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What are the rankings for universities offering podiatry in Australia?

Discussion in 'Australia' started by lynnc30, Oct 8, 2009.

  1. Aloysius Ong

    Aloysius Ong Welcome New Poster

    I am a current 2nd yr at UWA cramming now to go to 3rd yr =)

    I am a Singaporean mature age international student.

    The course here is great, with a very varied mixed of lecturers.
    some very focused on conservative care....some like to cut(surgery).....some make great orthortics =)
    good acedemic staff all around.....with very good connections
    its very very medical based as we are in the school of surgery.
    same units as medical and dental students.
    very very academically challenging.

    i spend more time studying medical units than pod units. =x hope my lecturers dont read this.
    but i do alot of after hours pod reading for my clinical stuff.

    30-40 hrs weeks are very common.

    strong biomechanics/conservative/palliative care and also very excellent post grad surgical options. excellent research oppotunities if you are so inclined.

    Clinical Placements from 1st yr.....see/treat patients at student clinic from 2nd yr. i been recently observing osteotomies/neuroctomies? spellcheck

    Some students complain its too much medical units. but i do see it as a positive thing. its more structured towards a US DPM than a allied health pod course? I do feel that tad "accomplished" when i compare units that other pod schools do.

    Great campus facilities. good sponsors and great local podiatrists willing to help out students as its such a small community here....can always count on a part time job at the athletes foot ....lol. (one of our sponsors)

    Perth is a little BORING.....but when u have 30-40 hrs weeks....you wont want to go out MUCH.
    Great beaches, good food, good divng.....coz i dive ALOT. VP of uni dive club =), good fishing?
    rent is not too bad. cost of living is ok.

    A batch of less than 20 grads going out this yr.....more than 1/2 with firm job offers and some moving on to grad med and other post grad. i think they started with almost 40.......so 1/2 failed or dropped out or transffered.

    its small, condusive and awesome......but if you dont catch up you will FAIL.
    i lost some fellow classmates along the way.....my class is about 3/4 from when i started in 1st yr.

    Make lots of friends from medicine and dentistry.....future professional friends....never short of referrals from future GP friends. i think thats important...

    Its a great time studying pod at UWA.....but its tough academically.....and its my 2nd degree...and i used to be a straight A/B student? lol.

    Cheers,

    Aloysius Ong
     
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  3. surfboy

    surfboy Active Member

    I have followed this thread with great interest.

    It is obvious to me which second year student 'cleanmycupboard' is. Your identity is known to me. You seem like a nice enough fella although I have not had that much to do with you. I congratulate you on your comments.

    Let it be known: There is no University policy which prohibits the publication of information nor opinions regarding course content, nor other course processes. Earlier commentary made with respect to a potential 'gag order' is laughable.

    Unless the comments made are of a directly harassing or bullying nature, no action can be taken under any internal University policy. Of course, common law actions may be taken with respect to any clearly defamatory statement or other such libel which may be published, but this is another kettle of fish.

    However, I digress: Certain people on this forum certainly do have a lot to say. Indeed, if I was running my own practice, and publishing contentious commentary here whilst clearly identifying myself, I would be very cautious of doing so. Without even having met certain participants personally, I have definitely made my own strong opinions and judgements as to whom I will, and will not, be referring future patients to for assessment and treatment. Arrogance is not attractive.

    The same could, potentially, be said with respect to the sharing of enlightened opinions with respect to University courses. So, whilst a 'gag order' is certainly not the best call of the day, just be aware that the staff are certainly watching this from their cosy nests over in the health precinct.


    :deadhorse:
     
  4. jarlett

    jarlett Member

    As an earlier poster mentioned, different unis have different competancies & focus. Although it is difficult to decide on entry what your focus might be long term, it is worth having a think about the areas that interest you have now & how well the unis are covering this area - how much research is the uni putting out in this field?

    As an employer of podiatrists looking for a sports/biomechanical focus, I would look favourably on grads from LaTrobe, however at the end of the day it comes down to the individual podiatrist & their knowledge, drive & enthusiasm for their profession that gets them the job

    Jayne
     
  5. surfboy

    surfboy Active Member

    As these are anonymous forums the origins of the contributions may be opposite to what may be apparent. In fact the press may use it, or the unscrupulous, or sciolists*, to elicit certain reactions.

