Podiatrists are professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat diseases or disorders of the foot and related structures.

Podiatrists treat arch problems, bunions, heel spurs, calluses, corns, and ingrown toenails; ankle and foot injuries, deformities, and infections; and foot complaints associated with disease. They may prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective inserts called orthotics and design custom-made shoes and plaster casts or strappings to correct deformities.

The University of Iowa does not offer degree programs in podiatry, but does offer course work to help students prepare to enroll in podiatry programs elsewhere.