Introduction 

Ben Lumley is an accredited advanced practitioner specialising in musculoskeletal disorders of the foot and ankle. His working week spans clinical practice, education and service development, reflecting the increasingly diverse opportunities available within modern podiatry. 

As an NHS musculoskeletal lead, Ben manages complex foot and ankle conditions. They are usually referred from primary care colleagues as part of the orthopaedic foot and ankle pathway, and occasionally from secondary care. Ben also supports pathway development, clinical supervision and multidisciplinary working.  

Alongside his NHS role, he undertakes private practice, teaches on postgraduate programmes and has recently joined the University of Cumbria as an Associate Lecturer supporting master's students with their dissertations. 

Passionate about professional development and the future of the profession, Ben believes podiatry's growing influence within healthcare must be matched by greater visibility, research and activism.  

What does a typical week look like? 

I spend most of my week working for the NHS as an advanced practitioner within the Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (iMSK), where I manage foot and ankle disorders referred from the elective orthopaedic pathway and support clinic triage. 

Alongside my clinical caseload, I provide clinical supervision, support pathway development, triage referrals and respond to requests for advice and guidance. 

Outside my NHS work, I undertake some private practice. I am also an Associate Lecturer at Northumbria University on the First Contact Practitioner PGCert programme and lecture for local practitioners. 

More recently, I have been appointed as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Cumbria, supporting master's students with their dissertations. 

What do people misunderstand about the role? 

When I provide podiatry for colleagues who are not podiatrists, they are often surprised by our scope of practice and the variety of fields in which we work. 

Although we are a relatively small profession, we work across a wide range of specialties and have a significant impact on patient care. 

What's changed most in the past few years? 

The scope of practice within podiatry is rapidly evolving. Practitioners are becoming more autonomous and managing increasingly complex episodes of care. 

When I started in my current role, specialties such as spinal imaging and detailed neurological assessment were new to me. With support from physiotherapy colleagues and local consultants, I have been able to expand my scope of practice considerably. 

Skills such as interpreting radiology reports, requesting blood tests, administering steroid injections, referring for nerve conduction studies and referring patients to secondary care colleagues beyond orthopaedics have all become part of my role. 

What's the hardest part of the job right now? 

Finding the balance between my clinical caseload, lecturing responsibilities and pathway development work can be challenging. 

That was particularly true while I was completing my advanced practitioner accreditation. 

What keeps you in the profession? 

Diagnostic curiosity and care planning are hugely important to me.

I love being the one who figures out the problem and develops a plan to help the patient.

I am also passionate about education and enjoy presenting to postgraduate students, secondary care colleagues and local groups of podiatrists, physiotherapists and orthotists. 

What's one thing podiatry gets right? 

We have a huge impact on healthcare within our local communities, both in the NHS and in independent practice. 

Recognition of the contribution podiatrists make is growing, which is encouraging to see. 

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

Despite our increasing influence, we need to do more to promote the profession and demonstrate our value through audit, research and publication beyond podiatry-specific audiences. 

As healthcare continues to progress and different professions expand their traditional roles, it would be easy for podiatry to be overlooked. We need to recognise that and be proactive in telling our story. 

Quickfire with Ben Lumley

First thing you do in clinic? 

Catch up on emails, review imaging reports, check triage and plan the day ahead. 

A tool you couldn't work without? 

Time to listen and take a thorough history. 

A word or phrase you overuse with patients? 

"What would be a good outcome for you?" 

Last thing you learned? 

The latest evidence comparing total ankle replacement and arthrodesis, and their long-term outcomes. 

Best advice you've been given? 

"Try and take the time to switch off when you can." – Adele Holmes 

"Always revise your anatomy." – Ian Reilly and Lee Murphy

Find out more 

Learn more about Ben's work at:

• Cockermouth Podiatry

• University of Cumbria

• Family Foot Clinic – Carlisle

• North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

• Northumbria University

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