It is common for many people to wonder: are podiatrists doctors in Spain? The doubt arises especially when we are talking about professionals who diagnose, prescribe medication, perform foot surgery and offer complex treatments. Although podiatry and medicine are two different degrees, in some cases, as in Clínica San Román, this difference is blurred thanks to a medical team with dual training.
In this article we clarify the usual confusion about this health figure and explain what a podiatrist can do, what not, and in which cases their training also includes the title of Doctor of Medicine.
What is a podiatrist in Spain?
In Spain, podiatry is a health profession with its own university degree, regulated by law. The professional who practices it is a Graduate in Podiatry, with 4 years of specific training in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of foot diseases.
This university degree includes subjects such as anatomy, biomechanics, pharmacology, orthopodology, podiatric surgery, dermatology and physiopathology of the foot. Once the degree is obtained, the podiatrist must be officially registered to legally practice his or her profession.
Are podiatrists doctors?
No. As a general rule, podiatrists are not physicians. That is to say, they have not completed a degree in medicine nor have they specialized through the MIR system. Their training is independent, although also at university level and regulated by the Ministry of Universities.
However, it is important to note that some podiatric professionals do have a medical degree, which significantly broadens their clinical and surgical skills.
What are the competencies of a podiatrist in Spain?
Although they are not physicians, podiatrists are legally qualified to:
- Diagnose diseases and disorders of the foot.
- Prescribe medications related to podiatric pathologies.
- Perform minor and major outpatient foot surgery.
- Development and fitting of orthopedic insoles and custom orthoses.
- Treat dermatological problems of the foot (warts, fungus, calluses).
- Care for diabetic patients at risk of ulcers or amputations.
- Perform biomechanical studies of gait and footprint.
They do not need a medical referral to treat a patient and can issue legally valid clinical reports.
What are the differences between a podiatrist and a traumatologist?
Although both can treat foot problems, there are key differences:
- The traumatologist is a physician and treats the entire locomotor system. He is usually involved in serious injuries, fractures and hospital surgeries.
- The podiatrist specializes exclusively in the foot and ankle, with a clinical and surgical outpatient approach. He/she is the most indicated professional for mild or moderate deformities, chronic ailments, alterations of the footprint or nail problems.
Both can collaborate and refer patients to each other, depending on the complexity of the case.
Can a podiatrist operate?
Yes, a podiatrist in Spain can perform both minor and major outpatient podiatric surgery. This includes:
- Ingrown toenail surgery
- Removal of papillomas
- Surgery for bunions (hallux valgus)
- Correction of claw toes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calcaneal spurs
These procedures are performed in outpatient operating rooms and do not require hospitalization. The podiatrist can also perform postoperative follow-up and prescribe the corresponding medication.
Can you prescribe medication?
Yes. Podiatrists can prescribe drugs within the podiatric setting. This includes:
- Topical and oral antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Anti-inflammatories and analgesics
- Local anesthetics
- Corticosteroids
They may also indicate topical or systemic treatments for dermatological conditions of the foot.
How is podiatry regulated in Spain?
The profession is regulated by Law 44/2003 on the organization of health professions and by Royal Decree 1665/1991. The podiatrist has exclusive competence in his field and does not need medical supervision to treat patients.
What about Clínica San Román?
This is where a key difference is made. At Clínica San Román, the team that treats patients is made up not only of podiatrists, but also of medical doctors with specialization in foot surgery. This means that our specialists can approach each case with a comprehensive medical approach, with access to more extensive diagnostic tests and superior surgical capabilities.
Dr. Israel San Román Sirvent: foot medicine and surgery at the highest level.
The best example of this dual qualification is Dr. Israel San Román Sirvent, medical director of Clínica San Román. His trajectory positions him as one of the most renowned foot surgeons in Europe:
- Degree in Medicine from Miguel Hernández University
- Master in Foot Surgery (Glasgow Caledonian University)
- Fellowship in Ambulatory Foot Surgery (AMIFAS)
- Certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP), being the first European surgeon to obtain this accreditation in minimally invasive surgery.
- Specialist in Family and Community Medicine (Hospital San Juan, Alicante).
- More than 15 years of surgical experience, specialized in percutaneous techniques that reduce postoperative pain and shorten recovery times.
In addition, Dr. San Román is a regular speaker at international congresses, author of scientific publications and member of prestigious medical societies.
Conclusion: podiatrists are not doctors, except when they are doctors.
To answer precisely: podiatrists are not doctors in Spain, except in specific cases in which they have completed both degrees, as is the case at San Roman Clinic. Podiatry is a health profession with its own degree and exclusive competencies, but when a professional combines this training with a medical degree, his or her diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic capabilities are greatly expanded.
In our clinic, the team of professionals who perform podiatric treatments and surgeries are doctors of medicine, as well as specialists in foot surgery. This allows us to offer our patients a more complete, safe and effective approach.
Do you have discomfort, pain or foot problems? Put yourself in the hands of a medical team with double training and years of experience. Make an appointment at Clínica San Román.
