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I am an international undergraduate student interested in Podiatry but I am encountering a lot of problems, I hope to get some advice here. Can I know what does a podiatrist does exactly? I saw online on forums stating that this field is not as good as it portrays. Many were saying that there is no demand and there were no job opportunities as people would consult doctors instead of podiatrist yet some were saying that the demand will be high in the future. Besides, where does a podiatrist works? Is a podiatrist a doctor? As some were saying that a podiatrist will be called a doctor. Will there be many job opportunities if I were to study only until Masters? Is it necessary to study until I obtain a doctorate? Can I know more about the course? The forums I saw online are making me worried that I will be jobless when I graduate. Is it a wise choice to opt for Podiatry compared to Psychology? I am having conflicts between this two courses. Lastly, can I know which are the better universities to study Podiatry as an undergraduate?

Thank you!

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We need lots more information. There are shortages in some countries, and a possible over supply in others. What country are you from, and in which country do you wish to study.

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Stephen Tucker
Calvary Health Care

My location

In America Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine and study many years for this and their role involves more surgery. Here in the UK it is a 3 year Bsc degree and in Australia & NZ it is a 3-4 year Bsc degree. In the UK you can also do further study to become a Podiatric Surgeon but this will take quite a few more years of study after doing the degree. The NHS doesn't seem to have too many jobs at the moment but this can fluctuate over the years. There are many roles in private practice and also plenty doing locum/ relief work. Also once qualified and with some experience you can specialise into many areas such as wound care, diabetes, rheumatology, biomechanics, surgery, cosmetic treatments and sports. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks so much for your details. My parents were telling me this is a risky field as we are not sure whether I could get a job as many were saying they would rather consult a orthopedic instead of a podiatrist. It's really making me very confused. I hope people with experience could give me more insights about this job.

I'm from Malaysia where people hardly have any idea what a podiatrist is. I was thinking to study either in UK or Australia. Could you give me more insights and pros and cons about this job? Thanks!

As you are in Malaysia, their are probably few podiatry services currently operating. However, with the expanding epidemic in diabetes in that part of the world, there is little doubt there will be a need in the future. If you check the Singapore General Hospital and Changi General Hospital websites you will see they both employ podiatrists in their thriving Diabetes Centres.

See: www.sgh.com.sg and www.cgh.com.sg

Podiatry is almost non-existant in Malaysia, except for a few expats who will have set up in the major areas, eg: KL.

In most countries where podiatry is well established it is a licensed/regulated profession that allows podiatrists access to certain restricted medicines. Looking at podiatry as more akin to dentistry for the feet, will give you a better idea of where it sits. As Bralph has said it is a growing profession in Singapore, with a number of people coming from there to study in both Aus and the UK.

To get a better understanding of what podiatrist do in Aus, look at the professional association web site

apodc.com.au

or one of the uni sites

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/podiatry

I am also aware of a number of Malaysian's who travel to Aus to viit relatives etc. and include podiatry visits at the same time. You will likely need to work for yourself, establishing a private practice (It is what 75% of Aus pods do), so you want so much need to get a job, but advertise your services etc.

good luck

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Stephen Tucker
Calvary Health Care

My location

Hi,
There are a few Malaysian students enrolled in the Podiatry course at University of Western Australia. I am sure they have had similar concerns to yourself and may be in a good position to advice you. If you contact or email the course administrator at UWA on

satu.stephenson@uwa.edu.au

She can put you in contact with those students.

Cheers