April 10th, 2012 
admin Let me introduce myself. I am a chiropodist/ podiatrist who has been happily practicing for 27 years in southern Ontario. Why I am happy? I love my profession. I am not sure how many people can say that today, but I am one of those lucky people. Every day, I help people and make them feel better as they walk out my office in less pain. Over the years, I have been honoured to treated 4 generations of several families. Hopefully, I will get to treat 5 generations. I have heard about births, anniversaries, weddings, retirements, graduations, the trials and tribulations of daily living and unfortunately deaths. The deaths of your patients are difficult since you have developed a relationship over years and sometimes decades. I especially respect the Canadian war veterans who served their country. Sometimes they will tell you about memories that make you wonder if they ever told their families. Yes there are difficult days but every job has those days. But through it all, I can’t wait to greet the next patient sitting in my treatment room or reception area. Many of my patients have taught me things throughout the years that are amazing. You realize as the years go by that the learning process is a two way street. People ask me, how I can stand to look at feet every day. The simple answer is that feet are attached to an interesting person. People also ask me, how I ended up in this profession. In my case, I was advised by my uncle who knew a podiatrist. My uncle was impressed by his skill and manner. My choice was finalized when I talked it over with my family doctor back in 1982. He said there was a need for foot care in Ontario. Today, 30 years later, there is still a need for foot care services provided by chiropodist/podiatrist throughout Canada because of the aging population. I would recommend this profession to any graduating university student. If I had to do it all over again I would choose the profession of chiropody/podiatry in a heartbeat.
Peter Guy BSc, DCh
Posted in 
I too feel this way about our profession, despite the many road blocks we encounter as we try to move our profession forward. Thanks for the reminder and for sharing this positive message.
As a new graduate I am looking forward to developing my chiropody career in its broadest and deepest context. Thank you for sharing your positive experiences as a chiropodist. I hope our profession continues to develop and I would also encourage more people to pursue a career in chiropody.
I too enjoy the many rewarding days where I leave the office knowing that I have helped a lot of people and made a difference in their lives!
I absolutely agree Peter. I cannot imagine having a more rewarding profession. There are rough days of course,but that is all forgotton when you have a really appreciative person who you have helped with their quality of life and mobility.
We do forge very personal relationships with our patients. we are in a unique position that we can dedicate time to listen as we work. I have had several patients tell me that their visits are their “therapy”.
My patients are also my educators. I gain so much from each encounter. Hearing people’s personal stories is also very humbling at times, and makes me appreciative of what I have in my life.
Right on! Really nice to read that. Nice you hear your story about choosing Chiropody.
Your story reminds me of my Dad. My Dad was a DPM for 55 years and practiced into his 80s. He was at his best, and happiest,in the office.
I worked in my Dad’s office for 10 years. The most important thing that he ever taught me was to try to see God’s grace in everyone.
It didn’t matter if you were a CEO or a street person, my dad gave his best. And it did not matter if you were a DPM, DPodm, Dch or sold shoes at retail (which my Dad started out as). To him you were a footman (or foot-woman) and a healer.