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Message for 3rd year Podiatry students

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by Lovefeet, Jan 30, 2013.

  1. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned


    Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
    Hopefully all of you will be qualifying in July 2013. Unfortunately, the NHS Podiatry job market is quiet, due to Govt austerity measures.

    Like you I was very excited for my profession and could not wait to get out their and be a Podiatrist. Its a tough world out there. And at the moment foot health is in a dog eat dog situation. Some private practices do well, others not so good, and then others chuck in the towel......I have become very disillusioned with the fact that The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists are not there to support the private sector.

    1) The Society let slip foot health practitioner through the net on their accredation section. So as a result this meant the public were been treated by a FHP instead of a Pod. Whether this incident has repeated itself, I do not know.

    2) Despite requesting on numerous occassions for The Society to put up a note on their 1st page for the public to see, what the difference is between FHP and Pod, to date they have never done it.....

    So, basically, going into private practice with The Society the way it is, is not very beneficial to the private practitioner.

    I am giving up on the profession and going study to be a medic...

    The advice I give to you is this.....contact your local law dept at the university and set up a meeting to see the law student representative. Ask them, with the aid of their lecturers (who are trained solicitors) to put a letter together to The Society of Chiropdodists requesting that they put a note up on their front page of their website stating the difference between FHPs and Pods. A letter from these guys will probably kick The Society into action.....Plus its free!!!!! If you do not want to do that...you can always go to their law clinics (if the legal dept at the uni has one) which offer legal representation for folk on low incomes.

    Good luck and I do wish you all a really good time in the Podiatry profession...Its great if you can get the support......
     
  2. It's an old cliche but what you get out of your profession is dependent on how much you put in. Enter practice with the right frame of mind and a desire to advance your skills and help your patient and you will be richly rewarded, financially and otherwise. Come into practice with a negative attitude and a drive to demean and criticise anyone and everyone who you perceive to be a problem to you - and you will fail miserably and may even develop a desire to become a medic or join some equally inferior profession!
     
  3. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned



    Mark, we driven out the profession......I am an excellent Podiatrist, Tell me something, why are businesses closing on the high street? Is it because they useless at their business. I doubt it many cases......There is a recession on ...and everyone is been hit, that is why there has been such a massive increase on FHPs. Not to mention that I have lost a lot of respect for The Society and the HCPC.

    I have found that its not financially and emotionally worth it - to compete against FHPs.

    And unfortunately there are going to be a fair number of Pod graduates who will have similiar experiences.
     
  4. Being an excellent podiatrist requires a great deal more than competent clinical skills. It requires empathy and understanding and an unwavering drive to help those less fortunate than yourself. I'm not sure how well you score in the non-clinical attributes, Lovefoot, but often your appointment diary is a good indicator about how your patients view you. If you are losing patients to those with less favourable clinical training, maybe it's about more than the recession. Presently I am having to close my list for new patient referrals until I work through a backlog, but perhaps I'm just in a more fortunate area. I do receive a number of referrals each month from two local FHPs - sometimes for surgery, sometimes orthotics. Any nursing home enquiries I pass onto them. Their clinical skills are well received and they have the non clinical attributes in abundance.

    Here's a suggestion Lovefoot. I'm in Lancashire. Don't know where you are but you are welcome to spend a day in clinic with me sometime and perhaps I can convince you that you really did make a good choice when you ticked podiatry on your UCLA form....
     
  5. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Here's a suggestion Lovefoot. I'm in Lancashire. Don't know where you are but you are welcome to spend a day in clinic with me sometime and perhaps I can convince you that you really did make a good choice when you ticked podiatry on your UCLA form....[/QUOTE]

    Thanks for the offer......but i know why i became a podiatrist. My patient list would make you drool (the famous people on my patient list and the continual word of mouth referrals), but despite that - I am struggling to grow bigger because of the influx of FHPs. I know I could get a brilliant Pod job out of the UK, but have no desire to leave the UK, and I want to be my own boss. So will be training to be a Medic and then specialise as a GP.

