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Peter J Reid

The former Head of Chelsea School of Chiropody (London), and author of Introduction to Therapeutics for Chiropodists, sadly passed away on Christmas Day. Peter Reid or ‘PJ’ as he was more affectionately known was a highly respected chiropody educator throughout his long career. I suppose everyone who knew him has a story to tell. Many years ago I was invited to give a talk to the newly formed Association of Chiropody Teachers in the UK at their inaugural conference (Gateshead), and treated my colleagues to a discourse on the validity and reliability of MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions). ‘PJ’ followed me with a tirade on the dangers of educational clap trap. Throughout his presentation he held high a large cellar of salt and sprinkled from it liberally as he gave vent to his apparent ire and disgust at the new order of educators. Obviously I felt rather uncomfortable in the audience, after all I was the new kid on the block, and this respected fellow was castigating me and my peers. Then, the penny dropped the great orator was demonstrating to all to take a pinch of salt by not taking yourselves too seriously. Something I was certainly guilty of then and certainly sage advice for anyone embarking on a career in teaching.

When PJ Reid was invited to give a presentation at another prestigious chiropody conference, the organisers forgot to ask his permission before they published the conference program. After receiving the conference notice, PJ replied by sending an invoice to the committee for his professional services. With no budget to cover such an event the committee contacted him to enquire why he was charging, when on previous occasion he had given his services freely.

PJ Reid replied, “Never assume anything when organising a conference and always treat fellow professionals with the dignity they deserve.” Needless to say he waived his fee.

The committee never made the same mistake again.

I am sure many subscribers would like to join with me in sending their condolences to his family and close fiends on their sad loss.


Cameron

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Cameron Kippen, Podologist and Shoe Historian




Cameron Kippen

Thats sad.

I still remembering committing that book to memory when a student. I still occasionally refer to my well worn copy...

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Craig Payne
Department of Podiatry
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Australia
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/podiatry
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God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things - right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
The views expressed above are those of the author and not that of La Trobe University
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