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A day in the life of a podiatrist – by Rudo Makuyana

Careers and University, Podiatry

How do you start your day?

Breakfast! Most of my days tend to be long and busy, I found that a good breakfast is essential to stay focused throughout the morning.

I also catch the train most days to work which helps me relax before I start my day.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to the clinic?

I do many things. I always get in early by about 20 minutes.

First I check my day list and see who is coming in and make mental lists on what they need or will require.

Then I check all my messages from the day before and try to follow up on things with the reception to make sure it’s all done before I start the day as things will build up as the day wears on.

Most importantly I always make sure my room is fully stocked for the day. If I have a box gloves with only a few pairs left, I get out another box and leave it by the side, etc.

How do you plan your day?

I plan my day around my patients, my preplanning in the morning helps and I make sure that if patients need anything extra it’s readily available.

What’s the one thing you love most about your job?

Podiatry is one of those jobs where with just small intervention can help fix people’s problems.

Those moments are rewarding as some people have been in pain for a long time before they see you and fixing it on the spot is so rewarding.

What do you do every day that makes your work day easier?

I try to be organised and don’t carry things on to the next day.

I book patients according to their time they need that way I don’t run late or feel pressured.

What’s your favourite part of your day?

I always love seeing my patients.

I love talking about future sporting games coming up that weekend with them, current affairs etc.

Do you face any challenges on a day to day basis?

I think when you are in primary healthcare you will always face challenges.

The longer you have practiced they become easier to solve. 

I think one challenge which Podiatrists will always face, is the ability to say no to patients. It’s hard to say you are fully booked or you are taking a holiday and can’t see them.

You have an unexpected free hour during your day. How do you use that time?

Patient notes and letters! Phone calls, orders, emails and if that is all up to date, I go and make a cup of tea (sometimes there are baked goods in the kitchen).

What’s the last thing you do at work each day?

Sign letters and make sure I put them in the right folder!

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about studying podiatry?

Podiatry is a rewarding profession and if you love problem solving you will find it a profession that will keep your mind busy.

It has great flexibility.

I also feel like I have had a better workplace experience compared to my peers who are in other fields.

It is a profession that will never fade, as long man keeps walking there will always be feet to see. 

Rudo Makuyana is one of the podiatrists at The Foot Hub in Sydney. Rudo is passionate about foot health and treating patients holistically – not just the individual problem. Originally from Zimbabwe, she completed her Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia (School of Surgery) in 2011. She now practices in her foot clinic in Alexandria, Sydney and also volunteers and advocates for the rights of the world’s poor. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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