What is Podiatric Medicine?

Podiatric Medicine is a branch of medicine devoted to the medical and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and lower limb. A podiatrist is an autonomous clinician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of lower limb conditions. Podiatric Medicine offers a diverse career with flexibility of working, challenging scope of practice and working with a wide variety of people. A podiatrist needs to have good communication and problem solving skills as no two feet are the same. Podiatry is an ever changing profession with new developments in healthcare emerging daily and opportunities to learn new skills. Podiatry can significantly improve peoples’ quality of life by promoting and maintaining mobility. Therefore, podiatric medicine as a career can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling and can give immense job satisfaction.

Podiatrists work in a variety of settings in the public and private sectors. Podiatrists will treat patients of all age ranges and at all stages of life. The scope of practice of a podiatrist ranges from:

• Management of skin and nail pathologies
• Management of patients’ with diseases that can compromise the viability of the foot and lower limbs e.g. diabetes, vascular disease, wound care.
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Biomechanics and gait analysis
• Sports injuries
• Paediatrics
• Minor surgical procedures

Clinical Placements are a pivotal area of learning within the BSc. Podiatric Medicine at NUI Galway. Students are gradually introduced to clinical practice by use of simulated techniques and case exemplars. Onsite clinical placement and learning at Merlin Park Podiatry Clinic combine the theory with the ‘hands on’ practice education, facilitated by the academic and clinical teams. Students will complete clinical placements on each year of the course putting their knowledge into practice and developing their clinical skills.

The clinical teaching programme involves experience with patients from various medical/surgical disciplines which ensures a high level of quality practice education for students.

If you would like to know more about our Pathway Programme in Podiatric Medicine, please get in touch.