Research
Why do podiatrists do research?
There are many reasons why a podiatrist might want to begin a career in research. For some, it offers them the chance to work intensely for focussed blocks of time on projects. For others, they enjoy working creatively to problem-solve. It is a highly autonomous way of life that can often give you more control over your time and the ability to choose when and where you work. It can be highly collaborative, and many people value the opportunities it gives them to meet and work with new people. It is a chance to work well in teams, but also to step out and lead independent projects.
Why is research important?
Clinical advances are often only possible because of research. It is a process of discovery, innovation and development that benefits patients because without clinical research, there are no new drugs and no new treatments.
The National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network has produced a webinar for newly qualified podiatrists to answer that question more fully.
You can watch this webinar here:
Research as part of your podiatry career
Being a podiatrist opens you up to a fulfilling clinical career, but it also allows you to get involved in a career in research too. Some people do research alongside their clinical work, and others find they enjoy it so much they make it their primary focus. Either way, we want to encourage research-inclusive clinical careers.
There are many ways that podiatrists can incorporate research into their careers:
- Some podiatrists work clinically and include research in their role e.g. Advanced Practitioners and Consultants
- Others do research and involve some clinical practice in their work e.g. Clinical Academics
- Some choose to focus solely on research
- Some people decide to teach podiatry in Higher Education Institutions, like universities, and undertake research as well as part of a portfolio – or mixed – career.
How can I start in academic research?
Becoming an early careers researcher has its challenges, so getting support from experienced colleagues and organisations will go a long way to getting you started.
- Make informal contacts: start conversations with people you know are already in the field, talk to them about how they got their start. Ask them if they have any advice or whether they can share any interesting current opportunities
- Internships: research internships offer an introduction to all aspects and roles across clinical academic research from trial design, data management through to undertaking practical research in a clinical environment
- Study for a Masters in Research (MRes)
- Study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Professional Doctorate
- Early career Masters (either in research or with a research component)
- Advanced practice Masters (with research component)
- PhD or Doctorate in clinical practice
- The University of Southampton has produced a series of free short films offering advice and tips for clinicians on engaging in research. You can watch the series here.
Who can I contact to find out more about careers in podiatry research?
There are many diverse groups of people you might like to contact when thinking about developing your career to include research. Some of them are groups within the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod), and others within the much wider AHP and healthcare sector in the UK.
They include:
- Council for Allied Health Research (CAPHR)
- The RCPod’s branch network
- Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Research groups (or their named leads if you can find it)
- NHS workforce development leads
- NHS advanced practice leads
- AHP faculties
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
- Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs)
What is the Royal College of Podiatry’s Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Committee?
The RD&I Committee promotes the advancement of research and education for the public about podiatric health, particularly about the prevention and the treatment of diseases and conditions of the foot and lower limbs.
RD&I Committee members
- Sarah Curran (Chair)
- Shehnaz Akhtar
- Ruth Barn
- Vicki Cameron
- Richard Collings
- Eileen Dolan
- Lisa Farndon
- Sally Gates
- Kym Hennessy
- Christopher Morriss-Roberts
- Lauren Connell, Research Student Network Representative
- Helena Milnes, Research Representative, FoPS Committee
Mentoring opportunities
There are lots of mentoring opportunities available to help you if you decide to make research a part of your podiatry career.
You might consider submitting a paper to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.
You can make use of the expertise and networks within the RCPod, which offers mentorship programmes, professional development resources and networking opportunities for students and professionals interested in podiatry research.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) offers a Podiatric Medicine Faculty which provides mentorship and support for research initiatives.
Many podiatry schools in UK universities offer active research programmes. Examples include the University of Brighton, the University of Southampton, University of Salford and Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The NIHR and NHS England also offers support for clinical academic careers through various training schemes and fellowships which can include mentorship in podiatry research.
Other useful links
FutureLearn partners with top international universities and specialist organisations to offer a wide range of online courses and degrees.
Here are just some of the courses that they offer to support research: