At a crossroads

As a Band 6 podiatrist working in a specialist role, I had reached a point where my development felt very clinically focused.  

I was managing complex patients every day, but I didn’t have the time to develop the other pillars of practice – leadership, education and research.  

I wanted to continue growing professionally without necessarily moving straight into management.  

The enhanced practice Post Graduate Certificate (PGCert) gave me that opportunity.   

Making it possible 

One of the biggest factors for me was funding. 

The programme is funded through the NHS apprenticeship levy, which meant I didn’t have to self-fund my studies. 

I applied through my Trust, submitted an expression of interest and was supported through the process by the apprenticeship team. 

Having that support made a huge difference and helped make the opportunity accessible.  

Learning and development 

I chose the 18-month route, which requires 487 hours of learning – around seven and a half hours each week of protected development time.  

That time has been invaluable. 

It’s not just study time. It is structured off-the-job learning that is logged and mapped against specific competencies.  

What has been most powerful is the ability to lead my own development.  

I have spent time shadowing other teams, including vascular surgery, to better understand referral pathways and the information clinicians need in urgent situations. 

That experience completely changed how I communicate. 

When you only have one minute to convey critical information, every word matters. 

I also developed a much stronger understanding of tools such as WIfI (Wound, Ischemia and foot infection) scoring. 

Discovering new skills 

The programme has transformed how I see my role.  

Alongside clinical development, it has given me confidence in leadership. I’ve led quality improvement projects, contributed to service development and started exploring research for the first time. 

I have also begun linking with research teams within my Trust.   

It has also changed how I work with patients. My approach to education and communication is now completely different. I think about how to motivate behavioural change and how to explain complex conditions, such as diabetic foot disease.  

Confidence to shape my future  

Perhaps most importantly, the programme has reignited my enthusiasm for podiatry.  

At one point, doing purely clinical work, I felt a bit stuck.  

The enhanced practice programme has brought that excitement back and given me the confidence to shape my own career path, whether that leads into advanced practice, leadership or something else.  

For me, it has been a chance to step back, develop as a whole clinician and bring that learning back to my team. 

I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of the first cohort and would encourage anyone at a similar stage in their career to explore the opportunities enhanced practice can offer. 

Links and references

You can read more about enhanced practice in The New Podiatrist: Why enhanced practice matters to the future of podiatry.