    Hope you continue to have a good Podiatry business.......
     
  6. jb3

    jb3 Member

    Just out of interest Lovefeet, have you made your application to med school yet ? If so have you had your interview and done your UKCAT?
    JBB
     
  7. You have a patient list that would make me drool? And yet you feel the need to raise a legal action against your local NHS trust because you feel their inconsideration has meant you have fallen behind the competition from FHPs. Yes, well I'm drooloing heavily now. Actually Lovefeet, I don't think you are a podiatrist - possibly a FHP, but more likely the partner or relative or friend of a podiatrist with a fairly skewed vision of what their profession is about. Having fun on internet discussion forums posing as someone you are not is a fairly common, if rather narcissistic, behavioural characteristic of the sociopath. You certainly tick all the other boxes. Given the fact that plenty students do actually read these pages, perhaps you might care to keep your narrow views of this profession to yourself as they serve no purpose other than self-pity or mischief making.
     
  8. So you have a constant influx of referrals, you love podiatry and you're a brilliant podiatrist... But you plan to jack it in because an nhs dept said something you didn't like and because the scp didn't follow your suggestion.

    And you have a patient list which would make one drool... And yet is not enough to sustain you (in spite of the flood of famous people beating your door down).

    Makes perfect sense. I bet med school would simply leap to have your application. You clearly have a deep commitment to what you've undertaken and a firm grasp of reality!

    Good luck in your career love feet. I think I speak for all of us when I say we all sincerely wish you well in a new career. You're going places. Fingers crossed.

    As to this thread, I think you've illustrated a chilling cautionary tale for students. Possibly not the one you intended, but that's just a detail.
     
  9. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Yip, i knew you guys would get the hump......My client list extends to very famous people, which will make you drool.....unfortunately my patient list (number wise will not make you drool).

    Do you really want the truth........ I have been running at a financial loss every single financial year since I qualified as a Podiatrist and was forced to go into private practice, because of the limited NHS jobs prospects.....I have over 40 patients on my books...but hell I still run at a loss, because overheads are just so bad ........ I do ok, because the Govt has to bail me out financially on a monthly basis for benefits......without the Govt help I would have been forced to jack it in years ago!!!! I do not own my own house, I do not own my own car and I cannot afford to go on holiday......However, the Govt pays my rent, my boyfriend owns the car I drive and he pays for our holidays......I had a hysterectomy because I would not have been able to afford children, if I fell pregnant.

    Because I run at a loss every month I do not have the money to pay off my student loan...

    Why do you think I want to campaign to get Podiatry schools closed for 5 years....Why do you think I campaign to get The Society to support private practitioners, but it falls on deaf ears.......

    Now you know why for me, the Podiatry degree was a complete waste of time.
     
  10. Don't believe a word of the above and if you had a hysterectomy as a form of birth control it would probably explain a lot. Go way and stop wasting everyone's time please.
     
  11. G Flanagan

    G Flanagan Active Member

    Lovefeet may I suggest you look at a career specialising in sexual health rather than general practice, as you obviously have a firm grasp of appropriate birth control methods!
     
  12. fishpod

    fishpod Well-Known Member

    blimmey lovefeet if you have been qualified 5 years and have only 40 patients no money no car no house no holidays and mutilated yourself to prevent pregnancy and youre on benefits i see your troubles if i had your problems i would probably do myself a favour and end it all.fhps are the least of your problems lack of drive ambition competitive streak pride. your self description is not good if you dont think youre great who else will.be positive get out there and kick some ass ps if you cant crack making a living out of footcare its god help your chances of becoming a gp slim to nought.
     