    *"sciolist"... Noun, archaic. "a person who pretends to be knowledgeable and well informed".
     
  6. EMadden

    EMadden Member

    This is an interesting thread and obviously many have passionate views regarding undergraduate programmes in Australia.

    I can second the high standard at UniSA, as Richard has, but as a postgraduate student. Though many of the other postgrad students that I met there were UniSA graduates, I found all were very astute and knowledgeable clinicians, who appeared to be great examples of a very sound and successful undergrad degree. I would also like to commend UniSA for offering one of only two postgrad programmes in Podiatry.

    My personal knowledge regarding the Newcastle programme is that they have a top notch programme convenor who is one of the most dynamic and progressive Podiatrists that I have met. What I found most impressive is that not only is she a top notch academic but an excellent clinician, who continues to work clinically…which is not often the case. I know of the hours of effort and sacrifice that have been made to get this programme to an acceptable standard and I assure Newcastle students and the wider community that the programme is in very secure hands.

    Students will develop their own opinions regarding different programmes as they progress through. By half way through most will know which academics/lecturers are of worth and avoid those that are not. As a clinical placement supervisor it is made clear by almost all students who they respect as lecturers. As an undergrad and postgrad student, I was exactly the same and remember the lecturers I had that had a profound effect on me and whom I have fashioned myself on as a clinician.

    Like most things you get out what you put in. Work hard, be dedicated and never think that you know everything. The moment that you do, your hubris will be your undoing.
    Best of luck Lynn and I’m sure that whatever programme you have picked, you will make the most of the opportunity.

    Kind Regards
    Liz
     
  7. Atlas

    Atlas Well-Known Member

    The best non-podiatry specific posts I have read here...period.

    Surfboy, my guess is that your score would have been much superior than the minimum enter. I would love to see you giving "Judge Judy", Andrew Bolt and Alan Jones your 2c worth. One day, let's hope you can represent us in a position that sees you lock horns with the bureaucrats in the Federal Health Ministry, Roxon herself, and those in the AMA that see us all as toe-nail-cutters. They will be no match for your undoubtedly high IQ; and that *unsciolistic (sic) aura you have created in just a few posts. In fact if you posted more, so would I.


    If that is the case Liz, then the 3 year thing is irrelevant. Besides, many mature Victorian podiatrists that graduated prior to 2000 have 3 year degrees; of which a good proportion are probably using the prefix "Doctor".



    Back to Surfboy who hit the nail on the head with....
    And that is why (IMO) a brutally honest answer will be extremely rare from overt posters on such matters. Anonymity will give you a cheap shot; but it will be the only one that can be potentially accurate IMO.

    When I first read the 'gag order', I thought it was a bit precious. However, imagine being a busy clinician (podiatrist) and then reading on forums what your patients have to say carte blanche about you. You better have a thick skin; because you will not make everybody or foot happy. BTW, this is the future for all of us....so you better get Betty back to fix that IGTN, because she has just enrolled in an internet course.


    Accountability should come in some form, but I don't know whether the internet is the answer. Julia Gillard's overdue reforms regarding school transparency for example, is closer to the mark.



    Ron
    Physiotherapist (Masters) & Podiatrist
     
  8. Kara47

    Kara47 Active Member

    Are those with the highest academic marks always the best practitioners? I'd rather be treated by someone skilled and devoted than an intelligent incompetent.
     
  9. surfboy

    surfboy Active Member

    You've hit the nail on the head, Atlas. I am sure your IQ is higher than mine though. ahahaha. If only the Association would step aside, and allow me to take control. !!!

    Back to business, I completely agree with you regarding the notion of 'anonymity'. It can certainly allow a 'cheap shot', but at the end of the day, it is truly the only voice that will ever be potentially accurate.

    And Kara, of course those with the highest academic marks are not always the best practitioners. It's why I chose not to enrol in an Honours year. Personally, by not enrolling in Honours and working fulltime, I have been exposed to many clinical situations head-on. You will see much more clinically in a 40-hour week, than you will in studying books. This path has given me the confidence to successfully establish a private practice.

    By all means, consider enrolling in a full-time Honours year, but IMHO, you will rapidly develop your Clinical skills by working in a full-time capacity immediately following graduation from the program.
     
