Podiatrist AL GA

In the Navy, Sailors spend a lot of time on their feet. From the Machinist’s Mates who traverse every square inch of the ship, to Supply Officers in charge of all logistics, to Boatswain's Mates standing watch on deck—active working conditions mean Sailors need to rely on their bodies. In critical moments, there’s no room for distraction, so as a Navy Podiatrist, you have the vital role of making sure Sailors’ feet can keep up with whatever the job requires.

Whether you’re prescribing orthotics, treating fractures or performing surgery, everything you do ensures Navy Sailors can stay focused on the job.

As a Navy Podiatrist, your job responsibilities may include:

• Treating the feet, ankles and lower extremities of service members and their families
• Performing podiatry services for those in need during humanitarian missions
• Diagnosing and treating ailments, injuries and deformities such as bunions, torn ligaments and stress fractures
• Working with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and other health care providers as part of a professional medical team

Navy Podiatrists may serve at any one of more than 250 Navy and medical facilities around the globe, from Hawaii to Japan, Germany to Guam and Washington, D.C. to Washington state. As a Navy Podiatrist, you could work at one of the highly acclaimed National Naval Medical Centers in Bethesda, MD, Portsmouth, VA or San Diego, CA. Or, you could provide medical support aboard one of two dedicated hospital ships—the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy.

Upon graduation from medical school, those pursuing a Navy Podiatrist position are required to attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI. ODS is a five-week program that provides a comprehensive and intense introduction to the responsibilities of Navy Staff Corps Officers. Here they learn about the military structure of the U.S. Navy, its rich history of traditions and customs, leadership development and military etiquette.

Once that training is complete, you will learn the ins and outs of life as a Navy Podiatrist and receive your first assignment. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.

Post-Service Opportunities

It’s important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in your field.

Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Opportunities for further education within this platform include:

• Navy College Program
• VOLED Assistance Center
• VOLED Region Advisors
• The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
• Navy War College (NWC)
• USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

Through the Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP), you may be eligible to receive financial assistance to pay down the cost of your graduate education.

Qualifications:
A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. You must also attend Officer Training. There may be exceptions to the degree requirements based on extensive service experience.

Additional requirements include:

• Be a U.S. citizen currently practicing in the U.S.
• Hold a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from a college of podiatric medicine, accredited by the Council on Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
• Hold a current license to practice in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
• Have successfully completed a surgical residency or an equivalent formal surgical training program
• Be willing to serve a minimum of three years of Active Duty
• Be between the ages of 18 and 41
• Be in good physical condition and pass a full medical examination

Preferred qualifications also include:

• A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (undergraduate and podiatric medical school)
• Completion of a two or three-year postgraduate residency training program (APMA-approved) with an emphasis on surgical experience
• Hospital staffing with privileges and credentials in good standing
• Board-qualification and…