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Other work prospects for a podiatrist

Discussion in 'General Issues and Discussion Forum' started by Jo jo, Jun 30, 2011.

  1. Jo jo

    Jo jo Active Member


    Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
    Im quite a young podiatrist whom at times love my work and other times feel over it.

    What really gets me down is how in consistent work can be in private practice when you work for someone. Is it just me or is there not much work available?

    Sometimes I wonder what other prospects would be open to me. I am not keen on working as a science high school teacher.

    Anyone know other options open to us as podiatrists i.e. short courses, training.
     
  2. maxants33

    maxants33 Active Member

    Have you thought about volunteering with a NGO for a bit ?

    http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=65480&highlight=calcutta

    I have just been to see a charity in PDR Lao who deal with leprosy and landmine victims, they have had Pods worked with them in the past, Im sure working out there would give you invaluable life perspective and enrich your CV !
    Podiatry is a golden ticket to almost any part of the world !
    Its free to volunteer and while you wont make money you should'nt really loose any/much either - but I hear the skills/knowlege/experience gained are invaluable !
     
  3. Catfoot

    Catfoot Well-Known Member

    Jojo,
    Any private sector work can be unpredictable as there are so many factors that can influence the market. This applies whether you work for another private podiatrist or have your own business.

    We are coming out of a long recession which has seen off a great many businesses that could not adapt to the changes in the marketplace. I am sure that the situation can only improve and the increases in my own client base will attest to this. You will need to stick with it to reap the benefits.

    In addition, coming out of Uni and entering the world of work can be a real culture-shock. You will find that the working environment is no longer state-of-the-art, the caseload may not be as varied and you will need to be able to structure your own time and live on your wits. Nothing will be certain and predictable anymore.

    If you are having doubts about your career choice then I think that the advice you have been given re voluntary work is excellent, and you could gain valuable experience this way. It might give you a different viewpoint as well.

    I hope that helps a bit.

    regards

    Catfoot
     
  4. RobinP

    RobinP Well-Known Member

    :good: Good advice
     
  5. kirstyq

    kirstyq Member

    Hang in there! You sound like a new graduate? It takes years to build up a busy workload. (usually at least three years). If you treat your patients to the best of your ability in a kind and caring manner, you will have their loyalty and your practise will grow quickly. Dont focus on numbers of patients......instead focus on their individual treatment. Treat every patient as if they are special! Good luck!

    Failing this.......you could become a medical sales rep.
     
  6. blinda

    blinda MVP

  7. Jo jo

    Jo jo Active Member

    Thanks guys!
    Its so great to be able to bounce these ideas off other podiatrists. This is actually my second year out. Am quite keen about the volunteer work. Going to look into it.

    Has anyone actually done it before? Is it true you need to do a minimum of 6 months of work?

    The medical sales rep thing doesnt sound too bad
     
  8. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran

    Jo jo, you have loads of options - the volunteer work sounds like a good place to start.
    If you want dosh, a nice company car and little or no job satisfaction you could do worse than medical repping.

    If you obtained a decent degree (2.1 or First) you could transfer careers and do Law or Medicine, because even a Pod degree at that level will allow access into Law or Medicine.

    My advice, given that you've only been qualified a couple of years, is to start a little nearer home and look at broadening your pod experience, perhaps in an NHS post.
    You may need to move location to obtain an NHS post, but that's all part of the fun. You may also like to check with your professional body and Uni to see what other options are open to you in Podiatry.

    Davidh
     
  9. shoe_crew

    shoe_crew Welcome New Poster

    Hang on in there. Podiatry needs you. You won't always deal with the leftovers!
    J0 - from shoe- crew.
     
  10. Ninjasox

    Ninjasox Active Member

    Where in laos exactly? Laos is one of my fav countries in SE Asia, so would love to volunteer. I know there is a lot of landmine work being done in Phonsavan, so would be keen to put in a few months for something worthy.
     
  11. Pauline burrell-saward

    Pauline burrell-saward Active Member

    I hate to say is but you sound like lots of newly qualified uni people.

    Like my two children ( who did different degrees) you come out of uni expecting the world.

    At 23yrs (or near) you suddenly find out that this is the first time you have worked and you have to start from the bottom, and yes that sometimes means photo copying and making coffee for every one else.

    The thing is you may have the qualification but you have no experiance.
    It comes with time, stick with it, after 2 years most people can say they have the basics and can start looking for more interesting work.

    I am not just talking about podiatry this is for all sorts of work.
     
  12. vt1311

    vt1311 Member

    Hi Jojo,

    I too know how your feeling!

    I think the ideas given on this post are a great starting point, and may lead you on to other areas in the future. The volunteering idea sounds really interesting!

    Other options for you include research or transferring your skills into other areas of healthcare (although further training will be required).

    After feeling a little down hearted myself with doing very repetitve work in private practice, rather than changing careers, I have decided to look into doing post-graduate study, which I feel will broaden my knowledge and give me something which may be of help to me in the future.

    Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
     
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