Are you pursuing a career that gives you lots of opportunities to develop your skills and expertise in a particular area of practice? Podiatry is your right choice.

Podiatrist is a healthcare professional trained in recognizing, diagnosing and treating the foot and the ankle and their governing and related structures, including the local manifestations of systemic conditions by any system or means, (American Podiatric Medical Association).

The podiatrists give professional advice on the prevention of foot problems and on proper care of the foot. Patients will be of all ages from infant to the elderly. In the hospital particularly podiatrists see many patients at high risk of amputation foe example those who suffer from arthritis or diabetes. The podiatrist is part of multi disciplinary team who plays a major role in the care and management of the foot in diabetes.

WORKING AS A PODIATRIST

After a comprehensive training you will be prepared to work with both competence and confidence. You will use a wide range of clinical and communication skills, and treatments to help your patient.

What you may do?

Podiatrists treat people of all ages and from all walks of life. Some examples of this area are:

• Children sometimes have pains in their legs or feet as they grow or have problem walking.
• People with diabetes may have problems with the circulation or sensation in their feet.
• Sports men and women often suffer from injuries to their legs and feet.
• Dancers with long hours rehearsing and performing put stress through their feet that can cause injury.
• People needing minor surgery – some nail surgery.
• People wanting advice – some people do not need treatment but just want advice about footwear of foot health.

You will:

• Assess and treat foot care ailments, ranging from problems such as verrucas to deformity.
• Analyse a person walk or run and correct the anatomical relation between the different segments of the foot. Orthotics-custommade soles –are often prescribed to achieve this.
• Monitor and manage foot problems and deformities caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Advised and treat patients at high risk of foot problems and amputation such as people who suffer from diabetes.
• Nail surgery using local anesthetics.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Universities may vary slightly in their entry requirements. However you will usually need one of the following:

6 GCE O level, including English language and preferably two science subjects.

3 A-level subjects at a minimum of Grade C and above, one of which should be a science.

COURSES

United Kingdom: 3 – 4 years full time. Awarded BSc (Hons) in Podiatry.

Australia: 4 years full time. Awarded BSc (Hons) in Podiatry.

During training you will be given the opportunity to learn from a vast number of people with wide ranging lower limb problems. Each year consist of both theory and clinical experience. Modules include Human Anatomy & Physiology, functional Anatomy of the Lower Limb, Exercise & Clinical Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biomechanics, Podiatric Orthopedics, Medicine in Podiatry, Local Anesthetics, Clinical Podiatry and other modules specific to Podiatry including clinical placements in hospitals.

CAREER PROSPECTS

As podiatrists gain experience, they can choose either to work with wide range condition or to specialize. There are lots of opportunities for podiatrist to develop their skills and expertise through further courses.

You may choose to specialize in a particular area of practice, for example; Biomechanics, Podopediatrics (working with children), Sports Medicine, Diabetes, Podiatric Surgery or Forensics Podiatry. Podiatrists have a vital role to play in assessing, treating and advising high-risk patients such as diabetes.  Teaching or research are also options.

Podiatry Plus Points:

• Excellent graduate employment rate.
• Flexible working
• Varied employment opportunities
• Post grade opportunities.