Top 3 podiatry myths (+ why you should consider podiatry)

Imagine graduating from your podiatry degree and being employable from day one – ready to be hired in pretty much any location across Australia that suits you, and with a good work/life balance to top things off.

You may know a little about the context surrounding this scenario – that is, the allied healthcare sector in Australia and abroad has a significant shortage of health professionals – and podiatry is not immune to this. Basically, Australia needs more podiatrists. There are plenty of amazing career opportunities if you enjoy caring for people and making a difference.

So … let’s dispel some myths around podiatry and set the record straight.

Myth 1: Podiatry is just about toenails

The whole ‘podiatry is just about clipping toenails’ myth is so far removed from the truth that it’s surely got to come at the top of this list.

Yep, toenails and corns are part of the picture, but as these two first-hand accounts attest to – this is only a fraction of the work.

There’s also the ability to be accredited in areas such as:

• Sports biomechanics – did you know that sports-related foot injuries are one of the most common foot injuries?
• Paediatrics – did you know that toe walking past three-years old may potentially indicate neurological issues?
• High risk foot – did you know that every three hours, someone in Australia loses a limb? You can be the difference that helps to reverse this trend.

Not only this, but podiatrists can work towards what is known as ‘higher order’. This includes endorsement to prescribe scheduled medicines, podiatric surgery, and using state of the art technology to design and manufacture foot orthoses (think 3D printing), and an entire world of research to get involved in.

Which leads us to the next myth…

Myth 2: Podiatry has limited impact

Many people think that the impact of podiatry is limited to feet. But when you think about it, when your feet hurt, your entire body hurts. You don’t feel like going out, socialising with friends, exercising, the list goes on.

This myth is so wrong that it would be laughable – except for the fact that the impact of podiatry is no laughing matter. Every day across Australia podiatrists prolong lives, save limbs from amputation, help children to run more easily, support independence in countless ways, work with the elderly population, and help athletes or entire football teams to succeed at local, state, national or international levels.

The upshot of all this empowerment, mobility and independence? Mental health benefits a-plenty.

Podiatry helps to transform lives, and its impact goes far deeper than you may first consider.

Myth 3: Podiatry is a small profession with limited opportunity

Podiatry is smaller than some other allied health professions, but this is also what increases opportunities for you. The shortage of podiatrists means podiatry graduates are in demand not only in clinical roles, but also in leadership roles in hospitals – and in community health centres, residential aged care facilities, and universities.

In fact, many podiatrists also choose to open their own practices and build careers that suit their lifestyle.  Podiatry is a career that grows with you – and goes with you.

Not only that, but while there are plenty of opportunities for podiatrists in urban areas, this career can take you into the most remote parts of Australia to work in a range of community settings – ready to make a difference in many ways. In fact, this month’s issue of STRIDE shows how podiatry benefits people who experience homelessness, people with chronic health conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

There are a range of career growth opportunities available to you, where you can advocate for the role of podiatry in Australia, and promote its often life-changing impact. A career in podiatry is what you make it, with the power to transform lives – including yours.