A podiatrist is a medically trained professional who treats disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg.

A podiatrist receives medical training at one of the eight licensed schools of podiatric medicine in the United States, and receives a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree upon successful completion of four years of didactic and clinical studies.  A podiatrist will typically extend his medical training by attending a two or three year surgical residency.

Podiatrists are an integral part of the health-care delivery system and are active staff participants in most hospitals and surgical centers throughout the United States.

Our doctors at Appalachian Foot and Ankle Associates are active on the staff at the following facilities;  Mission Hospitals, Pardee Hospital, Park Ridge Hospital, The McDowell Hospital, Asheville Surgery Center, and The Orthopedic Surgery Center.