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          Typical week in first year Podiatry by Caoinleain Soffer 

A week in first year Podiatry consists of lectures in anatomy and physiology, podiatry theory, clinical studies  and most importantly; clinical placements. It can be an exhausting week but is always interesting and enjoyable! Although there are not many hours
(13-15 depending on which semester), many valuable things are learned throughout the week. For example, this semester we have been on clinical placements and the theory learned from podiatry classes has enabled my classmates and I to use our time on placement effectively which can be very satisfying. An orthotics room has also been set up which has made us aware of the many different areas in podiatry. It is essential not to miss out on any classes as each week continues to increase our skills and knowledge for a bright future career in podiatry.

 

Jamie O’Sullivan, Podiatry

Jamie O’Sullivan ’went out on a limb’ last year when he chose a new degree in Podiatry as his first option on the CAO.  NUI Galway is the first third-level institution in Ireland to offer the course that will train healthcare professionals specialising in diseases and disorders of the lower limb and foot.  

Jamie, who is from Kilcummin, Killarney, Co. Kerry, was interested in the subject partly because of his love of sport. He says, “In the future I could always branch off into the sports side of podiatry such as orthotics or sports injuries”.

The hands-on nature of the Podiatry programme also appeals to Jamie who says, “The best bit in my opinion is the way that we get to do a lot of our learning hands on, i.e. clinical studies.  We either get to see it being done or get to do it ourselves which is much better than having your head stuck in a book all day”.

A self-confessed ’sports-mad man’ who plays Gaelic football with the Kerry minors, Jamie enjoys the culture at NUI Galway.  “Everybody is friendly and there seems to be people from all over Ireland here not just people from Galway itself”, he says.  “The facilities are top notch and they are mad into their sports up here too”.

He recommends a simple approach to the CAO, “Put down what your interests are and work from there.  When I first filled mine out everything on it was sports related but there is plenty of time from when you first fill out your CAO to the closing date. Don’t be afraid to move your order of preferences around a bit.  Read the newspapers and see what courses are out there and don’t be afraid to ask for information”.

Jamie, who is relatively young at only 17, has a further tip for younger students.  He says, “If you’re young like me and not sure what to do, don’t repeat for the sake of wasting a year.  Go to college and you will have a blast”. 

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What course are you studying? Podiatry
Choosing the best career possible is what drove Grace Hughes selection on the CAO.  When she heard about the new course in Podiatry at NUI Galway, she knew it would be perfect.  NUI Galway is the first third-level institution in Ireland to offer the course that will train healthcare professionals specialised in disease and disorder of the lower limb and foot.  

Podiatry appeals to Grace because, “The flexibility of choosing my own hours of work, being able to work straight away after graduating, and  the huge demand for Podiatrist in the country meant that there would be job prospects available”.

Was it your first choice on the CAO? Yes

If it’s a new course you are studying – where did you hear about it? Grace Hughes visited the Higher Options conference at the RDS in Dublin while studying for the Leaving Cert.  It was there that she heard Podiatry was coming to Ireland and could be studied from September 2008 at NUI Galway.   

What's the best bit about the course? The practical, hands on clinical side of the course. I love it.

What is good about studying in Galway? The social life, the people, the college, and proximity to the city.

Are you into any sports, clubs, societies etc? I am a student rep for our class, so I am a memeber of the students union.

Casting your mind back to when you filled out the CAO form – do you have any tips for those now in that position? Ask yourself  what is going to make you happy in your career and be truthful. Ask yourself what do you want from your career.

Anything else you can add?  It really is a great course. 

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