Case study
Fran Campbell, lead in Podiatry and Biomechanics at Accelerate CIC
Fran says:
"My top tip would be to embrace any opportunities to shadow others and work in interdisciplinary teams as much as possible. When doing so, be confident in your skills, knowledge and value, as podiatry is a key part of many multidisciplinary teams."
Student and graduation
As a student, Fran was involved in many open days to support recruitment into the profession. For her work in this area, she received awards from the student union. Graduated: 2009 from UEL
Further learning
- MSc in Clinical Biomechanics
- Additional learnng in private practice with gait analysis skills and to perform ankle blocks and therapeutic injections under ultrasound guidance.
- Additional Rheumatology MSc module
Career
After graduation, Fran got an NHS Band 5 role, where she had the opportunity to work in MSK clinic whilst the Lead Clinician was away on paternity leave. This gave her an insight into MSK specialisms. During this time, Fran became involved in some research studies undertaken in the MSK clinic, following data collection and audit, and this helped to develop her understanding of research and protocols around data collections. Noticing Fran's interest in MSK and rheumatology, a colleague invited Fran to shadow the rheumatology clinic.
Fran moved into her Band 6 role, and embraced mentorship from consultant podiatric surgeon, Trevor Prior. During this time, Fran was also able to gain experience whilst working in some Insole Clinics.
Fran progressed into her Band 7 role, taking on the MSK services, as well as the Podopaediatric service, further increasing the breadth of skills within MSK.
Whilst doing her MSc in Clinical Biomechanics, Fran wanted to grow her knowledge in gait analysis and so she moved into private practice, working alongside skilled surgeons and physiotherapists, providing care to the general sports population and athletes.
Fran is now working in a social enterprise company (Accelerate CIC) where she treats NHS patients. In her current role, Fran is the sole podiatrist working within specialist lymphoedema and leg ulcer nursing team, with a consultant dermatologist to support patients with chronic lower limb conditions.
Fran has also just completed a five-year tenure on the editorial boards of The Podiatrist (was Podiatry Now). Fran has also published blogs, written articles, and published peer reviewed research. Fran has also presented at the annual RCPod conference, Tissue Viability Society and British Lymphology Society conference.
Leadership
Throughout her career, Fran has demonstrated great leadership qualities, including leading on service delivery improvements with a colleague in the MSK Clinics whilst working as a Band 7, which resulted in money savings and reduced waiting lists.
In her current role, Fran is the only podiatrist in her MDT and therefore embraces self-leadership skills and confidence to provide insight to the team. Finally, Fran is completing the RCPod's Leadership Programme (2022 Cohort)