This September, I’ll be starting the second and final year of my MSc in Podiatry at the University of Plymouth. It’s hard to believe how quickly the last year has passed, and reaching this milestone has prompted me to reflect on just how much I’ve learned since beginning this journey.
Alongside my studies, I’ve had the privilege of working as an apprentice at Feet & Motion while balancing family life with my husband and our three teenage boys. I also took a year out during my apprenticeship to focus on my health, making this milestone feel even more rewarding. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.
One of the greatest advantages of completing my apprenticeship at Feet & Motion has been the opportunity to develop my skills within a supportive private practice environment. As part of my training, I’ve also had the chance to shadow podiatrists across West Sussex and at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Experiencing both NHS and private practice has shown me just how varied the profession really is and the many different ways podiatrists can make a genuine difference to people’s lives.
One of the biggest advantages of combining work with university is seeing the theory come to life in clinic. Learning about musculoskeletal conditions, diabetes and dermatology in lectures is one thing, but applying that knowledge to real patients is where the learning really begins. Every patient is different, and every appointment challenges me to think, adapt and continue learning.
When I first started studying again at the age of 45, I was understandably nervous. Like most students, I worried about getting things wrong and second-guessed many of my decisions. My confidence has grown enormously over the past year, thanks to the support of the clinicians around me and the patients who have trusted me to be involved in their care.
I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without my clinical educators, Natalie and Liz. They have invested an incredible amount of time, patience and energy into helping me develop, and I’m grateful for their guidance every single day.
Natalie has always encouraged me to think more deeply and never settle for the easy answer. More than once she’s handed back an assignment with the comment, “You haven’t actually answered the question.” Although it wasn’t always what I wanted to hear at the time, she was invariably right. She has continually challenged me to think critically, question my reasoning, and develop a much deeper understanding of podiatry and patient care.
Liz has an incredible ability to make anatomy memorable, quite literally by drawing muscle groups all over me to explain how everything works together! She’s also spent countless hours teaching me padding and strapping techniques for different areas of the foot, to the point where my own foot often resembled a mummy by the end of the lesson.
Between them, they’ve taught me far more than clinical skills. They’ve shown me what it means to be a compassionate healthcare professional, how to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, and the importance of never stopping learning. Their support, encouragement and willingness to share their knowledge have played a huge part in helping me reach this stage.
Of course, podiatry is about much more than treating patients. There’s everything that happens behind the scenes to ensure clinics run safely and smoothly. Writing detailed clinical notes, maintaining infection prevention and control standards, sterilising instruments, preparing treatment rooms, stocking clinics and discussing complex cases with colleagues are all essential parts of delivering high-quality care. These experiences have taught me that being a good podiatrist is just as much about professionalism and teamwork as it is about clinical knowledge.
As I begin my final year, I’ll be taking on more responsibility and continuing to develop my clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in preparation for qualifying as a podiatrist. It’s both exciting and slightly daunting to know that HCPC registration is now within sight, but I also know that learning never really stops.
Looking back, one of the biggest contributors to my education has been the patients I’ve had the privilege of meeting. Every patient has taught me something. Whether it’s a straightforward case or a more complex presentation, every appointment has helped me become a more knowledgeable, thoughtful and compassionate future podiatrist.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has trusted me to be part of their care while I’ve been learning. Your patience, kindness and willingness to allow a student to be involved have made a genuine difference to my development.
I’m also incredibly thankful to the whole team at Feet & Motion. From answering endless questions to sharing their knowledge and experience every day, they’ve created an environment where I’ve been able to grow both personally and professionally.
I’m excited to begin this final year at Plymouth and to see what the future holds. While there’s still plenty to learn, qualifying as a podiatrist is now within sight. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I know that qualifying won’t be the end of my learning, it will simply be the beginning of a career dedicated to helping people stay active, healthy and doing the things they love.
Steph Youell