Evy Cailliau

Evy Cailliau: Internationally qualified podiatrist

Evy moved from Belgium to the UK as an internationally qualified podiatrist. To achieve HCPC registration and meet the UK standards she undertook stand-alone courses in nail surgery and local anaesthesia at the University of Huddersfield to top up her existing qualifications. She then undertook her Masters degree in the theory of podiatric surgery while working for the NHS.

My motivation to move to the UK and the differences between Belgium and the UK

The motivation to continue my study within the UK was due to personal reasons. For over two years I travelled to and from the country and I eventually chose to move over to the UK. There are also many differences between the UK and Belgium in terms of training, career, and life opportunities.

In my opinion the UK university system was considerably more supportive and interactive, and I had a good experience. On the other hand, the course fees are higher for the UK courses so having a higher budget allows for a lot more support for its students. Unlike the UK, Belgian podiatrists are traditionally self-employed with a focus on routine care and the provision of orthotics. As a qualified podiatrist you can choose to work in foot surgery (assisting), and in ‘high-risk wound care’ although both are in less demand, so opportunities were greater in the UK.

My adjustment to moving to the UK

Coming from living in Brussels, a busy capital city, there were lots of things that took time for me to adjust to. I moved to Sheffield which was different both culturally and in terms of usual dietary offerings which I had to adjust to. However, the charm of both the people and the nearby national parks won me over very quickly. After all, I had fallen in love with a Sheffield lad two years before my move to the UK. I will never forget the first time a bus driver called me ‘love’! Neither will I forget the first time I tried to hug Jack's friends and they recoiled! (Yes, I'm a hugger). It is my experience that total strangers in the UK are a lot more courteous to each other as opposed to Belgians. But Belgian friends will show a lot more physical affection in hugs and kisses. One on each cheek is a must! Although the number differs depending on where you’re from.

Why Podiatry and why the UK?

I was very interested in podiatry, but I also considered a career as either a dietitian or an art therapist.

I chose the UK as my base because my long-term partner was from here, but also because it presented good prospects, and I was offered a chance to work in an area with high standards with additional skills to what I had acquired in Belgium.

How did my training go in the UK?

I had my original qualification in Belgium and had to align with UK standards which meant I had to complete my local anaesthesia and nail surgery annotation courses. Teaching styles in the UK are much more interactive than they are in Belgium which worked well for me.

I then carried on my training while working in the NHS and undertook a Masters degree which I loved, although, studying whilst working was challenging at times I found it provided me with a very in-depth understanding and appreciation of the broad range of subjects.

What did I find challenging?

I found the HCPC application lengthy, and I was regularly asked for ‘additional information’ and needed to keep phoning the HCPC for updates. I benefited from family support and motivation during this process which took about six months. Having to top up my existing qualifications I then made a list of all universities that offered nail surgery and local anaesthesia modules. I found the University of Huddersfield team so helpful, my tutor found me a study group that supported me and I was so grateful. As soon as I got my grades this was passed on to the HCPC and this process was then very quick.

I didn't find driving to be an issue too much; yes it was different, but I got used to it rather quickly.

Applying for my first role in the NHS

Getting my first UK job went smoothly. I did not find interviews a problem. I started in NHS Rotherham where I worked for six months until a position closer to home in the NHS in Sheffield became available. I stayed with the Sheffield NHS Trust for my whole time in the UK, moving up the career bands when I was eligible to apply for it. I enjoyed my time in the NHS. I found them to be very supportive and motivating.

I completed my MSc part-time whilst continuing employment. After completing this course, I got promoted to a specialist MSK podiatrist under a company called ‘physio works’ within the same NHS Trust. I loved working there.

How do I feel the process could be improved?

The HCPC's communication in the first six months could have been better and consistency with the team managing your application would have made the process smoother.

Scope of practice and multidisciplinary team working in the NHS in the UK

The NHS can create specialisations of scope, but I felt my MSc kept my skills up and propelled me into promotion. I think podiatrists with an area of interest wishing to progress in their chosen scope would benefit from the support that is offered to you and the opportunity for growth is there.

I gained more access to multi-disciplinary teamwork after completing my MSc and began working closely with the physiotherapists in the MSK team. During my honorary surgery contract, I enjoyed working under the podiatric surgeon’s supervision and alongside the practice nurses.