Jonathan Chapman
Musculoskeletal Extended Scope Podiatrist, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)
He is proud of the difference he’s making to his patients’ quality of life, says podiatry alumnus Jonathan Chapman who now works for Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London.
“I enjoy being part of a team that collectively works to support the local community, providing a high level of podiatric care, improving foot health of the patients we see, reducing amputations and hospital admissions, as well as working with patients to improve their mobility, reduce their pain and achieve their lifestyle and activity goals. I’m currently also undergoing diagnostic foot and ankle ultrasound training, with the end goal of being able to provide point of care diagnostic ultrasound once this is completed
“I enjoy that as a team we’re working collectively to progress the profession of podiatry for ourselves, our colleagues and our patients. I’m also proud of the fact that as a podiatrist I have a range of transferrable skills that have been needed in different services within the NHS, the UK’s national health service, throughout the pandemic.”
As an extended scope podiatrist, Jonathan is working with a diverse range of patients from many different backgrounds.
“My role involves primarily working with complex musculoskeletal conditions, providing advanced assessments and treatments, such as bespoke orthoses, footwear modifications, foot mobilisations, acupuncture, rehabilitation programmes and steroid injections. As part of the musculoskeletal team we work closely with physiotherapy, orthopaedics and podiatric surgeons. I’m also assisting in the diabetic high risk foot clinics, helping to manage complex diabetic and vascular foot wounds. I’m proud of the difference I’m making by helping improve my patients’ pain, mobility and their overall quality of life.”
Becoming a podiatrist
He has always wanted to work in rehabilitation and help people be more active, Jonathan says.
“I was working in a specialist shoe shop and could see the life changes that I was helping with by educating people on the importance of good footwear. It was during this time that I started to form relationships with local podiatrists and had the desire to do more. That was the moment I decided to start my career as a podiatrist and enrol in AUT’s Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry).”
It's a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted, and throughout his time at university Jonathan had plenty of highlights.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at AUT. The academic staff were all very knowledgeable and approachable. The structure of the podiatry degree with its combination of lectures, practical sessions and clinical placements from the first year on really suited my learning style and set me up with the clinical skills to begin my journey as a podiatrist.
“One achievement I’m especially proud of was being selected for a studentship with the Counties-Manukau District Health Board to complete a clinical audit on podiatric intervention in the rheumatology setting. That was an amazing experience! The clinical audit ended up being published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research and an editorial was also published in the New Zealand Medical Journal while I was still an undergraduate student.”
Producing world-class graduates
After more than a decade working as a professional podiatrist, Jonathan still frequently draws on the skills he developed throughout his studies.
“I’m using a wide range of skills developed at AUT. These skills enable me to problem-solve foot and lower limb issues with confidence, as well as being able to communicate what is happening to the patient and my colleagues.
“I continue to apply the practical clinical skills I learned as an undergraduate student and build upon them to develop my skills as a podiatry practitioner while also sharing this knowledge with colleagues and my organisation to help improve service delivery and help our students cement their knowledge.”
He doesn’t hesitate to recommend AUT’s podiatry programmes.
“If you’re considering becoming a student at AUT, do it. My experience, especially since working overseas, is that AUT has a great reputation for producing world-class graduates ready to kickstart their careers in their chosen field. The support I received from AUT throughout my university studies was amazing, the learning environment was supportive and it instilled a passion for my chosen career and a thirst to continue learning.”
