I literally had no idea what a podiatrist did, but loved Human Biology at high school and so I decided to apply for any allied health course at University and go from there. After the first year of podiatry, I was sold. I have very average musculoskeletal function and found foot orthoses had a profound impact on my discomfort and function. I have been fascinated ever since with lower limb function.

If I were to pick ONE career highlight, I would say it’s the small clinical day-to-day highlights, or wins where you have successfully taken a patient who was in tears and unable to walk, who has seen many other healthcare professionals before they saw you and is in chronic pain, and you have been able to get them back to physical activity without pain. These everyday wins are what keeps me passionate about clinical practice.

I first joined AAPSM (now SEPA) back in the 1990s and have watched it grow into the impressive professional organisation it is today. Being a member of SEPA has provided me with a community of likeminded podiatrists with whom to discuss, develop and grow our understanding of lower limb structure, function and clinical care. SEPA membership is a must for any podiatrist who has an interest in musculoskeletal health – it’s not just for those podiatrists who treat sports people!