Poorvi Sharma

Poorvi Sharma - International student

Poorvi is an international student who travelled to the UK from India to study and work as a podiatrist. She is building her clinical and research portfolios within the NHS and hoping to progress into podiatric surgery.

Motivation to study podiatry in the UK

I knew I had a passion for diabetes since my childhood, but I wanted to explore other options such as oncology. As I investigated career options more podiatric surgery became my ultimate ambition. While I was looking for opportunities abroad, the UK was my first choice because it has good relations with commonwealth countries. It will be flexible for me if I am looking to move in the future. It is an English-speaking country, so this was easy for me to understand and relate to for my course.

The differences in training between India and UK

I believe podiatry is still a developing field in medicine in India whereas in the UK it is more advanced and you are supported with training in the NHS. The major difference was the hands-on practice and being able to work as an autonomous practitioner.

I chose Huddersfield because of the quality of the course and the support I would get going forward for podiatric surgery. In addition to the standard of the course I was blessed with amazing tutors and life-changing experiences which I am very grateful for.

My training at a UK-based university

I found my training from the tutors and my peers extremely supportive. It was very well structured with a good scope of practice; the large University clinic helped me put my theory into practice and develop my clinical skills.

Challenges or barriers to jobs

There were some barriers to jobs such as understanding the needs of the service user and the transition from a student to a new graduate. These were nothing more than any of my peers experienced.

I have been very fortunate in job opportunities, but I did make sure to do my research and analyse my strengths and weakness before the interviews. I believe this could be improved with more support during the transition period from a student to a new graduate to meet the standards expected for the job role such as preceptorship.

I applied for three jobs originally and got offered two roles.

Why I stayed in the UK to work?

I stayed in the UK mainly because of the opportunities and the NHS. As I am still growing in my career the UK was the best option for me to learn and grow at the same time.

Also, the people here have been very inclusive considering I am from an international background. This has been one of the most important reasons I stayed as I feel this is my home away from home.

There are many post-graduate opportunities to learn and work at the same time which gives me flexibility with my work, and I feel I have a good social and work-life balance here.

NHS experience and multi-disciplinary team working

• I have developed clinical decision-making skills as I upgraded my training
• I have opportunities for research projects for my continuous professional development and building on my portfolio, including being involved in the audit which has enabled me to see the difference we make in patients’ day-to-day life and understand evaluations of practice
• Working in acute settings for the NHS has added to my understanding of the importance of a  multidisciplinary team working alongside specialist nurses, diabetes consultants, vascular surgeons, and radiologists
• Working with specialist consultants I have had opportunities to shadow different procedures for a better understanding of the biomechanics of the procedure and how it will impact on treatment long-term
• I have had opportunities to be involved in radiological and haematological investigations which has enabled me to put theory into practice and I have a better understanding of X-rays and the importance of early intervention
• Within the NHS I have had the opportunity to work with psychologists and see how important mental health is for patients’ conditions
• I have learnt practical skills including total contact casting for acute and chronic Charcot foot.

Support within the NHS

I have found amazing NHS support starting from my preceptorship to my current acute specialist role and am eager to develop my scope further within the NHS.

The NHS Pension is set out to be one of the best in the UK hence being an employee in the NHS I feel lucky to be a part of it.

My long-term goals

My goal is podiatric surgery which I am working towards and trying my best to seek as many opportunities as possible to begin this career path.