What's in a name?

Eric D. Stamps, DPM | Jul 20, 2023

Podiatry has a branding problem.  We can’t agree on who we are.  Are we podiatrists? Podiatric surgeons? Podiatric physicians? Foot & ankle surgeons?  My opinion: I am perfectly fine calling myself a podiatrist.  Why not?  Other “ist” specialties, with as much or more training, include ophthalmologists, gastroenterologists, dermatologists, proctologists, radiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, otolaryngologists and so on.  You get the point. The “ist” designation, without adding “physician” or “surgeon” works for them.  Why can’t it work for us?  If we want our profession to grow, we first have to agree upon our name and stick with it.  My vote is for podiatrist.  Your thoughts?