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Retirement and stuff.

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by davidh, Aug 1, 2016.

  1. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran


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    [​IMG]

    So, at the age of 66 I've retired from clinical work.

    I'd love to report that all I do is pootle around the Welsh countyside in the little red machine, pausing to fish various trout streams, kayak, and walk the dogs.

    The truth is that I manage three or four fast, hard drives a week, fish a couple of times a week (if I get the time), and walk the dogs. The rest of the time is spent working.
    A strained shoulder has put the brakes on kayaking for the moment.

    For my sins the medicolegal practice has taken off properly. I visit clients around the uk, case-conference on a regular basis, write reports on gait, foot problems and diabetes, and generally elighten the legal profession about the podiatry profession :D .

    We are a small band in the uk - podiatrists undertaking medico legal work. I have either talked on the telephone, or met in person, most of those who give evidence for the "other side'. It's all very gentlemanly.

    Anyway, I'm pleased to return to the Arena after a layoff.
    I was particularly interested to read about the forensic expert who got into trouble with the HCPC. I think he had the wrong defence at his hearing (or worse, none at all).

    Best wishes,

    David
     
  2. W J Liggins

    W J Liggins Well-Known Member

    Well done Dave. I too have found semi-retirement damn busy - and in many ways more rewarding than f/t working. Problem is, suddenly various organisations decide that you would be useful to them and you'll requests to serve on various voluntary organisation committees, Community Associations, professional bodies etc. etc. Better to wear out than rust away.

    Incidentally, I have an old motorbike wheel in my garage - you're clearly in need. You have only to ask.

    Cheers

    Bill
     
  3. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran

    Hi Bill,

    Nice to hear from you! I trust you and your better half are fit and healthy?

    Very nice of you, but no ta. The joys of this car are based around a Moto-Guzzi big-twin 1000cc engine at the front and a single, skinny wheel at the back. Also I get to go out wearing a flying helmet :D .

    A soft dashboard, airbags of any kind, and a reverse gear are sadly lacking.
    Do you have any of those in your garage?

    [​IMG]
    Incidentally, I found one of these last year. I'm not a member of the Institute, but the colour goes with the car ;) .

    Cheers,

    David
     
  4. Rob Kidd

    Rob Kidd Well-Known Member

    I too am retired - I retired in 2010, aged 55. Anyhow - far to busy to sit here, I have a class in a short while; and another tomorrow; and another two on Thursday. I see we all have the true measure of retirement!
     
  5. Hi David

    Hope you're trading under "Diafor Coch"!

    Good to hear you're keeping busy. I wonder if you have given any thought to a specific medico-legal service for podiatrists and other AHPs? I don't think the MDU covers general podiatric practitioners and the professional body insurance schemes do not provide specialist legal assistance to help clinicians defend cases successfully. In addition to third party legal claims, I think many registrants with the HCPC would also be grateful for an expert and robust legal team when faced with an investigation or FtP hearing.

    Just out of interest, do any of our podiatric surgeons have MDU cover?

    Enjoy the roads and miles ahead..

    Mark
     
  6. Ian Linane

    Ian Linane Well-Known Member

    Hi David
    Well, I did wonder when I'd hear about the day you "retired"!

    Congratulations and I'm so glad you've managed to do it in a place that suites all your interests. Was a pleasure to do a couple of projects with you a good while ago and I appreciated your support and encouragement to push myself (at that time) as a SMAE trained guy to go on and do the top up degree.

    Now, with a bit of luck you'll make enough money in retirement to step the car up to a LADA before long.

    Enjoy it all mate.

    Ian
     
  7. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran

    Hi Mark,

    You raise an important point vis-a-vis medicolegal service for pods and other AHP's.

    As you know, as an Expert Witness my duty is to the Courts, not podiatry. Having said that, I do try to help UK Pods where I can. I can give advice up to the point I am instructed on a case. At that point I become an impartial Expert. If there is a conflict of interests I must declare that conflict, which usually debars me from involvement in the case.

    As things stand The SCP, SMAE, and the Institute will advise any of their members who are under threat of legal action, to varying degrees.

    There is certainly room for a medicolegal course for AHPs. both for finding out how to deal with our own litigation problems when they occur, and for setting up as an Expert Witness.
    I have priced such a course out - it is fairly expensive and one professional body who I approached recently would not consider running such a course, due I should point out, to my own hourly rate, which is high.

    I neither need nor particularly want the work, and cannot envisage me being involved in such a course in the future.

    Appreciate your interest.

    Regards,

    David
     
  8. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran

    Hi Ian,

    Pleased I helped, and likewise thank you for introducing me to the delights of medicolegal work.

    I ASPIRE to a Lada!

    Cheers,

    David
     
  9. W J Liggins

    W J Liggins Well-Known Member

    This man will never been seen in a Lada. A Trabant yes, a Lada, no!
     
  10. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran

    I'll have you know I drove around in a Lada for a week many years ago. Quite the worst car I have ever driven. The only reliable part on it was the clothes-peg used to hold the choke open :D .
     
  11. Rob Kidd

    Rob Kidd Well-Known Member

    I can go one worse - I used to have a Skoda (of the 1970's variety) - dreadful car; I even had a wheel fall off!
     
  12. Bruce McLaggan

    Bruce McLaggan Active Member

    Bill and David happy retirement enjoy
     
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