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Hi

I've been a podiatrist for a few years now and it's been really good fun. However, over the last few years I haven't been getting as far as I would have liked. I feel that other than the routine stuff there isn't much else to do now. I work in NHS and started a small private clinic on the side last year and it's sort of growing but nothing spectacular, at this moment I have no idea what potential it has or even if I have the business acumen to make a real success of it.

I've seen a lot of pods move to medicine. My question is how have you found it? and is it a good idea (I'm well into my 30's).

I realise it's a massive commitment and lord knows how I'll pay the bills. But by the same token I don't think there are any prospects for me in podiatry. If I leave it'll spell the end for the private clinic too (at least where I live currently, as I suppose I can always start new private work wherever I move to for the medical course).

I haven't applied yet, just thinking about it. It's a hard decision which will move me out of my comfort zone - new city, new house, etc. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks. :)

 

Though "retired now" (yeah, good joke), I taught podiatry students for 30 years. In that time I had countless become medical doctors. I never heard of any of them regret the transition. To me, these are issues. First, why do it? If you are looking to expand your career - fine. I still teach first year medical students their primary anatomy and always say to them: "if you are here to be called 'Doctor', leave now, the novelty wears off by morning". However I have one ex-student in mind (whose name I have forgotten, so confidentially is easy); he is is general practice here in Adelaide, and my spies tell me he does his own nail surgery to this day and simply says that being a pod first made him a better GP. My advice - go for it, if that is what you want, but please, do not fall for the "yes Doctor" bit: its bullshit.

 

I would also add the doctor sentiment to anyone who is thinking of undertaking a PhD for the same reason.

 

Adrienne - I have worked with PhD grads (including me) for 30 years. I don't know any of us that go around saying "I am Dr Kidd, you know!". In class when the proto med students ask the simple question: "what do I call you?", the answer is always, "Not Doc, Not Prof (even though I was one) - try Rob". While I have know a (very) few people undertake a PhD for personal satisfaction, the truth of the matter is that it is the driving licence of the academic world. If you applied for a position in anatomy at (EG) The University of Western Australia without a PhD your application would go straight to file 13. It is simply the basic tool of the trade.

 

Apologies to Rob in my tardy response. I concur with your comments. I do remember an ex NHS boss once told me when I was mid PhD that as a nurse he wanted a ‘doctor ‘ title, and for that reason he was going to undertake an online professional doctorate. I just smiled to myself and said nothing.