Podiatry graduate who moved down under gives thumbs up for lecturers

A graduate who switched professions has also switched what side of the planet she works on, moving from her native England to the vast, untamed landscape of rural Australia.

Wendy Cobbold graduated as a podiatrist in 2011, a profession far removed from her initial one. She explains the change: “I started out as a social worker with the Lincolnshire Secure Unit working with very troubled, vulnerable children and young people, some of whom had committed violent and nasty crimes.

“Life was in a bit of a spin outside of work, including supporting my teenage daughter and going through a difficult divorce. I loved my job I just needed a change. Funnily enough, my husband and I did consider a move to Australia to begin a new life about this time.

“I was interested in branching out into healthcare so completed an Access course at Grantham College to make sure I had the right knowledge behind me and heard about the podiatry course at Northampton.

“I was impressed enough to sign up when the Access course finished and I continued with my Lincolnshire job whilst studying. Studying at Northampton was hugely beneficial, the lecturers are the best. They hold so much knowledge, their attention to detail, commitment, encouragement and support goes above and beyond. Students are so very lucky to have the support from a great bunch.

“I travelled a big distance to get to the University most days…but this turned out to be great practice for my dream job in Australia!”

Wendy has worked full-time in Gayndah, Queensland (North and Eastern Australia) since 2015 as a Senior Podiatrist.  She mainly looks after ‘at risk’ foot patients, helping in serious patient cases that could, for instance, lead to lower limb amputations as well as identifying and treating foot ulcerations and deformities.

She adds: “My base clinic is very busy but I also service eight towns and seven hospitals, so it’s fair to say I’m never bored!”

“Although I’m not quite ‘The Flying Podiatrist’, some of my patients who live in the more remote areas and who need surgical care are flown to and from hospital. I cover a huge area, many hundreds of hectares, so those academic commutes to Northampton stood me in good stead for this role!

“One of the best things about this role, after seeing how much more comfortable my patients are and watching their healing journey, is getting out and about and seeing how beautiful the Australian countryside is.

“There is so much to see and so much to do.  A Sunday morning hike, a Saturday afternoon on the river or out on a property with friends enjoying a BBQ or a weekend in the city along with the beautiful access to the wonderful beaches that have clear water, golden beaches and sunshine.”

Find out more about the podiatry degree at University of Northampton.