Question

I just wanted to find out more about podiatry. I was looking into orthopaedics. I really like fractures of the foot, spinal injuries, and other conditions. How much does the training cost? How much money will you be making during the residency and when you get out of it? Getting the ball rolling after a lot of debt might make one consider orthopaedics, although the training is longer if one wanted to specialize in foot and ankle pathologies for instance. I do know of a podiatrist that lives in a pretty substantial sized middle class place, he really is a wizard with some certain procedures.

Answer 1

To Answer your questions:
The Median Salary is around 179,000 dollars a year.
Total Expenses for education range from 45k-65k a year for 4 years (with tuition being near half that amount).
Salaries vary for each Residency (cost of living is a factor).  Each Residency lasts 3 years.
Podiatry school is difficult.  Drive and determination are needed to get through it!

My Take:
Podiatry is truly an amazing profession!  If you are interested, I would suggest shadowing.  It is good to shadow several.  If you need help finding some, the AACPM website will be of use to you: http://www.aacpm.org/contactpod/default.asp
Also, several schools offer winter and summer internship programs.  I attended one and found it to be very valuable!  During the program, you are able to speak with actual students, see clinics/hospitals, and even sit in on a class or two.