  13. timharmey

    timharmey Active Member

    I think this is a bit Harsh, lets play nice
     
  14. fishpod

    fishpod Well-Known Member

    quite right tim lets be very 2013. dont worry lovefeet every thing will be fantastic you will become a gp earn 130 grand a year never get any stress finish work at 4 oclock drive an audi q5 have a good postcode and holiday in mauritus twice a year. problem solved.bon voyage
     
  15. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Hysterectomy was not a form of birth control, it was a medical need. They wanted to save my uterus, but what was the point, with no money, you can't give your children a good quality of life....so what is the point of having children....so decided to let the medical profession take the uterus as well.

    No, I am not telling you my story for sympathy. I am telling you this because this is what can happen in the real world of podiatry!!!!

    I am sure you will find many a private podiatrist who lives on child benefits, and has the spouse bring in the main source of income.

    Unfortunately many of my patients are elderly and I do lose a number of them per year - they pass away. Many of the patients that I have seen have been for BMX, and I make them orthotics and then no need to see them again. The 40 + patients I have are regulars.

    Ok, so now you know my situation and you have judged me and ridiculed me about it. Do you now see why it would be helpful if The Society could have a section dedicated to private Pods, so that they can help them in the business area. And how helpful it would be to have something on the front page of their website stating what the difference is between Pods and FHPs.

    Anyway, enough about me and Podiatry.......Going to focus mindset on going back to uni......

    Good luck with Podiatry..
     
  16. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Lovefeet,

    I gave into temptation and removed you from my `ignore` list....

    Your posts are nearly as funny as Marks` (didn`t quite evoke the same belly larf though).


    Best wishes for the future :drinks
    Bel
     
  17. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Thanks Belinda.......
     
  18. N.Knight

    N.Knight Active Member

    If you think a Medic’s life is easy you are wrong, by the way the BBC junior doctor program is nothing like real life.

    My wife is a ST1 on GP training she is currently in A and E works about 90hrs this week. She has had not a full weekend for a good few months, a junior doctors wage is the same as a NHS band 5.

    The amount of times I hear her say I wish I was a Podiatrist, you guys have it easy, we compared to the medics.

    If you want to be a medic that is great and people change jobs all the time, do you really need come on say warn off newly graduated Pods?

    My Trust has hired 5 Bands fives in a year. If you have trouble with that trust speak to them, speak to the FHPs, there is plenty of work out there. I have students in with me most weeks and I hate people who say there is not any work out there, which is rubbish. There is only no work for people who are not a little flexible on where they want to work. For example one student was complaining of now work, however would only work for the NHS in Isle of Wight.
     
  19. N.Knight

    N.Knight Active Member

    I am not judging you, I just get annoyed with people who keep saying there is no work, and it is not true.
     
  20. Still don't believe a word. However, if what you say has any basis in fact, how much different a reception might you have got last september when you started posting anonymously on pod arena if you had introduced yourself thus:
    If the situation is as you say then I would suggest you need to rethink how you approach problems and how you communicate with others. The primary thrust of your grievance is against a group of people who have not been as fortunate as you in receiving a comprehensive training - yet they (in most cases) run a more successful practice than yourself. Why? Many of the people who have engaged in conversation with you over the last five months would have been more than happy to offer their sage advice if your approach had been just a little more professional and honest.
     
  21. jb3

    jb3 Member

    Lovefeet,

    Its a pity you didn't respond to my genuine enquiry about how far you had got with your application to do medicine. I asked because I wondered if you had looked into the process thoroughly, especially regarding the UKCAT, and the Tomorrow's Doctors strategy. Entry into med school isn't just about having the right A level grades, or a good class of degree. Have you also considered that now you have a first degree, you will have to fund the whole course fee yourself as you won't qualify for the tuition fee loan, so that's 9K per year, for five years, up front, and this is before you consider living costs. You should look at the BMA publication on graduate medical student finance, which you can find at BMA.org. Also, the earliest you can now expect to start a med degree is Oct 2014, you missed the cut-off point for applications for Autumn 2013 entry some considerable time ago.

