Balancing placement and theory
Student Lucy Gregory talks about her experience studying BSc (Hons) Podiatry at Plymouth
I have felt really supported during my time on the programme
I initially wanted to become a primary school teacher, but unfortunately that didn’t work out for me, so I was a bit lost as to what I wanted to do. I work in a supermarket, and while I was speaking to a colleague, she mentioned she’d been to see her podiatrist, and that was the first time I’d ever heard of the profession. I went home and researched the role and I thought it was something I’d really enjoy. I swapped work experience to a private podiatry clinic, and I was instantly hooked. Everything just felt right there. I loved how friendly it was and I very much enjoyed interacting with all the different patients. It was just lovely.
I was initially going to complete a degree apprenticeship with the clinic I did my work experience with, but they gave me a six-year contract, which I felt was a bit too long. I instead decided to switch to the full-time, three-year BSc programme after speaking with Phil Hendy, the programme lead, over a phone call which helped me weigh up the pros and cons of doing a degree apprenticeship versus the full-time degree. After seeing first-hand what Plymouth had to offer, I knew I made the right decision.
Every one of my peers is so encouraging and friendly. The lecturers are always there when you need support too. There is a familial feeling to being at the University.
Lots of people think podiatry is just cutting toenails, but it’s so much more than this
I do think I’d like to go down the route of private practice eventually, having got my initial experience in private practice, however coming on to placements made me realise how different NHS podiatry is and has made me want to work for the NHS when I graduate.
Watching the Multi-Disciplinary Teams work has made me want to try public healthcare due to the sheer variety you can experience daily, as well as the support, different perspectives, and knowledge you can gain from other practitioners from your own profession as well as other professions.
I find the course to be a good balance between placement and theory
I have absolutely loved my placements, and I can’t wait to get stuck into the next one! In our first placement, me and my friend were given the opportunity to go to Bath and assist with nail surgery there. We didn’t help with the actual surgery itself, being very early on in the course, but we got to assist by passing the swabs and things like that.
I love that when we’re not on placement we are afforded the time to pursue other opportunities – for example, this weekend I’m going to Torbay Hospital to sit in on an MSK (musculoskeletal) clinic in order to further my own understanding of that area in my own time.
In our theory sessions we also get guest speakers, for example recently we had a call with a podiatric surgeon, and another time we had three speakers come and talk to us about how podiatry ties in with sports medicine.
I definitely feel like the programme is preparing me to enter the workforce as a trained podiatrist. All of our lecturers have hands-on experience, so if we have any questions whatsoever, they are always happy to help. Some are even still practicing, so they are able to draw from both past and current experiences when they are teaching.
You can’t do much without healthy feet so you will always be in demand.
If you are considering applying for podiatry I would say definitely do it – come along to an open day to speak with the lecturers about the programme.
There is a national shortage of podiatrists, and I still don’t understand why – it’s a 9 to 5 job, and if you go private you can even choose your own hours. It will be a very rewarding career as you are helping people with their foot issues. The profession is also recognised in many countries such as Australia and New Zealand, so if you are interested in working abroad, you can take your degree with you!
Become a podiatrist
Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health keeping people of all ages active. Choosing to become a podiatrist will give you a broad scope of practice with a scientific approach to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people with foot problems. A podiatry degree can launch a dynamic career and is a springboard to specialising in other areas of the profession such as sports medicine, injection therapy, independent prescribing, clinical research and podiatric surgery.
