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Entry Points (2024)
445

Course Overview

Podiatric Medicine is a branch of medicine devoted to the medical and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and lower limb.

A podiatrist is an autonomous clinician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of lower limb conditions. Podiatry can significantly improve peoples’ quality of life by promoting and maintaining mobility. Therefore, podiatric medicine as a career can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling and can give immense job satisfaction.

Podiatrists work in a variety of settings in the public and private sectors. Podiatrists will treat patients of all age ranges and at all stages of life. The scope of practice of a podiatrist ranges from:

  • Management of skin and nail pathologies
  • Management of patients with diseases that can compromise the viability of the foot and lower limbs, e.g. diabetes, vascular disease, wound care.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions
  • Biomechanics and gait analysis
  • Sports injuries
  • Paediatrics
  • Minor surgical procedures

The B.Sc. (Hons.) Podiatric Medicine programme is designed to educate and train those who wish to pursue a professional career in podiatry, as a health care professional, who specialises in the management of disease and disorder of the lower limb and foot.

Clinical placements are a pivotal area of learning within the podiatric Medicine programme. Students are gradually introduced to clinical practice by use of simulated techniques and case exemplars. Onsite clinical placement and learning at Merlin Park Podiatry Clinic unite the theory with the ‘hands on’ practice education, facilitated by the academic and clinical teams. Clinical placements are integrated into each year of the programme, so that students will have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice and develop their clinical skills.

The main aims of clinical education are:

  • To apply knowledge, professional reasoning and professional behaviour within practice
  • To promote professional competence
  • To work as an effective team member
  • To promote professional confidence
  • To provide opportunities for students to integrate theoretical and practical learning The clinical teaching programme involves experience with patients from various medical/surgical disciplines; this ensures a high level of quality practice education for students.

We welcome applications from school leavers, international students as well as mature applicants. The Discipline is committed to providing a comprehensive education for Podiatrists and the curriculum is based on best available evidence in relation to both theory and practice.

Who Teaches this Course

The core academic staff team on the BSc Podiatric Medicine programme consist of:

  • Prof. Caroline McIntosh – Head of School of Health Sciences/ Established Professor and Head of Podiatric Medicine
  • Dr. Claire MacGilchrist: BSc Podiatric Medicine Program Director/ Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine. 
  • Ms. Amanda Walsh - Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine, BSc Podiatric Medicine year 1 coordinator.
  • Ms. Olga Carey - Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine, BSc Podiatric Medicine year 2 coordinator.
  • Mr. Adam McIlwaine - Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine, BSc Podiatric Medicine year 3 coordinator.
  • Mr Nigel Roberts – Lecturer and Practice Education Coordinator, BSc Podiatric Medicine year 4 coordinator.
  • Ms. Sarah O’Connell - Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine
  • Ms. Angela McAnearney Podiatrist/Guest Lecturer
  • Ms. Fiona Lowry - Admin. Assistant
  • Ms. Geraldine Farrelly - Admin. Assistant

There is also input from members of staff in other disciplines within the university, who lead on and contribute to modules across the four years of the programme, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology.

The clinical placements throughout the program are supervised at Merlin Park Podiatry clinic, by a dedicated HSE staff team, who host a variety of skills and experience to enhance the students’ clinical learning experience.  


What Our Students Say

Lauren

Lauren Connell |   Postgraduate Research Student

I chose to study podiatric medicine because I wanted to be an autonomous specialized clinician, initially when looking at the course I was enthralled by the thought of studying anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology whilst engaging clinically in Merlin Park Podiatry Clinic. If you are undecided about the course, I would advise to look at the course content, as this course encapsulates biological sciences and clinical content which is interesting for somebody interested in health care. If you enjoy learning about how the body functions in a normal and pathological state, if you want to make difference to patients' lives, and if you'd like to become a specialized clinician in an upcoming profession then Podiatric Medicine could be for you. In my final year I was awarded the Tomorrow’s Podiatrists inaugural podiatry student of the year award. In 2019, I graduated with a first-class degree, and I am now a postgraduate research student, with an avid interest in patient care and student education.
Marcus

Marcus McGuire Daly |   Podiatric Medicine

I chose Podiatric Medicine because I always had an interest in Human Biology and the course involves topics such as Human Anatomy and Physiology which appealed to me. I wanted to undertake a university course that was challenging but also rewarding and the Podiatric Medicine course at University of Galway delivered on such factors. In addition to this I wanted my future role to be involved in healthcare and the Podiatry profession is a greatly needed healthcare service worldwide and its recognition is growing. If you feel you have an interest in healthcare and helping others, then I highly recommend that you consider this course. To get a greater understanding of Podiatry and this course I highly recommend that you look through the course at the University of Galway website, contact the staff of the Podiatric Medicine department for any questions, explore further information online around Podiatry, and if possible, look to experience the day of a Podiatrist either within a private practice or within the health service.
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