How to get a foot in the door with Biomechanics?

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Hi Everyone,
It's been ages since I have been on this site so please excuse me if I am starting a thread which has already been answered before.
I was just wondering if anyone out there had some advice on how to get a foot in the door (no pun intended) really with biomechanics when working with an NHS trust?
I graduated from Uni last year (podiatry baby) and having been working for an NHS trust for a couple months and really want to progress into the whole biomechanics sector of it all. It's a strong area of interest for me and I am always reading papers and books on it all trying to broaden my knowledge and also talk to the more superior members of my trust who work in biomechanics just to have discussions about the topic really to show my interest.
I know that I am only young and new to the whole thing but would really appreciate any advice on getting into biomechaincs so I can start early and have a few years to work on it.
Any advice appreciated
Thanks in advance x

 

Ah, enthusiasm. For me the most important attribute of any potential candidate.

Well done on desiring to take the road less traveled.

Ok, advice.
1. Find out what your trust's system is with their biomechanics team (if they have one). See if there is the oppertunity for a rotation, or for some shadowing.

2. Find a mentor. Preferably one close enough to meet regularly. You need somebody to show you your strengths and more importantly weakness, and to guide you.

3. Keep reading. Above all keep thinking about what you are reading. There is a pretty rubbish biomechanics column in Pod now every month

4. See every patient you see as a bomechanical case. If there are chairsides, use them. If there is a biomechanics team, use them. If the latter follow your patients progress through the bio team. If they are like me they will be flattered that you are taking an interest and happy to help.

5. If there is no oppertunity to progress to a biomechanics post in your own trust, keep your eyes open for one in other trusts. Mail shot your neighboring trusts and tell them you have an interest and ask that they let you know if a post comes up.

Above all, keep trying and you will get what you want eventually (if you work for it).

If you want to, Pm me and if you're reasonably local you are welcome to come spend a day of manufacture or Paeds with me. I do so admire enthusiasm.

Good luck

 

Hello Kerrie,
Along with Robert's advice, have you considered doing further formal study in biomechanics? It might be worthwhile having a look at doing a masters or PGDip? It may help you get a job in a specialist area. Also, have you spoken to your manager about it? Express a need to spend time in the biomechanics department and maybe ask for funding for your masters at your next PDR?

 

Kerrie, This is Dr Blake (Rich) from San Francisco California. If you have biomechanical questions that come up, please feel to email me. I wish you all the best. Rich Blake

 

Thank you so much for all your help guys it's really appreciated.
Like I say I am VERY keen on Biomechanics and will definitely be chasing it up. I have a apprasial in a couple months where I need to bring up things which I want to develop in and I already very much intend to bang on about bio
A masters is definitely on the cards also and I have been looking around at some in the general area and the good thing about being in a big city is that there are plenty of uni's close by which offer it.
I am an incredibly tenacious person when it comes to wanting to develop in bio so don't worry there are no signs of giving up on it here :drinks
Thanks again

 

Good luck Rich Blake

 

Don't rush into a masters just yet, get some experience first (IMHO). I have colleagues with MSCs, and in many cases, their clinical practice hasn't changed a jot, just more reflective on what they do. Think laterally as well. I am doing a Masters in Medical Ultrasound, and boy what a skill that is to have in an MSK dept.

Enthusiasm will get you where you want to go, you just might have to step in some $hit along the way, like the rest of us.

Good luck, break a leg!

 

Kerrie:

I was where you were about 27 years ago. My advice?

1. Read as much as you can from both the classic and recent biomechanics papers and textbooks.

2. Try to spend time in the clinic with the most knowledgeable practitioner you can find to learn how they evaluate and treat patients.

3. Do free screening clinics at schools or shopping malls to see as many feet and perform as many gait examinations as possible. This will allow you to see how the average foot (i.e. one that doesn't necessarily have any pathology) functions during walking. These feet never come into the podiatry clinic and it is critical to appreciate the differences in structure and function between the "normal" and "abnormal" foot.

4. Go to Craig Paynes Biomechanics Boot Camp if you can. Craig presents a very up-to-date and useful amount of information for the podiatrist who wants to be more proficient in biomechanics, in a short amount of time. Craig and I have lectured together quite a few times and when Craig talks, you can expect that you are getting the best in podiatric biomechanics.

5. Ask questions on Podiatry Arena. Here you have the world's finest foot and lower extremity biomechanics minds at your disposal. Why not use the resource since it's free and there is no other information souce like it.....anywhere!

6. As you gain knowledge, offer to lecture to your peers and start writing articles on biomechanics topics. Lecturing and writing will force you to hone your knowledge and thinking process to the point where you will become one of the most knowledgable individuals in your community on a certain subject.

