Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine

Podiatrists have a varied and interesting job caring for the lower limbs. Foot pain affects the young and old, sedentary and active people alike and can cause pain in the lower back and other joints by changing how you stand, walk and run. Lower limb problems also occur in association with many chronic diseases and podiatrists increasingly play an important role in addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes and rheumatology. Podiatry is a rewarding and flexible career. You could find yourself treating sports injuries, addressing paediatric gait complications, supporting elderly mobility andchronic illnesses. Due to current national occupation shortages, Podiatrists are in strong demand  (as indicated on the Australian Government Skills Priority List).

The University of Newcastle Student Podiatry Clinic at Wyong and Newcastle Hospital offers students the opportunity to gain real-life experience treating patients under the supervision of experienced podiatrists, in all areas of podiatry practice. Students gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art clinics utilising the latest evidence based technologies to diagnose and treat a wide variety of pathologies. We also offer opportunities to participate in community health events, specialist cadetships within the local hospitals and to apply for international clinical placements (UK and Spain) and government initiatives, such as the ‘Colombo Mobility plans’ to volunteer in supervised clinics in the Philippines.

During the 4 years program, students complete clinical placements in the university teaching clinic and in a range of external facilities across Australia and abroad, including hospitals, community centres, private practices, and sports medicine centers. We have also established a ‘Burija Clinic’ where First Nation patients receive free podiatric care supervised by Indigenous podiatrists.

The Joint Podiatry Program is delivered jointly by Western Sydney University and the University of Newcastle. Podiatry subjects are taught jointly with the supporting clinical and practical work conducted at each university. The biomedical and health science subjects are taught at each university. Students will have the opportunity to apply for the program component in year 4 which focuses on administering medicine to patients.