    As someone on the Admissions Executive for the medical school at my university, and who carries out interviews to decide whether we are going to make offers to students, your motivation to do medicine is interesting to say the least. I also think your understanding of how the medical profession works is somewhat out of date, an earlier comment by another poster gives you some info about their partner's employment, and that description is highly illustrative of the reality of being a doctor. I'm also a little concerned about your comment on being your own boss. You are already your own boss in your private practice surely ? Additionally, if you think GPs are their own boss, you might want a re-think, its not quite the bed of roses you seem to think.

    Obviously, I don't know you, but your postings say a lot about your motivation and self-awareness. If you are seriously going to apply for med school, then have a contingency plan for if you don't succeed.
    JBB
     
  22. As Tim says, a little harsh. This is not fun any more.

    Lovefeet. Sarcasm aside. Your primary problem is not your training, your area nor your competition. Your primary problem seems to be that you are blaming everyone but yourself for your lack of success.

    Its not the FHPs fault for setting up next door, nor the HPC's for allowing them, nor the SCP for not changing their website. Its your apparent inability to be honest with yourself about your situation.

    You have a caseload of 40. Thats tiny. You have a well known and respected podiatrist with more patients than he has time to see offer to give you freely of his time in order to try to help you. Instead of boasting about how you cut the toenails of the famous you should leap at the chance to accept that help. It really was a very generous gesture and you sort of threw it back. If you reject help like that I'm not surprised you've not thrived.

    40 patients isn't going to make anyone drool. Unless the famous one is Anne Hathaway in which case I take it all back.

    Suceeding as a doctor is far harder than succeeding as a podiatrist and I strongly suspect is beyond you, financially and intellectually. My honest advice to you is to pull your head from the sand and stop complaining about how unfair your situation is. There are hundreds nay thousands of successful pods out there. You're not one of them. That rather clearly suggests where the problem lies. If you retrain, you'll simply take the problem with you.

    You've invested a lot of time and money in training as a podiatrist. Rather than waste it, take an honest look at your practice, see where you have failed and rectify it. Your energy will be far more rewarded there than by complaining about things you cannot control.

    And if you can't see where you're going wrong, then take advice! Seek help. Speak to people who DO have successful practices and find out what they're doing which you are not. Then start doing it. You might consider doing more than just complaining about the SCP and availing yourself of some help from it. There are people there who give fantastic business advice. Alex catto springs to mind. Whilst I find his choice of insoles somewhat questionable, I know he's helped dozens of pods make successes of their practices.

    You've behaved like a bit of an ass on here lovefeet, and thats why people have given you a hard time. However you've also been given some good advice and offered some solid help. If you take some of it on board, your life will improve. If you change nothing, nothing will change for you.

    First step. Accept you have a problem and where the problem lies. Don't bother looking too far from home.

    Second step. Define, with help if need be, what the problems are WITH WHAT YOU'VE BEEN DOING (subtle emphasis)

    Third step. Change those things.

    However, much like an alcoholic, you must first accept you have a problem. Its not HPC, SCP, FHP or any other acronym.

    Sincerely Lovefeet, I hope you make some better choices and succeed.
     
  23. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Thank you JB3....its taken care of.......Dad is a very rich man...and he lives close to the uni....

    I am very glad I was able to post on this website regarding my experience of private podiatry in the UK......

    Like I say, I gave it my all......and did my best......but I leave it to the local FHPs, they know what they doing, and my dear patients will know that they are in good hands...at the end of the day, the FHPs are far more qualified in doing foot health than a mere Podiatrist. I will tell my patients how good the FHPs are and how well trained they are....and that statutory regulation is total nonsense.....I bow down to the authority of the FHP.....

    yes, 40 is tiny number of patients (despite having some very famous patients)...and yes it is all my fault.....the blame does not lie with anyone other than myself........I live in a tiny area with a small population...and that is my fault....I should move away to a bigger place....But I am the only private podiatrist in this tiny area and if I leave there will only be FHPs to take care of the population.....But I must move.....because it is my fault that I stay in my tiny area to provide quality podiatry treatment.

