From performing in Liverpool to podiatry on the Isle of Wight, how a place with NIHR INSIGHT is helping one student

Where do you work?

I’m a podiatrist for Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust. Based on the island in St Mary’s Hospital, I assess, diagnose and treat a whole range of foot health problems. I work clinically 3 days a week alongside studying for an MRes in Clinical and Health Research with the University of Southampton. I was awarded a place on the NIHR-funded INSIGHT programme (SCIP) which allows me to work and study in parallel. This is a fantastic opportunity and I get the best of both worlds. 

Have you always worked as a podiatrist?

Far from it! I’m musical and thought this was where my future lay. As a trained vocalist and pianist I spent eight years running a small company in the Liverpool area. I performed in care homes and dementia cafes. I also did the occasional wedding or two.

Why the change of direction?

I really enjoyed taking music to people with dementia and learning difficulties, and developed many meanginful relationships. But when COVID-19 hit my business vanished overnight. I was really lost at this point and needed to have a big rethink. I’ve always had an interest in science, but wasn’t encouraged in this direction at school. I think dyslexia held me back, but now I have the skills and strategies to help me work in different ways. 

Why specialise in podiatry? 

When I was working in care homes a podiatrist would come and visit. I saw how happy the residents were having their feet seen to. I’m also a keen runner, everything from marathons to 5k challenges. I am interested in lower limb mechanics, which comes in handy when treating the injuries I've picked up whilst marathon training. I felt a career in podiatry would be really exiciting. 

How did you go about making this change?

I’ve always had an interest in science, but my Btec and A level were music related. So, I did an Access to Higher Education Diploma. When I came out with top marks I thought, 'oh, maybe I can study at uni.' So, my next step was to apply to The University of Southampton’s BSc (Hons) Podiatry programme and I was delighted to come out with a first! 

Why did you want to apply to NIHR INSIGHT?

NIHR-funded SCIP encouraged me to continue to expand my clinical experiences and skills whilst developing research skills. Studying whilst building on my clinical experience felt like the perfect mix for me. 

What are you researching as part of your MRes?

I’m looking at how much podiatrists are prescribing exercise to their patients. Often what seems to happen is that people are referred to physiotherapy teams. The wait can be months long, and I think there’s a lot we could be doing to help people before this point. I feel as podiatrists, we have a broad set of skills and knowledge that can contribute to the health and care system. Supporting people with foot and ankle injuries to include exercise as part of their treatment is one of them, for example. 

What are the benefits of NIHR INSIGHT?

It’s a fantastic stepping stone, teaching us how to undertake qualitative and quantitative research. By the end of the programme I will have a level of knowledge appropriate to plan and map out how I will submit a competitive PhD application. I've also met loads of other health professionals - nurses, physios, paramedics - which has developed my own network. 

What would you say to anyone interested in applying this year?

Give it a go! My clinical experiences have influenced the design of my research project, made me aware of how it might be delivered on the ground, and how this could benefit patients. My supervisor guides me through my learning journey, and is helping me grow into the clinical academic I want to be. I also have access to other research teams, academics and clinicians who are all helping shape and test my thinking. 

I'd like to specially mention Dr Charlotte Dano, Prof Catherine Bowen, Benjamin Jones, Dr Lindsey Cherry and Stephanie Stanley for their help and support. 

More information 

To find out more please visit - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/scholarships/postgraduate-uk/nihr-insight-programme

A webinar on 6^th Feb 4-5pm is now open for bookings: https://brookes.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8AoUOicfRB2704k6lG6tKw#/registration

Application window opens: 3rd Feb

Applications close: 7th April

Outcome notifications: WC 5th May