain, don't hesitate to reach out to Titan Orthopedics. Dr. Lochemes and his team stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in foot and ankle care, ensuring you receive comprehensive care by exploring both non-surgical and surgical options to find the treatment plan that best suits you.
Visit our website or contact us to schedule an appointment today.
