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I am currently a student Pod, near completion of my 1st year. I am confused on whether or not I can work domicillary during my time as a student Podiatrist. I am a member of the SOCP.

I have bought my 1st set of instruments and keen on getting started. Certain members of my family have asked me if I would be willing to cut nails, corns and callus for them. I am unsure if it is legal for me to practice withought being registered.

If I were to practice would I be similar to a FHP? Any guidance would be much appreciated.

D@vidPod

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D@vidPod-

I suspect as you are a member of the SCP this would be in contravention of their rules and regs. You will need to have insurance cover for a start and as a student member of the SCP you would not be covered were anything to go wrong. Going down this road may not do you any favours as regards goodwill from registered colleagues either!

Also, think ahead: when you do qualify, if you opt for private practise, you will then have to re-market yourself away from the FHP tag, and as a podiatrist. Could be confusing for the public? Another point is how and where do you sterilise your instruments?

I don't know how much clinical experience you have been exposed to up until now, but my advice would be to be patient, get more clinical exposure during the course of your studies, and you will reap the rewards in the long term.

Good luck

__________________
Kind regards

Gavin Wylie
Podiatrist (Paediatrics),
Perth Royal Infirmary,
Perth, UK

As a student member of SCP why don't you give them a ring and gain advice from the Professional Practice officer? After all this is why you are a member.

GB

Don't do it. Focus on being the best student you can. Develop your knowledge and skills in some of the more exciting areas of podiatric practice.

Hi,

As a almost finished 3rd yr Pod can I also say 'Don't do it'?

Your skills will be tested as soon as you get into the 2nd yr with placements etc. This will continue during your 3rd year where you are gaining more knowledge and competency in not only surgical debridement but knowledge of more systemic diseases and pharmacology. These are vital skills which will help you throughout your career and distinguish you from the rough and ready hack and scrape 'professionals' that are in the marketplace. :)

You need to concentrate on becoming more skilled with the blade and Black's and not rushing through things. When you complete the 1st yr you are eligble for a Certificate of Higher Education which is probably a lot higher than most FCA's have....but they have the insurance and backing of their employers so long as they stay within a very tight remit.

Be very careful if you do decide to go down this route though. It's fine if you haem someone in the confines of a clinic with a mentor standing over you. Totally different in someones home and you suddenly find out they have Von Willebrands disease and they forgot to tell you.

Shame to fall on your own sword when you have 2 more years to go to qualify.

Thank you! I got a lot of useful information to take away and think about :)

I understand how much learning I've yet to undertake over the next 2 years and I'm sure the years will fly by as this one has. Then have the worry of finding employment. Any private practitioners out there want to keep me in mind??

Cheers, D@vidPod.

Hi Mate
You'll have plenty of time to cut nails and callous. Get out there with your fellow students and friends and PARTY! Thats what Uni is all about isn't it?......isn't it.......

A wise party dude once told me. Any more than a Pass (50%) and your studying too much.

Cheers

Joe

QUOTE - A wise party dude once told me. Any more than a Pass (50%) and your studying too much.

Wise words from a seasoned traveller i'm assuming. :) No relation of Simon Wheeler from CHCH? Simon didn't talk of any other Pod's in the family. Go inver's!

Hi GarethNZ

No sorry mate, I am from the ancient West Australian Wheeler Clan.

But its a good name eh.