Taking a deep breath

Hi guys

I am in the process of applying to New York College of Podiatric Medicine. This evening I stumbled across this website. Much of it does not make for encouraging reading....except that I am practicing as a Podiatrist in the UK and much of the dissatisfaction expressed here is also known of in the UK, England. Undervalued, underpaid, etc etc. Over here the situation is made more difficult by the fact that Podiatry remains improperly regulated insofar as practitioners require no 'formal' qualification to practice. Consequently in the high street unregistered 'chiropodists' with 'correspondence course' qualifications (literally!) compete with those holding Podiatry degrees. So, most practitioners make a modest income, although some, in the private health sector as opposed to the National Health Service make exceptionally good money. As in many other walks of life, a professional education can be exploited more efficiently when it is accompanied by good business sense, especially in a competetive environment, and with the additional burden of insurance schemes and fickle clauses. In the UK private insurance schemes offering payment for podiatry is an exception rather than a rule. Even so, the trend here is that Podiatry is making good headway and although still on the edges of mainstream respectability, it is valued by patients, colleagues from other health fields, and medical general practitioners who refer patients with enthusiasm.

I am fortunate. I have continued in my training and hold one of 31 Consultant posts in the UK specializing in foot surgery, I am the Department Head of this hospital based service . Life is good, income is bearable, and patients are appreciative. I like my work, I am not (too) envious of orthoapedic surgeons making MUCH more money. (maybe just a little)

I made my choices and I have few regrets. I want to move to New York to live with my new wife who is in her 3rd year of a law degree. To be able to practice in New York I need to re-train in order to get certified. So I have decided to do it all over again, although I can, and have applied for advanced standing so hopefully I will not need to repeat the whole fours years of study.

WHICH brings me to my point. I would be interested to know if anyone here has an opinion they wish to share about the New York College. Also, I am looking for a CD-ROM entitled "Passing Your Boards". Does anyone know of it and where I can obtain a copy?

And those currently studying... do not despair. The profession can be extremely rewarding on many different levels. But if money is a priority there are probably better ways to get rich (business, computers, the internet!)

Best wishes to all