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Smitten

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by smitten, Dec 14, 2008.

  1. smitten

    smitten Welcome New Poster


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    Hello everyone, I hope I don't get shot down in flames for this post but I am interested in having the opinion of other people. My nearly 50 year old ex brother-in-law has expressed a wish to train as a podiatrist. He rang to ask my opinion and I said that it is a great job go for it. However, he will have to do a foundation year and then the 3 year degree course. This will mean that when he qualifies, assuming he starts next September, he will be not far off 55. I know nothing about the training which an FHP receives except that it is not as long. He would be able to work in the private sector no, and presumably providing he worked within the scope of his practice make a reasonable living. I see at the top of this page that Smae are advertising and I know of the West Midlands setup also. I know all the arguments and prejudice out there against FHP but am interested to know what others think?
    Gearing up for the big push towards Christmas - busy week next week - but then almost 2 weeks off.

    Merry Xmas everyone
     
  2. twirly

    twirly Well-Known Member

    Hi Smitten,

    :welcome: to Podiatry Arena.

    Hmm, Your question RE:Brother in law (X) retraining as a Pod' .....

    Only my take but here goes.

    1). What are his aspirations? NHS or private practice? Am only guessing you are in the UK?

    2). Usually (though not always) many in their late 40s are more financially secure (mortgage finished etc) although it depends upon individual circumstances of course.

    3). Commitment: As many will testify a degree in Podiatry is not for the faint hearted. Commitment & bloody hard work (+ the extra foundation year) can appear to be a long haul.

    4). His background I would assume to be vital. Clinical retraining with past experience in eg. nursing could be an advantage as opposed to persuing a new career in Podiatry when previous work was in heavy industry as a machine fitter!

    On the plus side though (again only my opinion) an older student is often more committed in their goals, they have a desired objective and have seen the alternatives.

    If he did go ahead with the plan to retrain as a Podiatrist & was successful in attaining his degree then I would imagine him to be determined enough to prove a success in his chosen 2nd career.

    I feel certain (as a late starter myself) that I would always advise the Podiatry degree route to the provision of foot health service as opposed to any other course on offer.

    May I ask are you a pod' yourself?

    Regards,

    Mandy
     
  3. drsarbes

    drsarbes Well-Known Member

    my 2 cents:
    Don't let age stand in his way, if he's able.

    There are enough barriers in life, real and otherwise, that keep us from achieving our goals.

    If he practices until he's 75 he can still get in a 20 year career.

    steve
     
  4. smitten

    smitten Welcome New Poster

    Thanks for your views folks! Twirly I recognise you from thatfootsite. I think your views were very balanced - thankyou. I am a grandparented pod. reason I didn't go the BSc route was 2 young kids, husband with killer job, too old to really reap enough benefit. I have been in practice (HPC reg) for quite a while, read widely, keep up CPD, refer and refer again when I feel I am out of my depth - in the common round the daily task this does not happen at all often.

    I am domicilliary from choice because it suits my lifestyle, and this stops me from getting into LA and other things which require mucho equipment, I guess it does depend on which way one sees ones' career evolving. If I were to have my time over again (ie be a teenager choosing my career path I would certainly be a degree trained pod but..... ho hum pigs bum...... hindsight is a wonderful thing.


    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Posters

    Luv
     

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