    So whenever someone complains about their feet, I will always refer them to a FHP......

    I have no idea why the UK offer Podiatry degrees, when there are perfectly good FHP courses......

    What a waste of tax payers money that the NHS train Podiatrists!!!!! No its not.....because without the uni to train the Podiatrists, the lectures would be unemployed and have to fight for private patients (that is if they wanted to remain in Podiatry and there were no NHS jobs for them)..and that would not be good for the lecturers.....but what about the Podiatry graduates who go into private practice and struggle to find patients......that is not your problem.....and its not The Society's problem....and its not the Uni problem who trained them......its no-ones problem.....except the private podiatrist who is trying to find private patients.....

    :D
     
  24. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member


    Blimey Lovefeet

    I don't know where or how to start to answer you but you are struggling and you could do with some encouragement.

    I don't know what you are thinking but 40 patients is nowhere near the number you require to have a viable business. If you do the maths you will discover that if you see 40 regular chiropody patients per week and they return every 6 weeks then you need 240 patients on your books. If you charge £25 a go then that's £1000/week and by my experience that should net you about £600 or £30,000pa. That should keep you off benefits. 40 patients a week is quite a leisurely week if they are all chiropody with no major complications - lets say a four day week.

    In reality 240 customers on your books will not keep you busy, you'll probably need 3-5 times that amount since they won't all come back every 6 weeks and some only come in occasionally, some move, some die (they don't often come back tho:D), some go elsewhere and then return, some are only one off's (but then come back from time to time). In my practice I see about 60 patients a week and work 4.5 days and have about 1500 patients on my books that are live and come under one of the categories above. In 14 years I've seen about 5300 individual customers so I suppose you could say I've had 380 per year but of course when I first started I had none so there is a graduation to that scale. Dunno what that tells you but certainly you cant make a living from 40 customers (unless your name is Les and you work out of Harley Street selling orthoses at £1500 a pop to each one ;)) The first thing you need to do is build up you customer base, so I would recommend local paper, and a good web site that is well optimised and promoting all your USP's (Unique selling points). You may feel that you are not unique in anyway but the truth is you are. At present you are uniquely despondent and angry but you don't have to live in that fear of failure and hopelessness, you really don't. Instead you can choose to live in abundance and hope, all the provisions of the world are there for you to enjoy just as they are for anyone else. Living in fear is heavy and steals your joy but living in abundance and hope is light and revives you joy.

    Each day start off by recognising and speaking out that it is a great and amazing day and then imagine and speak out what it is that you will achieve and want to happen to enrich your life and business. Try never to speak anything negative about anyone or anything, and if you do then counteract it with thanks, a positive affirmation about what an amazing person you are and what and amazing day this is and speak out how your plans will materialise into reality. Only try to control what you can control i.e. you and your actions. Give a little more than anyone would expect and don't expect reward. In short give without expectation and receive everything with thanks (that's everything not just what you perceive as the good things)
    E.G. Some people feel that when they give a lot then they should get something in return. But when there is nothing or not sufficient returned as expected then that giving person can get hurt, become angry and lash out. This is because they expected to control the actions of another but could not.

    Finish the day with thanks for everything that came to you that day and for what will come tomorrow.

    If you do this for six months then you will be so encouraged you will do it for two years and in two years time you will be amazed how you are sooo in control of what you do and what happens to you and incredibly no one is in control of you or what happens to you..

    I know this because I did work thru those 2 years and it was very worth it. **

    (I know it sounds a bit cheesy but I'm not easily embarrassed :eek:)

    Good luck with whatever you decide to do

    regards Dave

    **PS then I became Christian and things got really good but that another story.:drinks
     
  25. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Thank you David.......the community I serve is tiny.....going by your figures.....there is not even enough work for 1 podiatrist, oops sorry meant to say FHP...(naughty me - I must remember to replace the word podiatrist with FHP.)

