What is the future of UK podiatry?

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Hi All,

This is my first post here and I have enjoyed browsing around reading many of the posts, there sure are many opinions out there!


I am not a qualified podiatrist but am considering becoming one. 6 months back I began the process of looking into the lifestyle of a podiatrist as well as the qualifications required here in the UK. I am also speaking to some as well as trying to get some shadowing experience (tricky it seems so far!).


I would love the benefit of your experience regarding the future of UK podiatry in the NHS and what my other options could be.


I have fitted ski boots and running shoes for two years now. All I really enjoy doing if I am honest is looking and playing with peoples feet! When I did it I used to really enjoy shaping the Sidas insoles viewing it as quite a creative process considering it's scientific background.

The youtube site for pod. arena is really useful inspiration for me on days when I doubt my interest in this field, keep on posting vids!

My concern is for the future of NHS podiatry. Here in Bristol there seem to be cuts going on in the Pod. teams and I get the impression that eventually podiatry and physiotherapy will become one and the same. Does the NHS see podiatry as a burden, are podiatrists middle men between orthotic fitters and consultants? Is there a big plan for Podiatry and would I be better getting another degree and specialising in the lower leg?

I would like to work in an atmosphere of mutual support and have the respect of my peers but I don't 100% trust that this is the case. Is this true?

The training is another issue and specifically, do I want to leave university only to be paying of £15,000 of debt for the rest of my life. Do I need to do a 3-4 year course to do work of this type? For example Massage Therapists (sports) can specialise in musculoskeletal issues, would this be another route to work on and with what I like doing?

My interests are, as already mentioned musculoskeletal (would love to work with skiiers...my passion) and paediatrics and I love creating the orthotics!


I realise there are quite a few questions here. If anyone would like to jump in with their thoughts it would be of great help to me.

Many thanks
Andy, bristol, england.

 

Hi Andy

Podiatrists are independent practitioners who are able to consult diagnose and manage foot and foot-related lower limb conditions.

Yes I believe taht there is definitely a place foer PODS in the NHS.Also,you can practice independently without having to work for someone-now isnt that nice? That is the whole point of completing a 3 or 4 year bachelor degree.

Sorry if I sound a tad bit sarcastic but I do believe that you need to do some investigation and also job-shadow a few PODs to see what we actually do and what our scope of practice is

Good luck

Regards

 

You can work in msk in a variety of locations, podiatric surgery departments, community podiatry (nhs and private), sports injuries, etc.....why not come have a look?

NHS salaries are not massive but an msk specialist may earn £40,000+ and in private practice it can be a lot higher......

I would recommend training as a Podiatrist rather than do a sports therapist course. You will learn a lot more and find yourself with far more opportunities.

Julian

 

If you go for the degree I would offer 2 nuggets:-

1). It is hard work.

2). It is just a foot in the door. Any future specialism will have to be sought out, worked at and, probably, paid for by you. Nobody will offer you a clear route of progression to get to that 40k/year MSK post - of which there will probably be NONE in the NHS in a few years time.

From your original post it sounds like you might be better suited to doing the physio degree instead??

 

Nonsense...that's exactly what we do in our practice and we're not alone. Why not be more positive about our profession....?

 

I think that Podiatry is a great up and comming profession.
i my self have recently finished a 3 year degre in Podiatry and have not had two much trouble finding a job. I can not wate to get a few years experance under my belt and start specalising in what ever it is i have a passion for at that time.
You could quie eaisly work with skiiers and help solve any problems they have if you are willing to put the work in. as i am sure there are a lot of skiiers out there who have maney foot problems

Sorry about my spelling, im very dyslxic.

good luck

kind regards

 

Are you in IPP or NHS?

I'm talking about NHS here and I'm not saying there aren't opportunities, but every PCT seems to be entirely different in it's approach to staff development.

 

Hi Andy,
I would agree with Fatima and suggest that you do quite a bit of research before you make a decision.
You will need to shadow pods both in IPP and NHS to get an idea of what the profession is all about.

I would definitely urge you to consider a degree course either in Podiatry and Physiotherapy as this will open so many more doors for you.
"Sports Therapy" is all very well but it is not a recognised title by the Health Professions Council and does not have the same standing as the degree courses I have mentioned.

Personally I have been working as a chiropodist/podiatrist for over 30 years and I qualified in the "old" days before it was a degree course and specialisms such as MSK weren't heard of. I have worked in both NHS and PP.
I have kept up to date with CPD and added other specialities to my CV to make me a more well-rounded and competant practitioner and more employable. It has always earned me a good living with plenty of job satisfaction and I have never been out of work.

Nowadays, it seems that sports-related podiatry and biomechanics are the areas were there are a lot of new innovations and this seems to be the way to go - and, without wishing to be sexist it seems that they appeal more to the male members of our profession.

Good luck !

Dido