  10. Sarah B

    Sarah B Active Member

    There is, of course, an argument that completion of honours enables the student to develop a greater understanding of the process of carrying out research; which can help in understanding the implications of published research and how to apply the results to one's practice (or not, as the case may be). I personally believe that embedding honours into the existing degree programme would be a great idea. It already happens in the UK, and seems to work pretty well.
     
  11. EMadden

    EMadden Member

    In general it is a good idea. However, it's important to realise that it can also promote 'academic creep'. Whereby students who don't really have the skills to do research, nor the desire end up producing mediocre research or getting a 2:2 or 3 level honours, which is good experience granted, but doesn't really mean these students are capable of completing a PhD. Which is traditionally what honours in Australia has been used as a stepping stone for.

    I think research embedded within the programme that doesn't necessarily contribute to an extra 'qualification' is probably more beneficial. Those that aren't interested in conducting research can do a systematic review or contibute to a meta-analysis that is specific to a clinical area of interest. If they want to delve further, then honours is an option and they are recognised for having completed a higher standard and their qualification recognises this.

    It's also important to realise that there are currently very few podiatrists/academics in NSW especially, that have actually conducted any research and many have no higher degree at all, so it may be difficult to find capable supervisors for every student to complete a research 'honours', as such.
     
  12. Tsukawaki

    Tsukawaki Welcome New Poster

    La trobe or UWA?

    I am a Singaporean student who is interested in pursuing a degree in podiatry in Australia. I am eyeing on two universities particularly La Trobe University (Bachelor of Health Science/ Master of Podiatric Practice) and The University of Western Australia (Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine). Could anyone (especially those studying podiatry in the above universities) give me insightful information particularly in the quality of study (experiences), personal opinions and feedbacks on both universities so that I could make an informed decision?
     
  13. warmaster900

    warmaster900 Member

    Re: La trobe or UWA?

    Hi Tsukawaki,

    I study @ UWA. It's pretty good, though be prepared to study your a-hole off as your with the meds and dents for a lot of the course, which is great (and instant networking for future career in in WA). We are still quite a small faculty only the 5th yr into the course (from it's start). There have been some incoherencies with integration of some units with the meds/dents (ie. they do tend to get preferential treatment at times). Lecture wise I think the course is amazing, albeit some of the pod specific lectures I've been to have been either way too complex, or way too simple. Obviously the co-ordinators are still ironing out what we're taught in other units so as not to over-lap. Clinic wise, I think we're taught very well, but not many patients have been coming to the clinic, (ie practising injections on each other etc oh so fun!). Not sure what the situation is over at La Trobe....And if you're into your extra-curricular activities....which let's face it your obviously an intelligent Singaporean student wanting to discovering the other side of a new country ;) then we've got some pretty social, social reps, like this guy whose name rhymes with rhino... champion at organising a good party, and at the same time gave us heaps of notes which made 1st year MUCH easier!!

    If you have any more queries.... reply, or message me somehow?

    Cheers.
     
  14. Tsukawaki

    Tsukawaki Welcome New Poster

    Hi Warmaster900,

    I have read that UWA is indeed integrating medical and dentistry modules into podiatry. However for your first year, how many hours of lectures and clinical work do u do? Do 1st year students get involved in dealing with patients in their year or perhaps just watch and listen? By the way do u have friends who are doing podiatry in La Trobe? If you do what is their comments over there?

    Tsukawaki
     
  15. warmaster900

    warmaster900 Member

    Hi Tsukawaki,

    Looking at this year's 1st year timetable....
    1st Year 1st Sem:
    Lectures= 15hrs
    Clinical= 14.5hrs (purely pod tutorials =3hrs, the rest is tutorials/lab/wet lab fun-ness)

    This is probably on the worst case week scenario, lecture wise would be spot on, clinical wise, probably take 4 hours to account for every 2nd week layout of some labs etc

    2nd sem is pretty much the same if not more lectures.

    I think we started seeing patients 1st year 2nd sem, or possibly just 2nd year...not too sure, but they ween you from groups of 3 - 2 - 1on1 with patients.

    I make it out that in 1st year you mainly focus on non-pod stuff I'd say, because there is a *expletive* load of work to do for lectures. Having said that you get taught all the practical skills you need to as you need them, first on each other, then very soon with patients.

    I do know of a couple of people studying in La Trobe, but not sure as to their comments. Sorry.

    Cheers.
     
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