Justin Chong

I graduated from CIT, Wellington, with the first group in NZ, with a Bachelor of Health Science (podiatry). I had more fun in the hostel than actual learning and studied with some great podiatrists who have done fantastic work in the profession. I returned to Auckland, as this was the only place that would employ me, working under Bob Eckles (now isn’t that a story in itself, that he is back in NZ as FSI’s medical director). I worked part-time with Bob, made orthotics from the garage, and sold shoes for Smiths Sports Shoes. I did various contract work for pods in Auckland to fill my week, which allowed me to meet colleagues and was a good introduction to podiatry. When Bob decided to head offshore, I took over his clinic, as I couldn’t get employment, or I would be out of a job! I always said if I failed at a clinic, I would head overseas for an OE – being young and naive was probably a blessing, now that I look back on it. I guess you can say the OE never eventuated, and it’s been head-down-ass-up ever since!
Outside of work, my time is spent with my wife and daughter, who is a constant reminder that work is not everything. I certainly subscribe to the – “work hard during the week and play harder afterwards” doctrine. To release the pressure, getting into the forest for a mountain bike/run has always been a circuit breaker and leveller to keep me in the present.