It’s been a few months since we introduced Karla to the Amy Maclean Podiatry clinic; and we have had plenty of chat, testing, warm wax sessions, team meetings and pod-sessions along the way.
The majority of you have been in client since February and have met Karla during an appointment, as a pod-assistant-in-training Karla is in clinic with me most days as I mentor her through the practical side of her training. This means, I do pod-work and Karla watches and learns along the way.
The practical side is only the half of it, as Karla has to study the theory side of the pod world too.
This is a big deal right?!
I asked Karla for a catch-up on her training to date and what’s coming up over the next few months…
Hey Karla!
“It’s been busy but really enjoyable! I have loved getting to know more patients and hearing all about them and what brought them to see Amy many moons ago.
Exam requirements
I’ve been shadowing Amy and doing plenty of learning in preparation for my exam, which I’m hoping will be around January 2020. However, before my exam, I have to prepare a portfolio (if you see me lugging around a massive blue folder – that’s it!) and have 500 logged hours of work.
There is also written reflective work to do and 10 case studies to write. I have already completed 3 out of the 10 case studies, so I’m well on track.
Revision and theory
Some of the revision work I have been focusing on is dermatology and nails, learning all about their structures and what can go wrong; and anatomy. This is not just the feet, but the whole skeleton as well as blood and nerve supply to the foot.
The end of May was all about Pharmacology; studying the medications, drugs and dressings that are commonly used in podiatry. At the moment the focus is on Microbiology, this is a super important topic as it covers disease and sterilisation of the surgical instruments. Highly important to keep podiatrists and patients safe!
In clinic
After months of practice, I am now competent in carrying out the warm wax treatment; and have treated a few patients who had some lovely feedback. I really enjoy this part of the job as it’s “chill out time” for our patients, it’s nice to see them making time for themselves, as well as the therapeutic benefits of the warm wax to the feet and skin.
Another good thing about the clinic work is the new products! We got some foot scrub at the end of May and Amy scrubbed my feet, which was lush. I’ve liked trying out the new products as it means I can explain the benefits better to patients and we don’t use anything in the Amy Maclean Podiatry clinic that we have used on ourselves first.
Patient Forms
Part of my learning is the patient information forms that are filled out each time I seen a patient. These are completely confidential and no names are written on them; the purpose of these forms is to gather information for revision purposes. For example, medications, skin conditions and treatment. Even though they are anonymous, I always ask the patient for permission before I fill one in at their clinic appointment.
The Amy Maclean Podiatry team
We had a team day in Westhill in May, planning the patient journey and updating some of our communication tools. I also attended an instagram for business workshop, social media and content is a big part of the #amymacpod clinic.”
What’s next for Karla?
Over the summer months, Karla will continue both her practical and theoretical learning. She will soon be available to book for warm wax treatments and will start to handle some routine podiatry appointments in clinic too. Until early 2020, when Karla is fully qualified as Podiatrist Assistant, I will be present in all appointments – as mentor.
Ha. Amy Maclean Podiatrist and Mentor. Any questions or comments? #AskAmy Live is on Facebook on the first Wednesday of every month at 8pm. #amymacpod
