Case studies: Podiatrist: Alfredo Gallone

Alfredo graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatric Medicine from the University of East London in 2011. He has worked in the NHS in a primary care centre, on Band 5, since October 2011.

After I graduated, I contacted podiatrists at the NHS trusts where I had undertaken work placements during my time at university. I was keen to get hands-on experience and volunteered my services. I registered with the NHS Jobs website and had regular emails regarding new job vacancies.

In order to register with the Health Practitioners Council (HPC), I had to complete a recognised degree in podiatry and, therefore, everything I studied on the course was absolutely relevant. Nearly every day in my job I am confronted with pathologies I studied at university.

A typical working day for me involves arriving at my clinic at 8am and cleaning and preparing my work station. I then log on to the patient record system and review my patient list for that day. I see approximately nine patients in the morning and nine patients in the afternoon. The patient treatments vary greatly and may range from simple nail and callus management to more complex wound management. The more complex cases may require me issuing antibiotics or organising acute hospital admissions.

When I first started in my job, I was allowed more time with each patient but as I became more familiar with my role, I gained in confidence and now don’t need as much time to evaluate and administer the appropriate treatment. I have attended life support training and will begin to lead nail surgery rotations in a few months’ time. In the future, I am interested in developing my career and moving into the treatment for biomechanical injuries. This will involve progressing on to administering steroid injections and ultrasound imaging, which will require additional training.

My job is very rewarding and I really enjoy being able to help people, seeing them improve and getting better. I also have a lot of control over my work and enjoy the autonomy I have in my practice.

My job has a lot of variety but I find it quite challenging dealing with unpredictable situations that I need to find solutions for. I really enjoy the variation, however, and many patients have all kinds of co-morbidities as well as foot problems, which is very rewarding when they improve after treatment.

I would advise other students and graduates to work and study hard, always show interest and ask questions, as well as put in the time and effort. The work experience placements are an excellent way to learn and make appropriate contacts.