Fran Campbell
Lead in podiatry and biomechanics at Accelerate CIC
Case study
Fran Campbell: Lead in podiatry and biomechanics at Accelerate CIC
Fran says:
"Embrace any opportunities to shadow others, working in interdisciplinary teams as much as possible. When doing so, be confident in your skills, knowledge and value, as podiatry is a key part of many multidisciplinary teams."
Student and graduation
As a student, Fran was involved in many open days to support recruitment into the profession. For her work in this area, she received awards from the student union. Fran graduated in 2009 from UEL.
Further learning
- MSc in Clinical Biomechanics
- Additional learnng in private practice with gait analysis skills and to perform ankle blocks and therapeutic injections under ultrasound guidance.
- Additional Rheumatology MSc module
Career
After graduation, Fran got an NHS Band 5 role, where she had the opportunity to work in MSK clinic whilst the Lead Clinician was away on paternity leave. This gave her an insight into MSK specialisms. During this time, Fran became involved in some research studies undertaken in the MSK clinic, following data collection and audit, and this helped to develop her understanding of research and protocols around data collections. Noticing Fran's interest in MSK and rheumatology, a colleague invited Fran to shadow the rheumatology clinic.
Fran moved into her Band 6 role, and embraced mentorship from consultant podiatric surgeon, Trevor Prior. During this time, Fran was also able to gain experience whilst working in some Insole Clinics.
Fran progressed into her Band 7 role, taking on the MSK services, as well as the Podopaediatric service, further increasing the breadth of skills within MSK.
Whilst doing her MSc in Clinical Biomechanics, Fran wanted to grow her knowledge in gait analysis and so she moved into private practice, working alongside skilled surgeons and physiotherapists, providing care to the general sports population and athletes.
Fran is now working in a social enterprise company (Accelerate CIC) where she treats NHS patients. In her current role, Fran is the sole podiatrist working within specialist lymphoedema and leg ulcer nursing team, with a consultant dermatologist to support patients with chronic lower limb conditions.
Fran has also just completed a five-year tenure on the editorial boards of The Podiatrist (formerly Podiatry Now). Fran has also published blogs, written articles, and published peer reviewed research. Fran has also presented at the annual RCPod conference, Tissue Viability Society and British Lymphology Society conference.
Leadership
Throughout her career, Fran has demonstrated great leadership qualities, including leading on service delivery improvements with a colleague in the MSK Clinics whilst working as a Band 7, which resulted in money savings and reduced waiting lists.
In her current role, Fran is the only podiatrist in her MDT and therefore embraces self-leadership skills and confidence to provide insight to the team. Finally, Fran is completing the RCPod's Leadership Programme (2022 Cohort)
- Dotty Fish is podiatry approved - go to the video in the Dotty Fish blog to hear Fran and Consultant Podiatric Surgeon Ron McCulloch talk about the benefits of soft soled leather baby shoes.
- How clothing can impact gait - Fran and colleague Ron McCulloch contributed to this Daily Mail article in April 2017
- Practice in a pandemic. Article in Podiatry Now, May 2020