7. Keep balance in life. Don't get so wrapped up into something that you forget what is important in life. My motto? Work hard and play hard!

Good luck.:drinks

 

Hi Kevin,
Thank you so much for the great reply, the advice is really appreciated. The only thing that I would ask, and please excuse this as it is probably a very silly question, but how would I go about doing point 3 as this is something which has been at the back of my mind for a couple months. I was thinking about maybe doing it at my gym as I am currently just watching people on the treadmills whilst I'm on the bike and also getting funny looks as nobody is really aware what I'm doing, haha.
Is there some kind of extra cover or something that I would need from the society in order to be able to do it or is it something that I can just set up and do one day?
Again apologies for the silly question :wacko:
Thanks

 

What's one of them then? I'm always confused by what constitutes "normal" structure and function. Always seems to be a touch tautological. What most would call abnormal pronation in a caucasian with heel pain might well be considered "normal" in an afrocarribean sprinter.

Is there such a definition as to what normal and abnormal means?

 

Let's not ruin this thread for Kerrie, Robert. You should start another thread and ask the same question.....should be an interesting one.

 

If you are doing a free screening, and not offering treatment, then you should be able to go into any elementary school and offer free medical screening to the students with approval from the principal or vice principal. Tell them you are doing this as a public service to provide education to the parents and students. You may want to give a talk to each class or produce a handout on foot hygiene/shoe tips that each student could take home to their parents. This will increase your exposure to the public, you will see lots of children's feet, and you will see how they all run and walk differently. This experience will allow you to improve your examination skills via repetition. I did free screenings at my local elementary schools during my first few years of practice and it was extremely valuable for me.

The same idea could apply at a shopping center with approval from the manager of the center as long as it was again offered as a public service. Tell them you aren't selling anything, but just want to educate the public on proper foot care and shoe wear. The worst thing that can happen to you is they will tell you, "No".

If more podiatrists did this on a regular basis, presenting themselves as a caring heath professional to the public in a professional manner, then there would be a huge increase in the public's positive view of the services a well-trained podiatrist can provide.

By the way, Kerrie, I suggest you print my list of 7 things you can do to be better in biomechanics and post it on the wall in front of your desk so that you can see it every day. This will provide a constant reminder to you of what needs to be done to better develop your expertise in podiatric biomechanics.:drinks

 

Fair enough.

One more for you kerrie, ask impertinent questions of world class authorities. Once your skin grows back you're almost always wiser. Especially if the question sparks a debate and pulls in more of the top line experts!

Plus, in time, you become flameproof. Then you can ask the "silly questions" other people are too embarrassed to.

 

Already done and I have to say having your name on my clinic wall is getting me brownie points
Thanks again

 

Kerrie

Having reread Kevin' list of 7 things, I just want say that, since I found this forum, I have learned more in 9 months with the help of people like Kevin, Robert and other great contributors than I learned in my previous 8 years practicing. It has given me back a desire to be a better and more learned clinician.

And Robert is right, the more you learn, the more you will understand that asking the silly questions is the most important thing you can do.

One other thing I would add to the list - buy the Precision Intracast Newsletters(usually advertised down the right hand side) They are worth every penny.

Good luck

Robin

 

This thread has really helped me a lot. I have been practicing as a Podiatrist for the past 7 years, I came in enthusiastic but didnt know about this forum or meet anyone to help. My enthusiasm quickly died down but just reading this has sparked off that fire in me. I am looking forward to putting the suggestions into practice.
Thanks Kerrie for starting the thread.

 

:welcome:

...and don't forget the Boot Camp coming up in London and Manchester ...:
http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=51411

 

Hi Vuye

I see you are in Kent. There are some good folk down there might be worth meeting with. Definitely give the boot camp a go.
Ian

 

I am indeed looking forward to it and all being well should see you in London

 

Hi All,
Just thought that I would let you all know that my hard work and dedication is paying off. I am now working a second job in a private clinic doing, what dya know....biomechanics and sports injuries!!!! Absolutely loving it. So please expect some questions on tricky cases I see as the help of the masters would be greatly appreciated
Thanks Again

 

Hi Kerrie.
Your enthusiasm is infectious, even across the internet.
I found by shadowing a senior staff member, either at your own trust or another one is invaluable. Even to shadow a really good private biomechanist at a private practice on a Saturday will teach you plenty.
Reading and attending courses also helps. If you work a bit at community clinics. get into the habit of doing a biomechanical assessment for every patient that comes in(time permitting). Older people also have biomechanical problems.

 

Sorry, I'm blind & dumb but I can't see Kevin's 7 things. Any clues how to find?

 

Post number 8

 

How did I miss that. Time for an eye check me thinks:wacko: