I went through clearing to get my podiatry degree

RUBY YATES, UEL PODIATRY GRADUATE, TELLS US HOW SHE WENT THROUGH UCAS CLEARING TO GET HER PLACE TO STUDY PODIATRY AND WHAT SHE’S UP TO NOW.

I had been travelling and working in Greece when I decided I wanted to return to study. After researching medical courses, I had my heart set on Podiatry, due to the varied practice and work setting, but had realised this after the UCAS deadline. I had the urge to study now and didn’t want to wait another year, so after a little research I discovered that I could apply through UCAS extra. I had to wait until universities went into clearing to see which institutions had spaces available, but there was still hope that I could study that September.

The UCAS clearing date came around quickly and the list came up early in the morning, so I was quite excited to see if Podiatry had any openings. Luckily there were a few universities still offering Podiatry, so I had a choice over where I could go. I wanted to be London based, have exposure to all the fantastic London specialist clinics and teaching hospitals and I wanted to know I’d be supported by an excellent teaching team, so after speaking to Claire Duguid, the admissions tutor at the University of East London (UEL), UEL was my first choice.

Claire was just lovely, she listened to what my goals and aspirations were, answered all my queries and put me at ease immediately. The interview then felt very relaxed, I felt very welcome and I knew this was the place I wanted to study.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITY

Over the three years UEL helped me develop my specialist interest in Biomechanics/ MSK Podiatry, and gain exposure to great clinics such as Great Ormond Street, Guys, Kings, The Royal Free and St George’s. The learning environment was interactive, fun, supportive, and the experience was enriching. I also had a wealth of exciting extra curricular opportunities from participating in civic engagement- spreading the enjoyment of Podiatry throughout schools and colleges, working for the university as an ambassador and participating in decision making within the profession through the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists as the London Regional student rep.

GREAT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN MY FIRST YEAR IN PRACTICE

Three years flew by very quickly and since leaving UEL I gained immediate employment in private practice where I experienced paediatrics and biomechanics to a whole host of dermatology. This experience prepared me for my post as an Advanced Therapies Podiatrist at Barts where I was given the opportunity to manage specialist clinics including Heel pain/ Biomechanics and Advanced Therapies – including cryotherapy and electrosurgery – within my first year.

Within 9 months I gained progression and will now be moving to St George’s where they have a dedicated multidisciplinary MSK centre, and I can further develop my skills in MSK podiatry. Academically my next step is a Masters in Performance medicine, as I come from a performance background and this is a passion of mine.

Podiatry has such a diverse range of practice and UEL, and the amazing teaching team, helped me to realise my potential and guide me in my development whilst making some great friends for life!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON STUDYING PODIATRY AT UEL PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

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Until next time
The Podiatry Careers Team

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