Podiatric Medical News
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April 02, 2026 #8,239
Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
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Burnout and Staffing Strain Hit Podiatry: NCHWA Projection
The U.S. podiatry field is confronting persistent staffing gaps as part of wider allied health shortages projected to extend through 2038. Many podiatrists face mounting burnout driven by heavy workloads, systemic pressures, and documentation demands that intrude on personal time. These combined pressures threaten both the well-being of providers and timely access to specialized foot care.
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) projects a deficit of 5,310 podiatrists. This shortage is no longer considered a temporary disruption but is expected to persist for more than a decade. The sustained lack of personnel is creating chronic strain on healthcare delivery systems. This long-term workforce gap is forcing existing clinicians to manage higher patient volumes and responsibilities, increasing the risk of overwork and burnout.
Source: MSN [3/30/26]
Ever since I entered podiatric medical school back in the late '70s, this argument has been with us. "What right does a non-podiatrist have to measure for, cast, and dispense foot orthotics?" For better or for worse, shoe stores, chiropractors, orthotists, and whoever else has the desire is legally allowed to dispense shoes and "arch supports."
What I find interesting (and at times nauseating) is that "The Good Feet Stores" created a business model where they charge "1500 dollars" for a set of orthotics, and their customers will not say boo. They are not even handmade for the patient.
In podiatric practices where we are highly trained to cast for and to dispense custom orthotics, we often encounter patients who will not consent to having orthotics unless their insurance pays for them. The out-of-pocket price that most of us charge is between 400 and 600 dollars and many patients will walk away. What can we do? To quote Bob Dylan, "the answer my friend is blowing in the wind."
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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