Derek Protheroe - The path to podiatric surgery

Since graduating in 2005, I have worked for various NHS trusts gaining valuable skills across all areas of general podiatry practice. My initial interests drew me towards completing a MSc in Musculoskeletal (MSK) studies before working full-time in a musculoskeletal post, which allowed me to develop my diagnostic/investigative skills and therapeutic treatment options.

Upon the successful completion of my MSc ‘Theory of Podiatric Surgery’, I became a ‘Trainee in Podiatric Surgery’ at Wye Valley NHS trust in 2019, where I am currently on the new HCPC annotated training Programme for Podiatric Surgery, completing a Masters in Podiatric Surgery (2021-2023). I also work for Hywel Dda University Health Board in an advanced practice role within the musculoskeletal and orthopaedic service. Within this Trust we have developed a unique foot and ankle diagnostic ultrasound service, routinely providing diagnostic images and written reports.

In all honesty, I was unsure of where my career would lead when I finished University but getting an NHS post straight away opened up many opportunities and helped me meet like-minded colleagues.

My career has evolved naturally with gradual exposure to the field of podiatric surgery. I originally worked within the community getting exposure to all areas of podiatry practice from generic care, nail surgery, diabetic wounds and MSK.

During my MSK career, I found there were limitations in the diagnostic, investigation and treatment options that I could provide to patients which really frustrated me and led me to start working closely with orthopaedics. It was this collaboration that sparked my desire to pursue a career within podiatric surgery.

For anyone who wants to get into the same line of work, you need to know it’s a marathon and not a sprint. This path is not for the faint hearted and it will take many years of dedication to gain your fellowship in podiatric surgery. I’m a firm believer that if you want to be the best possible podiatrist, integrating all aspects of our profession first and the starting a path towards podiatric surgery is the key to success.

Student placements can sometimes feel overwhelming, however it is this exposure to different experiences within podiatry practice that builds our repertoires for various conditions, pathologies and how we may recognise and treat them.