What does a typical week look like? 

I typically work a six-day week, Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm, and a shorter day on Saturday from 8.00am to 3.00pm. 

I see a wide variety of patients, both adults and children, for routine podiatry, verruca treatments, biomechanical assessments and nail surgery. 

What do people misunderstand about the role? 

A common misconception is that podiatrists only cut nails and remove hard skin, but the profession is far broader than that. 

We carry out biomechanical assessments, nail surgery and wound care, all of which help keep patients healthy and mobile. We also perform Doppler ultrasound assessments to examine blood flow in the lower limbs, which can sometimes identify wider health problems elsewhere in the body. 

What’s changed most in the past few years? 

There has been a noticeable increase in patients seeking support from private podiatry practices because of difficulties accessing NHS services. 

At the same time, advances in technology within private practice have improved how we assess and treat patients. Equipment such as 3D gait analysis is helping deliver more accurate assessments and increasingly personalised treatments, including 3D-printed orthoses. 

What is the hardest part of the job right now? 

The hardest part of the job is managing the increasing costs of running a private clinic in the current economic climate. 

As much as I would like to focus solely on treating patients, I also have to manage the wider business responsibilities that come with running a practice. 

What keeps you in the profession? 

What I enjoy most is the long-term relationships I have built with patients over more than 20 years in practice and seeing how improvements in foot health can positively change people’s daily lives. 

What’s one thing podiatry gets right? 

At the core of podiatry is a real understanding of how important healthy feet are to overall wellbeing and mobility. 

What’s one thing it needs to face up to? 

During the first Covid lockdown, many people began to appreciate how important podiatry is in helping people stay mobile and active. 

The profession still needs to continue raising awareness of what podiatrists do and the value we bring to healthcare. It also needs to address the declining number of people considering podiatry as a career. 

Quickfire with Hasan Isat 

First thing you do in clinic? 

Set up my instrument trays for the day. 

A tool you couldn’t work without? 

My podiatry nail drill. 

A word or phrase you overuse with patients? 

“Your feet are your foundation – you only get one pair for life.” 

Last thing you learned?  

More about fibromyalgia and managing its effects in the lower limb. 

Best advice you’ve been given? 

Treat the patient as a whole, not just their feet. 

Find out more

Learn more about Hassan’s work at West Bridgford Podiatry. 

Take part in In practice

In practice showcases the people, careers and experiences that make up the podiatry profession.  

If you would like to be featured in a future edition, or would like to nominate a colleague, contact thenewpodiatrist@rcpod.org.uk