Working with feet might not sound glamorous to everyone, but for AnglicareSA Allied Health services podiatrist Kristy Thurgood, her career was the perfect fit.

“I always wanted to do something in allied health, and I found podiatry the most interesting,” Kristy said.

“I like the variety of what podiatrists can do and am particularly interested in diabetic foot health.”

Kristy first joined AnglicareSA as a podiatry student on a four-week placement while completing her qualification. When the opportunity came to return to AnglicareSA as a podiatrist years later, she said she saw it as a chance to follow her interest in podiatry for older people.

 

“I really enjoy the aged care side of podiatry,” Kristy said.

“Because I did my placement with AnglicareSA, I had an idea of how the organisation operates and its processes, which really appealed to me.

“I like the focus on helping people and maintaining independence for our older customers and making an impact.

“I love having a chat with my customers too – I learn a lot from chatting with them.”

 

As a podiatrist, Kristy maintains the foot health of our customers, which can involve nail care, treating corns and calluses, prescribing custom orthotics or exercises, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes-related foot problems.

She said a large part of her role was to help customers maintain independence.

 

“It gets harder to reach our feet as we get older, so it is important to meet with a podiatrist and have an assessment,” she said.

“It can be difficult for some people to get into the clinic for mobility reasons, which is why we do home visits as well.

“A large part of what we do is about maintaining independence at home.”

 

 

AnglicareSA’s podiatrists work in a multidisciplinary team with our other allied health professionals, including occupational therapists and exercise physiologists, to provide holistic care that increases customers’ confidence, mobility, and independence.

 

Kristy said that podiatry encompassed more than nail care, and regular foot assessments with a podiatrist could help identify a range of potential health conditions.

 

“There are a huge number of medical conditions that can affect our feet,” Kristy said.

“Podiatrists can sometimes pick up on undiagnosed conditions by things that pop up on our feet. Our nails can change depending on other underlying conditions.

“There are lots of things we pick up on visibly.”

 

Want a career in allied health?

 

Want a rewarding career that makes an impact on the lives of so many South Australians every day? Do it at AnglicareSA.

Tailor your career to your strengths and interests and work with the customers you connect with most – our allied health professionals work with people of every age, ability, and stage of life, including paediatrics, disability, and aged care.

We offer permanent and casual opportunities across various locations in Adelaide.

 

Click here to register your interest in potential future allied health career opportunities and join our talent community.