Podiatrists hold a doctorate in podiatric medicine, but they are not actual doctors. Podiatrists train for four years at a university to obtain their doctorate. To practice legally, podiatrists must hold a permit awarded by the Quebec Order of Podiatrists (Ordre des podiatres du Québec). They can then treat foot ailments by medical, chemical, pharmaceutical, surgical or mechanical means, or by manipulation.

Podiatrists practise in private clinics, and therefore their services are not covered by the Régime des Assurances-Maladies du Québec (RAMQ). However, many private insurance plans will still reimburse some of the costs incurred from seeing a podiatrist.

Also, a doctor’s referral is not required for an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Orthotists and podiatrists are very different when it comes to orthopedics. Orthotists only need a college degree, where they learn how to design orthotics and prosthetics for the entire body. They also learn how to make orthoses, and how to use the doctor’s diagnosis to decide on the type of orthosis required by the patient. By law, orthotists cannot diagnose patients themselves.

In contrast, a podiatrist must hold a university degree. Also, podiatrists deal with more than just orthopedic issues; their education teaches them to diagnose all kinds of podiatric problems. They are able to perform examinations (required for diagnoses), establish possible treatment plans, and, if necessary, prescribe and sell foot orthoses.