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Podiatry Shadowing/Work Experience

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by tinkertinker0612, Oct 10, 2013.

  1. tinkertinker0612

    tinkertinker0612 Welcome New Poster


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    Hi,

    I am applying to do the Podiatry degree next year and need to do some shadowing but I am banging my head against a brick wall with it.

    I have contacted every podiatrist I can find and only two people have been willing to help me out. They have then changed their minds.

    I have contacted different podiatrist via mail, email and phone.

    Does anyone know why podiatrists are so against shadowing?

    Thanks
     
  2. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Hi Tinker,

    First of all :welcome: to the Arena. This is a great place for students to reflect on their learning and absorb the wealth of knowledge freely available. Wish I knew about it when I was an undergrad....

    I regularly have potential students shadowing my practice, the only requirement is a positive/enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to travel to Winchester, Hampshire.

    Cheers,
    Bel
     
  3. tinkertinker0612

    tinkertinker0612 Welcome New Poster


    Thank you for the welcome. ;)

    I have contacted every Podiatrist in the area and further afield and I dont seem to be getting anywhere. I am either ignored, told they will get back to me with dates or a straight no.

    I am really starting to panic because its a requirement to have completed some shadowing before I can be considered for the course.

    I just dont understand why they are so against it in my area. :wacko:

    x
     
  4. blinda

    blinda MVP

    So, take me up on my offer. PM or email me, but please don't send kisses. At least not until I know you better;)
     
  5. sam_wallwork

    sam_wallwork Active Member

    Have you tried contacting your local NHS? We quite often have people shadowing

    Sam
     
  6. Ian Drakard

    Ian Drakard Active Member

    I've had people in shadowing in the past and would be happy to in the future.

    If you give an idea of your area you mught get some more offers
     
  7. Ditto - I'm in Lancashire
     
  8. Kaleidoscope

    Kaleidoscope Active Member

    TinkerTinker

    You REALLY should take Blinda up on her offer! She is so welcoming and knowledgeable and happy to answer questions and give you helpful tips. When I shadowed her (I came from Kent to Winchester) it was an insightful day that I'd love to repeat!

    Its really strange that Pods near you didnt want you to shadow them - as Ive done it recently and I must say it keeps you on your toes and helps you brush up on the current state of your knowledge as you really have to dig deep to answer them questions - which is good for everyone!

    It is really important that you DO shadow others before embarking on the course - as it can be a tough 3 years and its good to know from the outset what you are letting yourself in for! Having said that Im really glad I completed the course and two years post graduation Im still happy in my choice.

    If you can get NHS shadowing under your belt too it would be great - so don't delay and follow up on your current offers.

    The very best of luck
    Regards Linda
     
  9. spike123horse

    spike123horse Active Member

    Im in Hartlepool in the frozen north east & we are happy to have prospective students. Someone did it for us, so we're happy to pass it on
     
  10. Tim VS

    Tim VS Active Member

    Ditto. Based in Kent I have had a few prospective pods shadowing me and am happy to do my bit.

    Regards

    Tim
     
  11. tinkertinker0612

    tinkertinker0612 Welcome New Poster

    I didnt know there had been replies on this thread.

    Thank you to everyone who has replied and your advice I do appreciate it. :)
     
  12. PodBex

    PodBex Welcome New Poster

    Hi Tinker, I'm a first year student.

    That's a real shame you are finding it so hard to gain some shadowing experience, I think every Southampton podiatrist I asked last year replied and offered me a couple of hours of their time. I was surprised just how many agreed actually.

    My only worry was I couldn't get any NHS experience at all, but in the end I had about 2 weeks of experience with a few different private Podiatrists and all my interviewers were happy with that.
     
  13. spike123horse

    spike123horse Active Member

    I think that they just need to know that you are aware of what the job actually entails? to try to cut down on the amount of drop outs??
     
  14. PodBex

    PodBex Welcome New Poster

    Yes I think so. There are a couple in my year who did no shadowing at all which I thought was surprising.
     
  15. LeilaMJ

    LeilaMJ Member



    Hello Bel,

    I was reading through some threads and I've seen on one of them that you are willing to take on someone to shadow you.
    I was wandering if I could intrude and ask for a chance to shadow you if that is possible?

    I would really love to shadow a podiatrist, in addition to that I really need to also, as it's a part of the university entry requirements. :D

    Any help or information would be beneficial.

    Thank you very much

    Kind regards,
    Leila M J Aouani
     
  16. LeilaMJ

    LeilaMJ Member


    Hello Tinker,

    I am in the same position as you at the moment, I tried everywhere in Liverpool without success. I am now searching for shadowing opportunities outside Liverpool, anywhere in the UK is good.


    Have you had any luck eventually?

    Thank you :D
     
  17. Kaleidoscope

    Kaleidoscope Active Member

    Hi Leila (and other students/pre-students of Podiatry)

    If you can get down to shadow Bel you will learn ALOT - I really enjoyed my time visiting her practice. It all depends if you (or others) don't mind travelling a bit as you are coming from Liverpool I presume?

    I am happy to offer a shadowing experience to students in Kent (SE London) - and will probably have a bit more time on my hands to talk atm - as I've literally just moved into/furbished a High Street Clinic. For although my regular (mobile) patients are still coming to me - there are a few more gaps than usual as it takes a while for the locality to check out where and who I am! [So I would have more time to answer deep questions lol].

    Good luck with your studies and, above all, enjoy them!

    Cheers
    Linda Russell
    Linda Russell's Foot Surgery
    @ Swanley Health Clinic
    38 High Street
    Swanley
    BR8 8BQ
     
  18. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Hi Leila,

    No intrusion at all. Got a whole lotta stuff going on at the moment (daughter`s wedding in 3 weeks) so PM me to arrange a couple of days after 25th October.

    Cheers,
    Bel

    BTW, I`m currently reading Lila, could be an omen ;)
     
  19. Adrienne

    Adrienne Member

    Leila, have you tried the NHS in Liverpool or South Sefton, I used to work there and they are a really lovely bunch. I am in foundation degree and pre reg nursing, ODP and midwifery teaching now so I've no direct patient care otherwise you would be welcome with me.
     
  20. JonathanH

    JonathanH Member


    Belinda kindly allowed me to shadow mid June 2014 - she's really kind and approachable (and totally worth the trip to Winchester all the way from Aussieland) :)

    Be sure to carry a big smile :)
     
  21. LeilaMJ

    LeilaMJ Member

    Hello everyone again! :D

    Thank you so soooo much for all of your help and offers. I would happily take them ALL :D I'm so grateful, over the moon even!!

    I will PM you to arrange a suitable time for me to visit. Thank you so much again :D
     
  22. LeilaMJ

    LeilaMJ Member

    Hello Adrienne and thank you for your help. I have tried the NHS in Liverpool, and I secured a place on a 3 day inclusive hospital placement in Aintree, but it was only for Physiotherapy XD which isn't what the universities are asking for really. I just thought it would be better than no clinical experience at all, every little helps! :D

    Thank you very much for your help though. All the best with your foundation degree :D
     
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