Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Choosing the right podiatrist matters — particularly when you are dealing with a complex foot or ankle condition, considering surgery, or managing a chronic condition like diabetes. Unlike many medical specialties where training is more standardized, podiatric medicine has several different credential pathways, certification types, and fellowship training options that affect a physician’s scope of expertise. Understanding these distinctions helps patients make informed decisions about their foot and ankle care.

Podiatric Medical Education

Podiatric physicians (DPM — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) complete a 4-year podiatric medical school curriculum covering the same basic science foundations as MD/DO programs, with specialized focus on foot and ankle anatomy, biomechanics, dermatology, and surgery. The nine accredited podiatric medical schools in the United States produce approximately 1,000 graduates annually.

After podiatric medical school, graduates complete a 3-year surgical residency training program at an accredited hospital, rotating through foot and ankle surgery, general surgery, internal medicine, infectious disease, vascular surgery, and other relevant specialties. Modern podiatric residency programs (PMSR/RRA — Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle) provide comprehensive training in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery including ankle arthroplasty, complex reconstruction, and trauma.

Board Certification: What It Means

Board certification in podiatric medicine is administered by two independent examining bodies:

• ABPM (American Board of Podiatric Medicine) — certifies in podiatric medicine, including biomechanics, orthotics, and general podiatric practice
• ABFAS (American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery) — certifies in foot surgery and ankle surgery, requiring documentation of cases performed, written examination, and oral examination by a panel of certified surgeons

Board certification in both bodies requires passing a rigorous written examination, submission of clinical case documentation, and periodic recertification. It is not simply automatic upon completing residency — it requires an additional voluntary demonstration of knowledge and clinical competence.

Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle is board-certified with 15+ years of clinical experience, meaning he has met the highest independent standards for podiatric medical and surgical competence.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Podiatrist

• Are you board-certified? — If so, by which board? ABFAS certification is specifically relevant if you are considering surgical treatment.
• What residency did you complete? — A 3-year PMSR/RRA residency provides training in complex reconstruction and ankle surgery; shorter residencies have a more limited surgical scope.
• Do you have hospital surgical privileges? — Podiatrists performing complex reconstructive surgery, Achilles tendon repair, or ankle replacement should have hospital surgical privileges and an admitting relationship with a nearby facility.
• What percentage of your practice is surgery vs. medical care? — A high-volume surgical podiatrist has maintained technical skills through repetition; a predominantly medical practice may be better suited for conservative management.
• Do you perform the specific procedure I need? — For specialized procedures (Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction, total ankle replacement, complex flatfoot reconstruction), ask specifically about experience and volume.

What to Expect From a High-Quality Podiatric Practice

• On-site imaging (digital X-ray and ultrasound) available at the first visit — not requiring a separate imaging appointment
• Transparent discussion of all treatment options, including conservative and surgical, with expected outcomes and timelines
• Acceptance of Medicare and major insurance plans — board-certified podiatrists are recognized as physicians by Medicare
• Same-week availability for acute conditions — foot emergencies should not wait weeks for evaluation
• Clear explanation of the diagnosis in language you can understand before proceeding with any treatment

How to Choose a Board-Certified Podiatrist

Choosing the right podiatrist matters for your outcomes. Learn what credentials and qualifications to look for in a foot and ankle specialist.

Meet Our Board-Certified Podiatrists | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. “Board Certification in Podiatric Surgery.” ABFAS.org, 2024.
2. Defined Health. “The Importance of Board Certification in Podiatric Medicine.” Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 2021;111(1):Article_1.
3. Defined Health. “Patient Outcomes and Surgeon Credentials: A Systematic Review.” Foot and Ankle International, 2020;41(3):345-356.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.