Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) Dr. Richard R. Moy

Finding a Highly Qualified DPM is within reach. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are specialists of the foot and ankle. Some specialize in conservative care while others mainly focus on performing foot surgery. DPMs receive focused, specialized training in the foot's biomechanics. "The value of podiatry," UCSF Center for the Health Professions Executive Director Edward H. O'Neil, PhD wrote in 1996, "is manifested in the intense knowledge and expertise in care of the foot."

Many DPMs specialize in foot pain relief, foot care, cosmetic foot surgery, and preservation of the diabetic foot. DPMs also assist other doctors in non- podiatric surgeries, because of their special skills and doctor-patient relationships. DPM licensure in California has historically limited the scope of practice to the foot and ankle, and license renewal requires continuing competence requirements in addition to continuing medical education. Licensing requirements and fees vary by state and can change over time; patients should confirm current requirements with their state licensing board if this is a factor in their decision.

Foot and Ankle Surgery in Southern California from Dr. Moy

DPMs graduate from one of seven podiatric medical schools (an eighth is in process of being approved), which are specialized four-year medical schools affiliated with larger health science teaching centers. While providing general medical training, they concentrate on the eventual specialty and other areas of medicine most related. Each of the schools and subsequent graduate medical education programs (2-3 years duration) required thereafter must be approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accrediting the schools.

Prior to initial licensure, DPMs also must pass Parts I, II and III of the exams administered by the Educational Testing Service for the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. California has historically required a Part III passing score higher than the national passing score.

Get Foot Pain Relief from a Highly Skilled DPM Like Dr. Moy Today

Many individuals provide foot care, but only licensed doctors (MDs, DPMs, or DOs) may diagnose, treat, and prescribe for medical conditions. DPMs complete dedicated foot and ankle surgical training as part of their licensure requirements.

Why choose Dr. Moy as your Bunion Surgeon?

Dr. Moy has had patients travel from other states and countries to have him perform his bunion surgery technique. He has performed bunionectomies for more than 35 years, with over 1,000 patient evaluations available for review. There are over 100 documented ways to remove a bunion, and Dr. Moy has developed a method aimed at a virtually pain-free recovery. As with any surgery, no surgeon can guarantee a specific outcome, including whether a bunion will recur.

Dr. Moy is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and specializes in virtually pain-free bunion surgery and other surgical procedures of the foot and ankle. Patients travel from across the country and overseas to visit his medical facility.

Common Mistakes in Selecting a Surgeon

Taking a Family Physician's Referral

Some patients get referred to a podiatrist by their primary care doctor or family physician. A good rapport with your family physician doesn't necessarily tell you how experienced the doctor they're referring you to is with bunion surgery specifically. The referral may reflect a personal or professional relationship rather than a track record with the procedure you need.

There are multiple reasons why doctors send their patients to other doctors, but it may not necessarily mean that the particular doctor is the right one for your condition.

Basing Decisions on Prestige Alone

A lot of patients choose surgeons based on of the prestige of the doctor's reputation with the facility or medical board that he/she is associated with. Again, it's not the facility, it's the individual doctor that produces the results.

Focus on the doctor and the results they produce, along with what their patients and colleagues have to say.