Move on

Boy are you sour with the world! You sound like the type of person who has other problems aside from a bad choice of profession. Maybe not getting enough at home?
I have been doing this profession for almost 40 years on both sides of the Atlantic and have not regretted my choice of profession.Sure, there have been frustrating times both with patients, the Health Care System(s) and the politics. Tell me one person in any job who doesnt get down. But,I still get a buzz when people come in in pain or with a particular problem and I can help.
There lies the problem. We were trained to help people first and get a living out of it second.I am afraid these priorities have been reversed for some time. Today it is business first-just look at most Chiropody and especially Podiatry courses being run today. Its Business or Orthotics related subjects.
My private practice is relatively new but I adhere to the same principles I learned as a student. Primarily you are there to provide a safe, effective, and value for money professional service. I am building a core of patients ranging from simple nail care to complex Diabetic Stage 4 Neuropathic ulcers requiring aggressive debridement in order to salvage their limbs. Of course I dont work alone but am lucky to have access to po & IV therapy Xrays, Bone and Gallium scans.
So even after 40 years I find the job, both challenging and satisfying. But most important I feel I am helping these poor people who otherwise would be amputees.Have you seen how devastating a BKA or AKA is to patients and families? I dont make or believe in rigid orthotics and have not met a case where the methods I employ-(footwear advice, insoles,mocassins and prosthetics for partially amputated areas) are not effective.
I am not rich(hell after 40 years I know I wont be), but that is not the reason I got into the profession.Most colleagues wont or cant treat the type of individuals I treat. That is their choice but I know if you are just happy doing simplistic treatment and making orthotics thats all you will do.There will always be a need for regular simple foot care and I agree nurses etc are capable of this in non complicated feet.If,however the plug is pulled on orthotics from the insurance companies I think this will have a major impact on peoeple. These people have put all their eggs in one basket and are too reliant on insurance to prop up their practices.Also by not accepting challenging cases or a more varied caseload I wonder how motivated they will be in 40 years.