Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for a podiatrist at Gen Health Hamilton! Whether you’re curious about foot health or considering a career in podiatry, this is a great place to start. Let’s dive into the daily routine of our dedicated podiatrists who are committed to keeping our community on their feet.
Morning: Starting the Day with Patient Care
Our podiatrists begin their day by reviewing the schedule, which includes a blend of routine check-ups, treatments, and consultations for new patients. A typical morning might start with a diabetic foot assessment, where our podiatrist carefully examines a patient’s feet, checks for any signs of complications, and offers advice on maintaining foot health.
Next up could be a biomechanical assessment. This involves analysing a patient’s walking or running patterns to identify any issues causing pain or discomfort. From there, our podiatrists craft personalised treatment plans that may include orthotics, specific footwear recommendations, or exercises designed to address the root cause of the problem.
Mid-Morning Tea: Collaborating as a Team
At Gen Health, we take a break together for morning tea—an important time for our podiatrists to connect with the team, work on clinical notes, and collaborate on patient cases. This is a chance for everyone to share insights, enhance clinical reasoning, and ensure that the care we provide is always at the highest level. It’s more than just a break—it’s a chance to sharpen our skills and support each other in providing the best outcomes for our patients. This is also when our baking skills come out if we are celebrating a team member’s birthday or achievements.
Mid-Morning: Specialised Treatments and Interventions
As the morning progresses, our podiatrists move on to more specialised treatments. This could include nail avulsion surgery for severe ingrown toenails or shockwave therapy to address chronic heel pain such as plantar fasciitis. Our podiatrists are also trained in prolotherapy injections, which promote natural healing in joint and soft tissue injuries.
Educating patients is another essential aspect of the role. Whether advising an athlete on injury prevention or guiding older adults in managing age-related foot conditions, our podiatrists are passionate about sharing knowledge to keep the community informed and healthy.
Afternoon: Follow-Ups and Continuing Care
After lunch, the afternoon typically involves follow-up appointments, which are key to monitoring patient progress. Whether checking the effectiveness of a patient’s orthotics or assessing improvement after shockwave therapy, these sessions ensure that each patient is on track for recovery and improvement.
Our podiatrists also spend time conducting footwear assessments at our in-house shoe shop, ProFeet Footwear. This allows them to provide personalised footwear recommendations based on the patient’s foot structure, lifestyle, and health conditions. With the right shoes playing such a critical role in foot health, our podiatrists take pride in helping each patient find the perfect fit.
Afternoon Tea: Continuous Learning and Collaboration
Later in the afternoon, our team gathers for a second tea break, offering another opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve patient cases, or share clinical pearls. We use this time to discuss complex situations or talk through new ideas, fostering a team environment where everyone’s expertise contributes to patient care.
End of the Day: Wrapping Up and Reflecting
As the day winds down, our podiatrists complete patient notes, respond to any urgent queries, and prepare for the following day’s appointments. Continuous learning is a key part of our culture at Gen Health, so podiatrists may also spend time catching up on the latest research or discussing complex cases with the team, ensuring that our patients benefit from the most up-to-date treatments and techniques.
Work-Life Balance and Opening Hours
At Gen Health, we believe in providing a supportive work-life balance. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with two evenings a week extending to 7:30 p.m. for after-hours patients. The bonus? No very early starts and no weekend work! This schedule allows our team to enjoy their personal time while providing excellent care to our patients.
Why Choose a Career in Podiatry?
Being a podiatrist at Gen Health Hamilton is deeply rewarding. Our podiatrists make a real difference in the lives of their patients, helping them walk pain-free, recover from injuries, and maintain their independence. The work is varied, challenging, and incredibly satisfying.
If you’re passionate about foot health and looking for a career that offers both personal and professional growth, consider joining our team. At Gen Health Hamilton, we provide a supportive environment, opportunities for continuous learning, and the chance to work alongside a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.
By offering a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a podiatrist at our clinic, we hope to inspire both aspiring podiatrists and those in need of foot care to explore the world of podiatry. For more information about our services, visit our Join our Team page!
