A Podiatrist, also referred to as a Podologist in Malta (Maltese: Podjatra’), is a qualified health professional who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders of the foot and ankle. Underlying lower limb structures such as the knee and the upper third of the lower limb may also be examined by a Podiatrist since this might be related to a foot or ankle problem.

The complex mechanics of the feet (52 bones, a network of muscles, joints and ligaments) and a wide range of foot problems (over 200 identified conditions) demand a separate and autonomous profession which provides high levels of training and professional expertise in the field of Podiatry.

As a result, the Podiatrist’s scope of practice is diverse. It includes paediatrics, diabetes, sports injuries, structural and biomechanical problems, geriatrics, vascular, and podiatric surgery.

For a Podiatrist to practice in Malta, he/she has to attain state registration from the Council of Professions Complimentary to Medicine (CPCM). A Podiatrist is state registered if he/she bares the following letters after his name S.R.Pod. No person may practice the field of ‘Podiatry’ or use the term ‘Podiatrist’ without state registration from the local professional authority.

The code of ethics and the code of practice for Podiatrist may be accessed by following this link.