Excited..But Seeking Some Answers and Advices

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Hi all,

I have been accepted into Podiatry in La Trobe and will probably start in 2012. I am very excited and looking forward to learn about feet

However, I do have some questions as there aren't that many information about Podiatrists. (I have been doing quite a lot of research on the internet these few days)

My questions are:

1. Are there still going to a pretty big demand for podiatrists by 2016 when I will hopefully be graduated.

2. My wife and I just had a baby boy last November, so was wondering if it is a good career in turns of for family live.

3. Are there any advices that you would give people like me before I start my studies in Podiatry and also being a Podiatrist in the future.

Thanks in advance!

 

Firstly, Congratulations

1. Are there still going to a pretty big demand for podiatrists by 2016 when I will hopefully be graduated.

Most likely, though the intake for podiatry in Victoria has increased substantially over the last few years, all graduates are getting employed. The reason for the increased intake is the expexted increase in demand. There are only around 1000 podiatrists in Victoria and 3000 across Australia. That's 1 pod for every 7000 people, or about 1 pod for every 700 people with diabetes, or 1 pod for every 1400 people over 65, so there is / will be is plenty of work.

2. My wife and I just had a baby boy last November, so was wondering if it is a good career in turns of for family live.

It can be. If you work for yourself in private practice, you can set your own hours. If employed, positions can be full or part time. Options exist for after hrs and week end work etc. if you want / need extra income.

3. Are there any advices that you would give people like me before I start my studies in Podiatry and also being a Podiatrist in the future.

Enjoy your course and keep learning.

 

Hi Dmax,

I have also been accepted to study podiatry from 2012.

I deferred my course to start next year to figure out my finances while I study.

I also hope to have a new member of the family within the next two years and have same concerns with you as well.

From research from the internet, the pay rates for podiatrists seem average, but low compared to my current rates as an IT consultant.

Without sounding materialistic, its a key concern for me, how I will be able to support myself while I study and gather work experience. My partner is also just graduating from university, so she will be be on an average graduate salary.

Some ways I have been thinking of creating some finances while I study:

- part time job as a IT help desk or call centre
- tutoring high school kids english, maths, sciences
- ebay

The decision to study a health science, has been a personal decision for me, as I want to be in a profession where I can help people and reap the direct benefits, however I still feel a strong responsibility to provide for my family and future family. It would be a great inspiration to me and I believe fellow future podiatrists if successful podiatrists can testify to the financial rewards of this profession. Maybe even becoming a lecturer, academic, written a podiatry book? anything.


I hope I haven't offended anyone by sounding too materialistic, but with so many bills and being nickled and dimed to death by so many organisations, I just would like some hope that I am doing the right thing for myself and my family.

Thanks,

Hope the best for you and your family Dmax!

 

hi sjtmdwns,

it's nice to meet you I'm excited to meet you at uni. The reason why I deferred is because I am trying to finish my commerce degree this year. I think I will also try to get a commerce related part time job.

from the little research I have done I think the salary of a podiatrist can be quite good because of the high demand. I am not too fuss about the salary but I like a job that I can wirk for myself and gives me flexible time.

I have done a year of physio before back in 2003, but I think podiatry is more specialized, that's why I chose it this year.

anyway, here's my email

position_top@hotmail.com

keep in touch. can't wait to meet you at uni

 

Hi folks.

For the people starting out ie not Steven, Podiatry is like anything in life, make of it what you will. You can be very successful in private practice making very large sums of money or a comfortable living or go bankrupt.

What I would suggest is study hard, put the energys into studies and become a very good Pod. Then the rest willcome. If you just think about the busy private practice chances are it may never come. Be good at being a pod 1st.

Save money this year work part time make financial sacrifices but be the best pod you can and life should be comfortable in the least.

Goodluck

 

Thanks for your advice. In your opinion, what sort of skills and attributes makes a good Podiatrist?

cheers

 

D do we have a name ?

Caring ,dedicated and smart probably the 3 that come to mind. But every sub group of Podiatry will have different attributes and to be honest you won't know whatsbest for you till you have tried all and spent sometime doing them. Sometimes it takes years to decide your field. Some choose a field and were better off doing a little of everything.

New grads often think being a specialist is the way to go, but in reality being in private practice can be a much better career doing a little of everything -,you most likly would earn more as well

So keep all options open . You may think going in that x is the go, but leave with y as the area for you or even private practice doing x,y.z.q etc.

So D its hard to say but smart, caring and dedicated good starts.

Edit good verbal comunication skills are very very Important as well.

Ps
If anyone starting out in studies next year or later this year reads this and wants to get a head start -,findout what anatomy and physiology book your going to use in your 1st year and start reading and study it. It will help you a lot

 

thanks weber,

lol....I hope I will be smart enough

But I really think being caring, professional and know what you are doing is very important

I can't wait to start my clinical at uni, meeting different people and actually apply what I have learned in practice.

Now, with the anatomy, is it mainly the lower limb, foot and ankle? anything else we learn?

ps. the name is Steven

 

Steven, I'm sure you love it.

I guess I should have explained what I ment by smart . I beleive that being smart has got nothing with your grads or ability to learn and do well in exams . If I said street smarts you get the idea. Podiatric smart, thats why some of the most sucessful pods were B or C students but brilliant pods . Hope that makes sense

Anyway goodluck again

 

Firstly, I absolutely commend you both, as persons with family responsibilities, for choosing to embark in higer education.

As for what the future holds for you, or for all of us generally, who knows. One thing that is guaranteed, is that by pursuing tertiary education in the health sciences and formal accreditation as a Podiatrist, your career and professional options will be enhanced. Your studies will also hopefully provide you with a rewarding learning experience.

There will be ample employment opportunities for Podiatrists with drive, sound clinical skills, and importantly, an engaging personality.

If you enjoy interacting with the elderly, have sound clinical skills, a sense of business acumen, the sky really is the limit.

 

been getting pain in my feet, maybe because both of my feet are pretty flat. gonna have to go give the Student Clinic at La Trobe a visit soon, maybe next week