    David, take care of yourself......:drinks
     
  26. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    I did!

    Dave
     
  27. You should reflect on the fact that David was one of those FHPs you relentlessly deride. David in an excellent example of someone who has used his initial training as a stepping stone to continual education and has quite rightly gained an authoritative and respected voice in clinical podiatric biomechanics. Your initial training was no doubt more comprehensive than David's so you should have a good advantage over him - but you have a long way to go to catch up. When you do then where you live will cease to be a factor in your catchment area. Your patients will travel to see you.
     
  28. blumley

    blumley Active Member

    As a 3rd year podiatry student coming up to graduation (with a bit of look I have read this discussion with interest). First off I did a year of medicine (left the course as I was not happy, not the right course for me) and if you are struggling now then you are in for one hell of a shock when you undertake a medical degree. Even before beginning the program the work is excessive and time consuming. As well as ukcat preparation, you have shadowing time to prepare, making sure your physiology knowledge is up to date and preparing a good personal statement and interview preparation. So I would give it more thought before you begin this process. This is not a negative reflection on the medical career as it is a great career if it right for you.

    My question is what have you done to try and drum up your business to have a more successful career? possibly some shadowing time with a successful private practices may open some doors for you, even some work opportunities. Maybe some changes in how you are marketing your business, or even some agency work to gain more exerience. If you are willing to move to begin medical training, then why not move to gain some better work opportunities.

    Personally I acknowledge that it is a tough job market at the minute (the same in pretty much every career), but instead of getting frustrated I have arranged some shadowing time with a variety of practitioners to gain as much experience as possible. I am also looking at doing a masters part time (not sure which one yet) to try and make myself as employable as possible.

    Maybe I am being a bit optimistic and naive, but I would hate not to work as hard as possible to be a success.

    I really wish you all the success in the world and hope that whatever decision you make you find a great career.

    Kind regards

    Ben
     
  29. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Thank you Ben. The good thing is that although I swore I did not want to leave the UK, it is with trepadation that I have to remove myself from the UK to undertake my medical studies. My father does not live in the UK, so in order for him to finance my studies, I have to be near him......That is the deal with him.......

    Good luck Ben.....BTW.....why are you studying a Podiatry degree when the FHPs are far better trained and experienced with dealing with Foot health than the public sector.........well that was told to me by the FHPs on this site....
     
  30. blumley

    blumley Active Member

    Well best of luck to you, but I really think you should take advantage of the offers you have been given regarding some shadowing etc. most of us would kill for a chance like that

    For me podiatry offers me a career with huge potential (with a bit of luck), I love my placements (seeing podiatrists managing diabetic patients, dealing with biomechanical problems, offering steroid injections and even accupuncture in some cases has proven to be inspirational. I don't regret a second of my decision

    although this may change If I am broke in 3 years time ;)

    regards

    Ben
     
  31. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Mark...I take people at face value....I like David for who he is.......He has done his bit for the foot business......I tried to do my bit and know I served my patients well and the Podiatry profession....but at the end of the day.......the UK is best suited for FHPs at the end of the day, my hands on training within the various NHS clinics could not possibly compare to the private clinical experience I would have achieved within 1 - 2 weeks of clinical experience at a FHP school.....
     
  32. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    Ben you will get a NHS job no probs...I can sense it.....and yes you will have a fab time.

    Ben...shadowing is fine if you are not a qualified Foot Health Practioner (yes I am finally learning to replace the word Podiatrist with Foot Health Practitoner). However, things were different in my work environment...and maybe one day I will tell you about them over a pint.....

    In the meantime best of luck!!!!!!
     
