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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 15:06:17 GMT
Post by fronny1 on Jul 14, 2009 15:06:17 GMT
Hope someone can give me some advice. My background is as a grandparented pod, having said that I've always wanted proper qualifications (should have taken the place at Northampton when I was 19 instead of doing another degree). Tried the top up with ARU but all this has done is give me depression and made me question my self worth after having a module failed twice. The whole thing was hell - I've got 320 points worth of credits from it but who the hell wants those?? Have decided to try the UEL degree part time when my youngest starts school in 2 years time. The cost of commuting is going to be horrendous, but I've only got one life to do this thing in. Has anyone else gone down this route and is it possible to work as well? any advice would be much appreciated as I really can't imagine doing anything else except peoples feet.
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 16:49:23 GMT
Post by blinda on Jul 14, 2009 16:49:23 GMT
Hey Fronny1,
Yep, I took the said same route. It IS possible to work AND do the degree, with plenty of planning and a very flexible study schedule. I won`t bore everyone else with the details but if you want me to PM or email you just send me a PM.
UEL is a good choice BTW, I know a couple of the seniour lecturers there well.
Cheers, Bel
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seekerofwisdom
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 17:26:52 GMT
Post by seekerofwisdom on Jul 14, 2009 17:26:52 GMT
Hi Belinda and Fronney.
Again not trying to be too critical but it is good practice to use the Full name of something then put the abbreviation in brackets so everyone else knows what you are talking about.
Belinda your story I believe would not 'bore everybody' in fact it may well help heal the rift between Full time pods and the FHPs. Offers to PM on forums IMO is rude, takes the debate out of the equation.
Remind me was your dissertation on the unregulated and if so why did you never take up the offer to publish on a forum?
Brilliant opportunity to promote FHPs.
Last comment, I seem to remember when I did a full time degree I had to sign to say I would not 'practice' while under training. I assume this no longer applies or no one takes any notice?
Shy.
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seekerofwisdom
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 17:40:38 GMT
Post by seekerofwisdom on Jul 14, 2009 17:40:38 GMT
Hi Fronny
I admire your desire to attain a degree, but if you had a lot of difficulty with the top up degree, has it occured to you that the full degree may be a little difficult? You state that your background is as a grandparented pod- does this mean that you actually have a practise at the moment? What are your expectations of achieving the degree? Do you believe this will enhance your practise? We are always told that grandparented pods are every bit as good as degree pods when it comes to clinical skillls. Are you saying that this is not the case?
I do not mean to be critical but constructive- I did my degree with a young family and as single parent and it is very hard going.
Regards SOW
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davidh
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 19:12:11 GMT
Post by davidh on Jul 14, 2009 19:12:11 GMT
Hi Fronny I admire your desire to attain a degree, but if you had a lot of difficulty with the top up degree, has it occured to you that the full degree may be a little difficult? We are always told that grandparented pods are every bit as good as degree pods when it comes to clinical skillls. Are you saying that this is not the case? Reading from the bottom up...... Who is "always" telling you that grandparented pods are every bit as good as degree Pods when it comes to clinical skills? I've never said that, and I am usually fairly voluble on forums when it comes to defending grandparented. I take the view that there are many excellent grandparented Pods, but that there are good and bad in both grandparented and diploma/degree-trained Pods. ARU had some problems with staff which reflected in delivery and marking. This resulted in some confused and unhappy students. I know details but I'm not going to post them here. Suffice it to say that two of the top-up degree students I mentored were (being kind) "messed around" academically. The OP will probably find an established Pod degree a stroll in the park after their ARU experience.
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davidh
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 19:22:17 GMT
Post by davidh on Jul 14, 2009 19:22:17 GMT
Offers to PM on forums IMO is rude, takes the debate out of the equation. Brilliant opportunity to promote FHPs. Your opinion is your opinion. If forums did not want their members to PM they would not all (with one exception that I know of ) have a PM facility. Blinda's work was research, and as such was presumably impartial. Why do you think this would be (quote) "a brilliant way to promote FHPs"?
