![JamesBarnes_headshot](https://proudtobeapod.co.nz/content/uploads/2023/06/JamesBarnes_headshot-561x563.jpg 1x, https://proudtobeapod.co.nz/content/uploads/2023/06/JamesBarnes_headshot.jpg 2x)
James Barnes
I graduated from AUT in 2005 and headed straight to Melbourne to start my podiatry career. I worked at the Brunswick Foot Clinic and learnt a huge amount during my time there – most importantly, I continued to grow my interest and enjoyment in the profession. I loved the four years that I lived in Melbourne and met my, now, wife, and fellow Kiwi, Abbie, while living there. We still travel back to visit the city, whenever we can.
We always knew we wanted to come back to live in New Zealand, at some stage. It was during my first ever trip to Central Otago, holidaying at Abbie’s family ‘crib’ that I discovered there weren’t really any podiatry clinics around this region. I had quickly fallen in love with the area, and it didn’t take long before deciding to take the plunge and start our own practice. I had never intended to start my own business with only four years of experience. I was young and optimistic - very naïve - but it just felt like the right place for us to give it a go.
We’ve now been operating Lakes Podiatry, with clinics in Wanaka and Cromwell, for 14 years. After a few years, Abbie took over the role of Practice Manager and my colleague and fellow podiatrist, Kim Bradley, joined the team in 2019. I think we make a pretty great team. We cover all areas of podiatry but I have a particular interest in running related injuries and running footwear. I have developed somewhat of a specialty in assisting the rehabilitation of major lower limb trauma - skiing, mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking and paragliding accidents are all too common in this area.
We now live in Wanaka with our 3 children, Charlie, Noah and Eve, and our newest addition to the family - Frankie the pug. We love living in this area and make the most of all the outdoor adventures we have on our doorstep – it’s so important to keep a healthy work-life balance. Outside of work I enjoy running and biking and spending time on the lake with the family. Being an Aucklander I really miss the ocean and take any opportunity to get to the West Coast to go fishing and diving. This region is particularly active, and our patients inspire us daily with their stories of amazing adventures both locally, and all over the world.
Why did you choose podiatry?
I suffered with Severs as a 12-year old. After months of missing sports and having other treatments, I went to see Tim Ganley who issued me some Formthotics! After using these and some ongoing treatment, with Tim, I was sorted.
It sparked an interest in me and I became fixated on becoming a podiatrist and treating sports injuries from an early age.