In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors: The Foot Health Podcast, I’m joined by Ian Reilly, Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, for an in-depth and honest conversation about podiatric surgery, patient care, and the evolving role of the profession.

Ian shares his journey from starting as a chiropodist to becoming a consultant podiatric surgeon, reflecting on his education, mentorship, and the experiences that shaped his career. We discuss the large number of procedures Ian has carried out to date, the surgeries he performs most often, and his role in taking over the podiatric surgery service within Northamptonshire NHS Trust.

We explore how podiatric surgery has changed over the years, including shifts in scope of practice, advances in equipment, and the growing role of minimally invasive surgery. Ian talks openly about patient expectations, surgical planning, safe recovery, and common myths surrounding podiatric surgery. His most common procedure is hammer toe correction, while bunions remain the most frequent referral he receives.

The conversation also covers challenges within referrals, the disconnect that can sometimes exist between podiatrists and podiatric surgeons, and the importance of communication and shared understanding. Ian speaks passionately about education, mentorship, and the need to share skills with those aspiring to enter podiatric surgery. We also reflect on how open and respectful professional discussions, including conversations Ian and I have had ourselves, can lead to better understanding.

We finish by discussing what makes a great podiatric surgeon, the importance of constructive challenge, the meaning of the title “podiatric surgeon”, and the uncertainty surrounding the future growth of the profession and the need for new surgeons.

To learn more about Ian’s work, education, and professional insights, you can find him here:
https://linktr.ee/podsurgeon
https://podsurgeon.co.uk
You can also explore Ian’s CPD Foot Notes on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/podsurgeon.co.uk

#PodiatricSurgery #Podiatry #BehindTheClinicDoors #FootHealth #PatientCare #MinimallyInvasiveSurgery #FootSurgery #HealthcareProfessionals #PodiatricSurgeon #ClinicalEducation #Mentorship #BunionSurgery #HammerToe #FootHealthProfessionals #HealthPodcast

In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors, I’m joined by Roger, who shares his lived experience of Parkinson’s disease and his journey from diagnosis to becoming an active member of the Selby Parkinson’s Support Group.

Roger talks openly about how he was first diagnosed, the impact Parkinson’s has had on his life and the people around him, and how finding the Selby support group helped him feel understood and supported. We discuss the importance of community, shared experience, and accessible support for those living with Parkinson’s.

Roger also shares thoughtful advice for others living with Parkinson’s, as well as insights for health and foot health professionals, highlighting the value of listening beyond the clinic setting and understanding the person, not just the condition.

This episode offers an honest and meaningful conversation about care, connection, and learning from lived experience.

#ParkinsonsAwareness #LivingWithParkinsons #BehindTheClinicDoors #HealthPodcast #PatientVoice #ParkinsonsSupport #SelbyParkinsons #ChronicIllness #CommunityCare #HealthcareProfessionals #FootHealthProfessionals #LivedExperience #ParkinsonsUK

In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors: The Foot Health Podcast, I head to the Happy Little Soles try-on event in Bristol to experience the world of barefoot shoes first-hand. I speak with the founder of Happy Little Soles, chat with customers of all ages, and explore the different reasons people are turning to barefoot footwear.

From long-term foot health goals to simply wanting more comfortable and natural movement, the stories shared at the event highlight why barefoot shoes are becoming increasingly popular. I also catch up with Nicola from The Foot Collective to discuss foot function, community learning, and how barefoot choices can support stronger, healthier feet.

This episode offers an on-the-ground look at real experiences, real people, and the growing interest in barefoot living.

To learn more about their work and upcoming events, you can find Happy Little Soles through their official platforms and social channels.

#BarefootShoes #HappyLittleSoles #FootHealth #BarefootMovement #BehindTheClinicDoors #TheFootCollective #NaturalMovement #FootCare #FootHealthProfessionals #BristolEvents #BarefootCommunity #HealthyFeet #FootFunction

In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors: The Foot Health Podcast, I’m joined by Lynne and Gareth from Duet Diabetes to discuss the purpose behind their work and how their unique approach supports people living with diabetes.

We explore why Duet Diabetes was created, the importance of improving understanding around diabetes, and how better awareness can make a real difference to foot health. Lynne and Gareth share invaluable insights on education, prevention, and the collaborative role played by foot health professionals, other practitioners, patients, and the general public.

This conversation highlights the need for clearer communication, earlier recognition of risks, and a more joined-up approach to supporting those with diabetes and protecting their long-term foot health.

To learn more about their work, you can find Duet Diabetes through their official platforms and social channels. https://www.duetdiabetes.co.uk/

Episode 7: Urea for the Win – Exploring Restorate with Dermapod

In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors: The Foot Health Podcast, I dive into the benefits of urea-based skincare with Dermapod, focusing on their product Restorate. We explore why urea is such an effective ingredient for dry, thickened, or compromised skin and how it supports overall foot health.

We discuss how Restorate works, the role of urea in maintaining skin hydration and barrier function, and how foot health professionals can integrate these types of products into everyday client care.

This episode highlights the science behind urea, its practical uses in clinic and at home, and why it continues to be a trusted ingredient for improving skin condition and comfort.

#FootHealth #Dermapod #Restorate #UreaSkincare #BehindTheClinicDoors #FootCare #SkinHealth #ClinicalSkincare #FootHealthProfessionals #DrySkinCare #CallusCare #HealthPodcast

In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors: The Foot Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Clair Crockett from Newson’s Clinic to discuss the impact of menopause on the feet and lower limbs.

We explore how hormonal changes during menopause can influence skin health, circulation, joint mobility, and overall comfort in the feet. Dr Crockett shares her expertise and offers insights into how foot health professionals can recognise and support clients experiencing menopause-related changes.

This conversation highlights the importance of understanding menopause beyond the commonly discussed symptoms and recognising its effects on mobility and foot health.

In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors: The Foot Health Podcast, I share an honest reflection on my week working in both clinic and domiciliary care as we move into the autumn season. From patient experiences to the realities of life on the road, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the week of a foot health professional.

I discuss how we can make a positive impact on our clients, why communication is so important when travelling to appointments, and how a small gesture, like a thoughtful gift of worry dolls, can mean so much in practice.

I also talk about being open to constructive criticism, learning from feedback, and how my booking system has caused a few challenges lately, leading me to trial some new approaches.

A special shout-out to Happybits Socks for keeping my feet comfortable through the busy clinic days.

#FootHealth #BehindTheClinicDoors #ClinicLife #DomiciliaryCare #FootCare #HealthPodcast #HappybitsSocks #ClientCare #ProfessionalGrowth #ConstructiveFeedback #AutumnClinic #BookingSystem #FootHealthProfessionals

In this episode of Behind the Clinic Doors: The Foot Health Podcast, I sit down with Joseph Frenkel, a podiatrist from Australia with a focus on dermatology. We explore the world of skin health from a podiatry perspective, discussing common and complex dermatological conditions that affect the feet.

Joseph shares his insights on how foot health professionals can better recognise and manage skin conditions, the overlap between dermatology and the lower limb, and why understanding the skin is such an important part of foot health care.

A special shout out to Cardiff University for their excellent postgraduate opportunities that continue to inspire professionals in this area.