Public perceptions of the podiatrist and the DPM degree.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to ascertain public perception of the terms podiatry and DPM.


METHODS
We distributed a survey to 847 people in ten states across the United States. It was hypothesized that most respondents would be less familiar with the DPM degree than the term podiatrist. It was also expected that people would choose MD over DPM for more complex procedures.


RESULTS
The majority of respondents selected a podiatrist and a DPM as a foot specialist, almost one-half selected DPM for foot surgery, but only one-third stated they would have foot surgery done by a DPM if they had a heart problem. In addition, it was hypothesized that respondents would choose the contrived PMD over DPM simply because PMD looks more like MD; this was not shown to be true.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there are gaps in the public knowledge, our study revealed a greater familiarity with podiatry and the DPM degree than originally thought.
Akers
Michael D
MD
New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, NY, USA. mikeakers11@yahoo.com
Vandemark-Teplica
Jennifer M
JM
Kiss
Alex
A
Alfieri
Donna M
DM
Jennings
Maureen B
MB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011032:Podiatry / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D011639:Public Opinion; D055815:Young Adult