Current employer: Body Quest
Current job title: Lead Podiatrist
Current location: Newfoundland, Canada
“Studying at the University of Plymouth helped me to not only obtain the knowledge and hands on experience for my profession, but also to gain valuable personal and professional skills.”
After graduating in 2011, I was offered jobs in Australia and Canada. I accepted a job in Newfoundland, Canada, and moved there in June, 2012. I am now self-employed but work for a company called Body Quest. I work alongside chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and dietitians. I find working in this multi-disciplinary setting helps me to continue developing as well as being able to offer fantastic overall care to all patients.
What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?
Being self-employed means that it is difficult to network yourself, especially in a new country; but with the skills obtained at the University of Plymouth, and with great work colleagues, I was able to help build and develop my practice.
What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?
Moving to a new country and building my own practice. It was pretty daunting at first, but now that everything is up and running it’s great to look back at how far you can come with some dedication and hard work.
What, if anything, would you do differently if you could?
Take advantage of the extra-curricular activities offered at the University of Plymouth to help expand your skillset. It would have been beneficial to have reached out to private podiatrists and speak with them to find out the difference between the public and private sector from their point of view.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into the same line of work?
Get as much experience as you can, not only with podiatrists but with other health professionals as well: this will help to develop your practice.
How did studying at Plymouth help you?
Studying at the University of Plymouth helped me to not only obtain the knowledge and hands-on experience for my profession but also to gain valuable personal and professional skills that have allowed me to develop away from the field of podiatry. I met some great colleagues on the course who to this day still offer insight and advice.
Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University of Plymouth, and why?
Yes. the University is an institution that will help set you up for life, as well as being situated in a great city with lots of entertainment. The podiatry degree is really well run, in a great facility, and the lecturers are always available to help when needed.
Is there anything else which you would like to share with our current students?
Enjoy the experience, try to get involved with as much as you can; it is only for a few years but how you make the most of the experience can help shape the rest of your life.
For more information about studying podiatry please visit our BSc (Hons) Podiatry page. For more information about our range of courses within the School of Health Professions, please visit the school page.
If you would like to find out what other relevant alumni from the School of Health Professions are currently doing, please visit the health and social work interest area.
