A DPM doctor is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, also known as a podiatrist or podiatric physician. They are medical specialists who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists are fully trained foot and ankle surgeons who can treat all conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They work independently and can utilize x-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribe medications, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. Podiatrists are doctors, but they dont go to traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations, and they have "DPM" after their names instead of "MD". To become a doctor of podiatric medicine, a podiatrist has completed podiatry-specific medical school training, clinical rotations in medicine and surgery, and a residency in podiatric medicine and surgery. Podiatric physicians are the only doctors to receive specialized medical and surgical training and board certification in the care of the lower extremity.