Specialist in foot care. His main task is to carry out foot care procedures on the lower limbs, diagnose and treat pathological changes on the feet, as well as caring for the feet of the elderly, diabetics and others requiring specialised care. In carrying out his work, the podiatrist uses specialised equipment such as podiatric milling machines, cutters and customised orthoses. An important aspect of his work is also cooperation with specialist doctors and centres of recipients of podological services, such as nursing homes, diabetes clinics or rehabilitation centres.
The course of study lasts 2 years (4 semesters) and takes place in full-time mode.
Code (digital symbol of the profession): 323014
Synthesis:
Performs nursing procedures in the lower limbs;
- recognises pathological changes and cares for the feet of the elderly, diabetics and other persons requiring such care;
- uses specialist equipment;
- takes care of the standard of treatment provided;
- collaborates with specialist doctors and podiatry service recipient centres.
Professional tasks:
- independently recognise pathological changes in the lower limbs and their causes;
- selection of therapeutic procedures appropriate for a given patient;
- performing appropriate procedures to restore the healthy appearance and good functioning of the feet: correct cutting of nails, grinding and correction of nails, removal of thickenings, corns, etc;
- use of specialised equipment necessary to achieve the care effect, such as: podiatric milling machines, picks, personal orthoses, etc;
- taking care of the sanitary and hygienic condition of the equipment and instruments used for treatment (e.g. cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner);
- eliminating the risk of infection during procedures: use of disposable materials and appropriate medical devices and cosmetics;
- giving advice to patients on foot care and recommending suitable orthotics;
- liaising with specialist physicians: phlebologist, dermatologist, diabetologist and surgeon;
- liaising with social welfare homes, diabetology clinics, rehabilitation centres to reach groups of recipients of podiatry services;
- prevention of foot dysfunctions: publishing articles in the press, giving talks for diabetic patients and the elderly, etc., taking care to continuously expand experience and professional knowledge;
- participation in training courses, conferences, seminars and podiatry fairs.
Additional professional tasks:
- independently running a podiatry practice as part of a business activity.
