Bachelor of Science - BS in Podiatric Medicine University of Galway

Podiatric Medicine is a branch of medicine devoted to the medical and surgical treatment of the foot, ankle and lower limb.

A podiatrist is an autonomous clinician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of lower limb conditions. Podiatry can significantly improve peoples’ quality of life by promoting and maintaining mobility. Therefore, podiatric medicine as a career can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling and can give immense job satisfaction.

Podiatrists work in a variety of settings in the public and private sectors. Podiatrists will treat patients of all age ranges and at all stages of life. The scope of practice of a podiatrist ranges from:

Management of skin and nail pathologies

Management of patients with diseases that can compromise the viability of the foot and lower limbs, e.g. diabetes, vascular disease, wound care.

Musculoskeletal conditions

Biomechanics and gait analysis

Sports injuries

Paediatrics

Minor surgical procedures

What is a high risk foot?

What is Musculoskeletal Podiatry?

The B.Sc. (Hons.) Podiatric Medicine programme is designed to educate and train those who wish to pursue a professional career in podiatry, as a health care professional, who specialises in the management of disease and disorder of the lower limb and foot.

Clinical placements are a pivotal area of learning within the podiatric Medicine programme. Students are gradually introduced to clinical practice by use of simulated techniques and case exemplars. Onsite clinical placement and learning at Merlin Park Podiatry Clinic unite the theory with the ‘hands on’ practice education, facilitated by the academic and clinical teams. Clinical placements are integrated into each year of the programme, so that students will have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice and develop their clinical skills.

The main aims of clinical education are:

To apply knowledge, professional reasoning and professional behaviour within practice

To promote professional competence

To work as an effective team member

To promote professional confidence

To provide opportunities for students to integrate theoretical and practical learning The clinical teaching programme involves experience with patients from various medical/surgical disciplines; this ensures a high level of quality practice education for students.

The University of Galway, more formally known as the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway), is one of Ireland's leading institutions for higher education and research. Founded in 1845 as Queen's College, Galway, the university has a long history of academic excellence, community engagement, and social and cultural contribution to the western region of Ireland. Situated along the banks of the River Corrib, the campus offers a scenic environment that fosters a unique blend of academic and creative pursuits.

NUI Galway is home to over 18,000 students, including a substantial international student population, and offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The university is renowned for its research capabilities, particularly in areas like marine science, biomedical science, energy and environmental engineering, and informatics. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally for its impact and quality of research.

The campus itself is a blend of the old and the new, featuring historic limestone buildings as well as state-of-the-art modern facilities. With its commitment to sustainability, NUI Galway has also been a pioneer in implementing green practices across its campus. The university has a strong focus on community engagement, emphasizing service learning and volunteering as a part of its educational ethos. Various student societies, sports clubs, and organizations contribute to a vibrant student life that complements the academic experience.

NUI Galway has established strong links with industry partners, offering students opportunities for internships, work experience, and collaborative research projects. This connection with the industry ensures that the courses are current and relevant, equipping students with the skills needed for the modern workforce. With a legacy of over 175 years, the University of Galway continues to be a hub of innovation and excellence, rooted in tradition but looking towards the future.