Lesley is podiatrist working in the community. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who have been trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

Podiatry is a brilliant career. Podiatrists provide preventative care where we diagnose and treat a range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and legs. From speaking to patients, I know that they are interested in their own health care, and as a clinician, I offer expertise to help resolve their problems – and if there’s a particular issue that I don’t know the answer to, then there’s always someone in the team that does.

I always had an interest to work in healthcare. Having a young family, the hours fitted well with family life. I undertook a two-year access course in Health and Social Care which gave me the A levels to be accepted on to a BSc Degree in Podiatry.

There’s lots of job satisfaction from my role. For example, patients who present with painful problems such as a large corn on the bottom of the foot – which is painful when weight bearing – are thrilled to learn that it can be removed. I provide aftercare advice to prevent the problem reoccurring and when the patient leaves the clinic pain free, seeing their instant relief is very rewarding.

I’d definitely advise anyone to consider a career as podiatrist. Most podiatrists usually begin their career in general clinics, but there are endless opportunities to specialise in a particular area of podiatry, focussing on high-risk patient management, biomechanics, forensic podiatry or wound care. And with further qualifications, it’s possible to pursue academic research in a university, hospital or specialist institution.

In my spare time I like to fell walk in the Lake District, I enjoy swimming and spending quality time with my friends and family. I am a happy hardworking individual who likes a challenge, so working in podiatry is certainly that!