Lecturer made examiner for peers wanting a foot in the door of prestigious college

A University of Northampton lecturer was among a handful of professionals appointed as the first examiners for a new post-registration professional exam.

Dr Paul Beeson, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, was one of 12 people chosen to examine candidates preparing to join the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s Faculty of Podiatric Medicine.

Candidates sit two exams: the first is a multiple-choice examination and the second, that Dr Beeson evaluates, is an ‘objective structured clinical exam’ (OSCE) in which the clinical knowledge, practical skills and communication abilities of the podiatrist are assessed.

Dr Beeson tested the candidate’s expertise and competence in managing medical conditions affecting the foot and ankle, presented as possible patient scenarios during the rigorous, two-and-a-half-hour exam.

Those who pass will be eligible for membership of the college and access to its range of training and educational opportunities, awards, scholarships and professional support.

Only full members of the Faculty can add the letters after their name: MFPM RCPS (Glasg).

These exams are the only podiatric medicine examination offered by a medical Royal College in the UK, of which there are 16 in total.

Dr Beeson said: “It was a great privilege for me to be chosen by the Faculty to become an examiner. The first day was quite momentous, both for myself and the profession as a whole and I’m looking forward to continuing with the role.”

See our website for more information about the podiatry course.