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 19:55:39 GMT
Post by fronny1 on Jul 14, 2009 19:55:39 GMT
Dear SOW,
Just to clarify. Yes I am grandparented and currently in private practice. If I retain my HPC registration while undertaking the degree, I see no reason why I cannot continue to practise. As to my expectations, that is a very good question. Currently, I feel that in the domicillary setting in which I work, my clinical skills are good. However who does not want more? I'd love to work in the NHS tackling patients and scenarios that I do not at present encounter. As for the Anglia Ruskin well don't go there! Suffice it to say that I'm a graduate and achieved quite a bit academically in my last career (which made the ARU thing a bit of a thorn).
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seekerofwisdom
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Jul 14, 2009 20:46:18 GMT
Post by seekerofwisdom on Jul 14, 2009 20:46:18 GMT
David
I never mentioned you so I am not sure why you have taken it upon yourself to answer personally- it is actually the grandparented themselves that are always saying that they are as good as degree pods.
I feel justified in my lack of respect re top up degrees then , seeing as you seem to be saying that they are not that great after all- it seems that it was all about money for bums on seats then?
Fronney Are you aware of the current unrest in the NHS at the present time?- the future of podiatry is uncertain but with the aim of cost cutting it is likely that there will be very few pod posts but many pod assistants who will do much of the clinical work. If you are bent on doing the degree, I would say that you will still be working in PP when you qualify, but at least your scope of practise will be comprehensive.
SOW
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 21:44:07 GMT
Post by blinda on Jul 14, 2009 21:44:07 GMT
Hey Shy, Thanks for the pointer with regard to abbv. OK; Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), University East London (UEL), By The Way (BTW), Personal Message (PM)…only kidding. Sorry if you found my suggestion for PM or email as offensive. My reason for this was because my `route` has been discussed here, on TFS and the SCP forum, so thought that people wouldn`t want to hear the same ol`, same ol`….but if it is of interest then I shall `tell my story`, although I fail to see how it could possibly heal any rift between anyone. I did the Institute of Chiropodists & Podiatrists (IOCP) Chiropody course prior to the cut off date for the implementation of the Health Professions Order, so was in the position to use the title `Chiropodist` and applied for registration via the Grand parenting mechanism. Whilst the IOCP course provided me with sufficient training and insurance to embark upon a career in foot health, the subsequent Continued Professional Development (CPD) that I undertook whetted my appetite for more learning. Therefore, I undertook the fulltime BSc Hons degree course at a later date (when my four children started secondary school and I could work as an insured and HPC registered Chiropodist 2 days a week) and graduated with a not too shabby classification, much to my astonishment. Interestingly, my university tutors comments included the acknowledgement that my academic achievements and practical skills were built upon a very solid foundation provided by the IOCP Chiropody course and additional CPD. Ok enough of my self trumpet blowing – my point is that, yes it is possible to raise a family, work as a chiropodist/FHP and undertake the BSc degree all at the same time, if you have the motivation. It is unfortunate that Fronny had a bad experience with ARU, I hope this doesn`t put him/her off from furthering skills and qualifications. With regard to my undergrad dissertation, as davidh said, it was a purely qualitative piece of research on the perception of the FHPs role in the Foot Care Industry. Quite frankly the whole FHP vs Pod vs Grandprented vs FHP, etc debate is tiresome, hence my decision not to publish/post on a forum. In case you hadn`t understood the gist of my previous posts about unregulated practitioners, I do not `promote FHPs`. I have always encouraged anyone who has an interest in foot health to do the fulltime degree. However, I refuse to tarnish all FHPs as practicing outside their competency as many do not. Their scope of practice is dictated by their training and insurance. As others have said before me; take a cross section of FHPs, Grandparented, Previously SR and degree trained pods and you will find good and bad practitioners in both. I am a firm believer in being positive and encouraging all to continue to learn. Hey Fronny, Sorry about the ramble, but as you have guessed I would strongly encourage you to take the plunge and go for the UEL degree. You will receive quality mentorship there and gain the invaluable experience that you speak of working in busy National Health Service (NHS) clinics. Cheers guys, Bel
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seekerofwisdom
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Jul 14, 2009 21:47:56 GMT
Post by seekerofwisdom on Jul 14, 2009 21:47:56 GMT
David
Offers to PM on forums IMO is rude, takes the debate out of the equation.
