How Many Podiatrists Practice in the United States? (2024 Data)

As of 2024, there are approximately 19,000-20,000 licensed podiatrists (Doctors of Podiatric Medicine - DPMs) actively practicing in the United States, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards data.

Key Statistics

Geographic Distribution

Podiatrists concentrate in populous states and areas with older populations:

• New York: ~2,200
• California: ~1,800
• Florida: ~1,500 (high elderly population)
• Pennsylvania: ~1,200
• Texas: ~1,100
• Illinois: ~900

Rural areas face significant shortages – 80%+ of counties have 0 or 1 podiatrist.

Scope of Practice & Training

• Education: 4-year DPM degree (after bachelor's) – similar to MD/DO first two years
• Residency: 3-year surgical residency (mandatory since ~2013)
• Board Certification: ABFAS (foot/ankle surgery), ABPM (primary care/orthopedics)
• Prescriptive authority: All 50 states
• Surgical privileges: Hospital-based in all states

Workforce Trends

• Growing demand: Aging population (diabetes, arthritis, falls), sports medicine, diabetic limb salvage
• Integration: Increasingly embedded in health systems, ACOs, wound care centers
• Telehealth: Expanded post-COVID for follow-ups, wound monitoring
• Diversity: ~25% female (growing); efforts to increase underrepresented minorities

Comparison to Other Specialties

Sources: APMA, AAMC, BLS, Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards. Figures approximate; licensing data varies by state reporting cycles.