Head & Short Podiatrists is committed to continuing professional development for all of our staff. We believe that striving to learn and develop our knowledge and skills will maximise the human potential throughout the organisation and that can only add value to the business and the people that work within it. Patients benefit from staff with a greater knowledge base and skill set and can often receive much better treatment than they otherwise would have thought. We are also able to recognise and treat a greater number of pathologies and conditions and if we cannot treat patients in-house they can be referred on to external specialists.
The vast majority of our clinicians have gained their POMs qualification and are able to issue antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, etc. and several clinicians are hoping to become independent prescribers once they have completed the training. Several staff have gained their IRMER qualification and can request x-rays and MRI’s for their patients.
A number of clinicians are studying in the following areas: steroid injections, independent prescribing, Podiatric Surgery (one is a Podiatric Surgeon practicing at Registrar level), one is commencing a PhD in MSK. Several of our clinical staff have gained their MSc’s.
One of our Lead Podiatrists is also a Mentor for the Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists and helps Podiatrists who have been out of Podiatry for more than 3 years to regain their HCPC Registration through self-directed study and clinical supervision.
All of our clinics have PC’s or Mac’s with internet access to facilitate internet use in daily clinical practice and online learning. Our databasing is web-based, stock control is all barcoded, messaging systems are all via multi-platform data-sharing (app or online)…even our practice management system is web-based!
Induction training…
When you first start we tailor an induction program to ensure you hit the ground running. Joint clinics with senior members of the clinical team ensure we can assess your strengths and weaknesses and jointly agree a personal development plan to focus your CPD from year to year.
In-house training…
We’re proud to run training sessions, every 1-2 months, that have covered topics as diverse as specialist children’s footwear, Podiatric surgery, paediatric ontogeny, POMS updates, plant extracts for verrucae, In-toeing, leg length discrepancy, case studies (a chance to share interesting cases that show up in clinic from time to time), etc. In addition to external speakers, team members are expected to contribute to these sessions on a rotational basis bringing knowledge and skills they have gained from clinical practice and external courses for the benefit of the rest of the team.
Self-directed learning…
As part of in-house training we regularly produce learning modules that staff are expected to work on in their own time enabling them to direct their studies in a logical and chronological way. One-to-one tutoring is used to enable this type of learning allowing participants to grow and develop at their own pace and ask questions and gain knowledge in a safe and friendly environment.
External CPD….
Conferences…
The vast majority of our team attend the SCP Annual Conference annually not only to maintain their CPD but also to learn about new procedures, technology and to network with colleagues old and new. Terrific fun and something we look forward to!
Short Courses…
Everyone attends short courses throughout the year to not only maintain their CPD but also to learn new skills of benefit to their clinical practice.
Modules…
At present we have several staff studying M-Level modules in different subjects as part of their career development. These can lead to the following awards: Post Graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Diploma, Masters.
The future…
We help junior staff commence Masters modules within 2 years of joining us and actively encourage single and group learning within the practice. We have good links with several universities and would like to expand our in-house training to local solo practitioners who do not have access to our style of CPD. What can you bring to help…..?
Head & Short Podiatrists Ltd. – Registered in England
Company Registration No. 6741445 VAT Registration No. 975 7625 65