PODIATRY
UNIT
Are you pursuing a career that gives you
lots of opportunities to develop your skills
and expertise in a particular area of
practice? Podiatry is your right choice.
Podiatrist is a healthcare professional
trained in recognizing, diagnosing and
treating the foot and the ankle and their
governing and related structures, including
the local manifestations of systemic
conditions by any system or means, (American
Podiatric Medical Association).
The podiatrists give professional advice on
the prevention of foot problems and on
proper care of the foot. Patients will be of
all ages from infant to the elderly. In the
hospital particularly podiatrists see many
patients at high risk of amputation foe
example those who suffer from arthritis or
diabetes. The podiatrist is part of multi
disciplinary team who plays a major role in
the care and management of the foot in
diabetes.
WORKING AS A PODIATRIST
After a comprehensive training you will be
prepared to work with both competence and
confidence. You will use a wide range of
clinical and communication skills, and
treatments to help your patient.
What you may do?
Podiatrists treat people of all ages and
from all walks of life. Some examples of
this area are:
-
Children sometimes have pains in their
legs or feet as they grow or have
problem walking.
-
People with diabetes may have problems
with the circulation or sensation in
their feet.
-
Sports men and women often suffer from
injuries to their legs and feet.
-
Dancers with long hours rehearsing and
performing put stress through their feet
that can cause injury.
-
People needing minor surgery β some nail
surgery.
-
People wanting advice β some people do
not need treatment but just want advice
about footwear of foot health.
You will:
-
Assess and treat foot care ailments,
ranging from problems such as verrucas
to deformity.
-
Analyse a person walk or run and correct
the anatomical relation between the
different segments of the foot.
Orthotics-custommade soles βare often
prescribed to achieve this.
-
Monitor and manage foot problems and
deformities caused by diseases such as
rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Advised and treat patients at high risk
of foot problems and amputation such as
people who suffer from diabetes.
-
Nail surgery using local anesthetics.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Universities may vary slightly in their
entry requirements. However you will usually
need one of the following:
6 GCE O level,
including English language and
preferably two science subjects.
3 A-level subjects
at a minimum of Grade C and above,
one of which should be a science.
COURSES
United Kingdom: 3 β 4 years full time.
Awarded BSc (Hons) in Podiatry.
Australia: 4 years full time. Awarded BSc (Hons)
in Podiatry.
During training you will be given the
opportunity to learn from a vast number of
people with wide ranging lower limb
problems. Each year consist of both theory
and clinical experience. Modules include
Human Anatomy & Physiology, functional
Anatomy of the Lower Limb, Exercise &
Clinical Physiology, Microbiology,
Pharmacology, Biomechanics, Podiatric
Orthopedics, Medicine in Podiatry, Local
Anesthetics, Clinical Podiatry and other
modules specific to Podiatry including
clinical placements in hospitals.
CAREER PROSPECTS
As podiatrists gain experience, they can
choose either to work with wide range
condition or to specialize. There are lots
of opportunities for podiatrist to develop
their skills and expertise through further
courses.
You may choose to specialize in a particular
area of practice, for example; Biomechanics,
Podopediatrics (working with children),
Sports Medicine, Diabetes, Podiatric Surgery
or Forensics Podiatry. Podiatrists have a
vital role to play in assessing, treating
and advising high-risk patients such as
diabetes. Teaching or research are also
options.
Podiatry Plus Points:
-
Excellent graduate employment rate.
-
Flexible working
-
Varied employment opportunities
-
Post grade opportunities.