Being a young sports person, playing multiple sports in my school and college years, I had a strong interest in health and how the body moved. Not knowing what I wanted to study, I attended the AUT open day. I came across Podiatry. It ticked all my interests - health, movement, multi-disciplinary studies, and sports. After listening to the podiatry presentation, I learned how the function of the foot, ankle, and lower leg are an essential part of people’s overall health. I believed podiatry was the career for me.
Q. Who has been your main inspiration in podiatry?
A. Kevin Kirby has to be my inspiration in podiatric practice. Dr. Kirby has distinguished himself as one of the leading podiatric authorities in the world in foot and lower extremity biomechanics, foot orthotic therapy and sports podiatry.
Q. What is the most common condition you treat?
A. Currently, the most common condition is Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD).
Q. What is your favourite treatment that gets the best result?
A. My passion is treating musculoskeletal injuries. In particular, for these injuries, the treatment, or management plan, will be successful with a thorough biomechanical assessment. It is so important to do the basics, to design a treatment plan for the particular condition. A well managed podiatric treatment plan, (appropriate footwear, orthotics, strengthening exercises) has allowed me to help my patients perform their daily activities with less pain. I am very lucky at Waitakere Foot Podiatry, where we have our own orthotic lab onsite. I can prescribe, modify, and fit orthotics for my patients.
Q. What advice would you give your newly qualified self?
A. Keep learning and expanding your toolbox! Naturally, by developing your skillset, you will become a distinguished clinician, and subsequently, have a more positive effect on your patients’ quality of life.
Q. What are you most proud of in your career?
A. Firstly, I take great pride in creating individually tailored treatment plans to care for each patient’s needs. Secondly, I have a keen eye for biomechanical analysis and sports podiatry, placing importance in understanding and exploring the different ways our bodies move. I am currently working towards my post-graduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine at Otago University.
Q. What would people be surprised to know about you?
A. I was born and bred on my family's beef farm in the North. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and being on the farm. I am a keen squash player and enjoy spending time with my partner, Liam and my family.
Q. What can a new podiatrist do to connect with the profession?
A. Go to conferences, attend CPD events, and join your region’s Podiatry NZ Meetings and online events like Proud to be a Pod’s webinar series.
