Whilst the scope of practice may be slightly different between our two practices; the culture within the two practices is very much the same. (Check out our other blogs on our practice in Weybridge, Surrey, UK, and Niagara Falls, Canada).
The culture of the place has been discussed to some extent in a previous blog which can be viewed here.
However, to get a real appreciation of what life is like it’s always nice to ask others and it is no better reflected than when we ask new graduate and student-visitors attending our practices what their experience has been like. It is pleasure to be able to share the experience below of Ben Morris who joined our Weybridge practice, initially observing and assisting in 2022, just after he completed his MSc in podiatry and Lulian Corila who attended our Niagara Falls, Canada practice as a student during his training at in 2023 for some observational work.
Ben Morris, MRCPod, MSc Pod
“I joined The Footcare Centre in the summer of 2022 after attending the University of Brighton. The team at The Footcare Centre offered me the opportunity to attend the practice prior to my registration to assist in the transition from student to practitioner. Throughout the summer I met the team, shadowed experienced podiatrists and health professionals at the practice. I was able to develop my knowledge of new treatments offered (including needling, Low Level Laser and shockwave therapy) and I was also able to familiarise myself with additional local practitioners to aid with referrals, and observe biomechanical assessment and nail surgery.”
Lulian Corila Student, The Michener Institute, Toronto, Canada
“My Experience in Clinic at the Footcare Centre. This summer I have had the pleasure of shadowing Stuart Berry at his practice where I was able to witness the intricacies of the profession and gain valuable experience in the clinical setting. Being part of their team reinforced my interest in chiropody/podiatry and supplied me with knowledge that I was not able to collect at my school placement.
Working at the Footcare Centre was beneficial as their wide scope of practice made it possible for me to see the variety of pathways that podiatry offers. During my clinical placement at school, most of our visits consisted of routine care which made it difficult for me to apply my knowledge that was gained throughout the semester. After the completion of my first year, I felt that I was knowledgeable in theory but wanting to reinforce all the information I gathered which attracted me to Stuart’s practice. In my first week, I was able to oversee more cases than I did in 4 months’ worth of clinical practice at school, which has not only better prepared me for my second year, but also showed me what private practice is really like. From sport injuries and tenotomies to ischemic ulcers, I realized that the day to day operations of private practice is exactly what I was hoping it would be like.
The most fulfilling aspect of my time at the Footcare Centre was seeing the wide spectrum of ages that come for treatment to Stuart’s practice. We are able to help people return to their regular activities and live the lives that they want through various stages of life. From children to elderly patients, the importance of our profession was magnified to an extent that I was unaware of. In addition to this, seeing how relieved and happy people felt after their visits provided me with a great example of how fulfilling this profession can be.
The Footcare Centre is also fully equipped with technologies and interventions that I have not even learned in school yet. Being in a practice that is up to date is not only a testament to Stuart’s dedication to providing his patients with the best possible care, but is an example of how a practice can continue to better itself which is important.
Stuart’s professionalism, passion and ability to build relationships with his clients and staff reflected in the environment of the clinic that fostered comfort and a family-like feel. It is a perfect model of what a practice should feel like.”