  33. twirly

    twirly Well-Known Member

    Dear Christ why hasn't this thread been closed yet ? Please Admin save us the waste of a page! Don't give a monkey's scruff whom it may have on its list of higher echelons, just draw a line & send them to the student finance team for medicine!
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2013
  34. Absolutely. You are quite correct. I highly recommend you follow your intuition and leave the profession immediately. I'm sure it will be difficult, but I think we might be able to cope eventually. Maybe you could sell your list and equipment to one of the local FHPs - I'm sure the money will come in useful for your studies.
    Good luck & goodbye
     
  35. jb3

    jb3 Member

    Ditto Mark's comment. It's a relief that you want to study medicine abroad, there isn't a cat in hell's chance that you will get a place in the UK with the attitude you display. And let's be honest, if Daddy has to buy your medical degree, then best that you are outside the UK. I'm glad I won't have to reject your application. Y'know what's lacking most in all your posts ..... A bit of good old humility. The world doesn't owe you a living, for the rest of us we have what we have through hard work, application, and perseverance, which gives value to what we achieve. You have been given a huge amount of advice by many well informed people but your 'world owes me a living' attitude has dulled any self-awareness you might have started out with. I'm not usually harsh to folk on forums, but you really do beggar belief. Get over yourself. Sell up quick and buy the air ticket.
    JBB
     
  36. jb3

    jb3 Member

    Hi Ben, it sounds like you are making a success of your change in direction. What made you choose Podiatry rather than any other health-related course?
    JBB
     
  37. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    JB3 only in this godforsaken country would you have FHPs running riot...The only reason I have to rely on my Daddy darling for my training in a medical degree is because this country has gone to pot. No way would I take the risk of studying another degree in this country. For all you know...in the future .the NHS will allow folk with 1 - 2 weeks training in a private school running riot like so callled medical doctors. I worked my butt off and earned my degree through sheer hard work and determination......I do expect recognition for that.

    I live in a teeny tiny part of the the UK....the FHPs are working as carers in the nursing homes and charging their residents to undertake foot health treatments. The carers in the private sector are undertaking foot health treatments on their clients and charging them....What can I about it...nothing...My only option is to go back to university and this time NOT do a mickey mouse degree, like a Podiatry degree where it is worth nothing.....And definately not do a UK degree.....because they not worth the paper they written on....

    So I guess the feeling is mutual.....- 2 fingers up to the UK university system...and for all I care you can have 2 fingers up to me.....

    The UK need to improve their standards of regulation....but we know that is never going to happen....because its the UK...and to strive for high standards will never be part of their agenda....

    Even Africa has higher standards than the UK....yes believe it or not they are fussy.....
     
  38. Lovefeet

    Lovefeet Banned

    ...shame i should not have had a go about the university degrees in the UK...sorry if i hurt anyones feelings....And i should not have voiced my opinions of the lack of regulation....sorry if i hurt anyones feelings...
     
  39. blumley

    blumley Active Member

    Hi judith,

    tbh I really struggled throughout my year in medicine and just was not cut out for it at the time, great career but i am not the right person for it or at least wasnt at the time.

    Podiatry really appealed to me after speaking to someone at my lowest point during this time. I had been doing some reading and came across the field of biomechanics and was facinated, so did more investigation as to what a podiatrist does. For me it was the huge potential the career has (I still believe this despite the negativity), i have since gone on to develop an interest in the role biomechanics plays in everything from management of the diabetic foot to podiatric surgery (something else I am intrigued in and have been doing some extra shadowing time in).

    I personally feel like it is a career where you get what you put into it, so with this in mind I am thinking of applying for masters in the theory of podiatric surgery and seeing where it takes me, even if it doesn't lead to a career in surgery as such I still believe it will make me a better clinician who is able to offer more for my patients.

    I do not feel like I would have had these options in any other health career, plus its way more interesting than pharmacy or dentistry ;)

    regards

    Ben
     
  40. The person with an edit or admin function that deletes this thread deserves nomination for Pod of the Year Award - and a beer.


    On the other hand I might be tempted to direct it to all third year students, but probably not for the same reasons as the podiatrist formerly known as Lovefeet...
     
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