shirley

Shirley McGahan

Elite Feet

After travelling 15 hours a week to Auckland as an HR advisor, she decided there was more to life. She had a year on the farm but soon became bored. While talking to a friend one day she discussed how she wanted a career that was interesting, working in the local community, working part time hours, having her own responsibilities, and providing a worthwhile service. She had a lightbulb moment while thinking of her daughter, Paula, who is also a Podiatrist - “I know, I’ll go back to University”! I am loving my new career, making clients happy, while fulfilling a better life balance for myself. I now have time to spend with our family, our first grandchild, tramping with a local group, being president of Wellsford Lions, and helping on the farm.

Why did you choose podiatry?

I wanted to find a new career. I was working as a HR advisor for government departments. With podiatry I work close to home, I work part-time hours, it’s interesting and I have to think. There’s continual learning. I can make people happy, and I can work on my own. My daughter was already practicing podiatry and I thought I might be able to do that job, so I went back to university.

Q. What is the most common condition you treat?
A. General maintenance, e.g., elongated nails, calluses, corns, most of my clients are older and cannot self-care.
Q. What has been the most unusual condition you have seen?
A. Dry gangrene (but not unusual for some pods).
Q. What advice would you give your newly qualified self?
A. It’s OK not to know everything, there is continuous learning in this job.
Q. \What are you most proud of in your career?
A. I am most proud of the fact that I qualified with a university degree and started a new career when I was 53.
Q. What would people be surprised to know about you?
A. That I like heavy rock music.
Q. What can a new podiatrist do to connect with the profession?
A. Listen to colleagues on podcasts and zoom meetings. Join in on everything that is offered.