Brilliant opportunity to promote FHPs.
No still do not know how to do that 'quotey' stuff.
Yes my opinion is my opinion your point was?
Belinda's work was 'research' thus 'unbiased', where on earth did that concept come from, not about Belinda but 'research'?
Let's be honest when there is any mention of FHPs you are there, you are their champion, unbiased. Fair enough that is your opinion.
All private trainers produce FHPs QED FHPs are OK.
Same logic you use to justify PMs on Forums.
Hey I'm starting to understand this forum now and why everyone is so keen for posters to sign up, you can then go PM. Helps with the Karma too.
Shy
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seekerofwisdom
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Jul 14, 2009 22:13:01 GMT
Post by seekerofwisdom on Jul 14, 2009 22:13:01 GMT
Hey Shy,Thanks for the pointer with regard to abbv. OK; Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), University East London (UEL), By The Way (BTW), Personal Message (PM)…only kidding. Belinda, thanks for that some of us 'old timers' only remember the Chelsea school and the London foot. Sorry if you found my suggestion for PM or email as offensive.Not really offensive, just it was a very common practice of the old OPF which greatly contributed to the accusations of 'cliques'. My reason for this was because my `route` has been discussed here, on TFS and the SCP forum, so thought that people wouldn`t want to hear the same ol`, same ol`….but if it is of interest then I shall `tell my story`, although I fail to see how it could possibly heal any rift between anyone.I think your 'route' has been mentioned but not in the detail below, certainly the ICP course was always the most respected of the 'private trainers'. Ok enough of my self trumpet blowing – my point is that, yes it is possible to raise a family, work as a chiropodist/FHP and undertake the BSc degree all at the same time, if you have the motivation. It is unfortunate that Fronny had a bad experience with ARU, I hope this doesn`t put him/her off from furthering skills and qualifications.Fair enough. With regard to my undergrad dissertation, as davidh said, it was a purely qualitative piece of research on the perception of the FHPs role in the Foot Care Industry. Quite frankly the whole FHP vs Pod vs Grandprented vs FHP, etc debate is tiresome, hence my decision not to publish/post on a forum.Sorry it was always my impression that it was rejected for publication? Yes of course the 'Pod GP FHP' debate is tiresome but it still exists, my contention is that anything that brings reasoned arguament to it can only be good. If you have done the work then it should be worthy of discussion? In case you hadn`t understood the gist of my previous posts about unregulated practitioners, I do not `promote FHPs`. I have always encouraged anyone who has an interest in foot health to do the fulltime degree. However, I refuse to tarnish all FHPs as practicing outside their competency as many do not. Their scope of practice is dictated by their training and insurance. As others have said before me; take a cross section of FHPs, Grandparented, Previously SR and degree trained pods and you will find good and bad practitioners in both. I am a firm believer in being positive and encouraging all to continue to learn.I think you too misunderstand my position. I am really not interested in good and bad 'practitioners' but that we and the public compare like with like. Without closure of the profession that is not possible. It is politically correct to be positive and encourage 'continual learning', however to expect 50% of the population to achieve what was once reserved for the top 10% does make some of us wonder how it can be done. Perhaps Podiatry does not deserve a 'degree status'? Hey Fronny,
Sorry about the ramble, but as you have guessed I would strongly encourage you to take the plunge and go for the UEL degree. You will receive quality mentorship there and gain the invaluable experience that you speak of working in busy National Health Service (NHS) clinics.I agree, Cheers guys, Bel
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UEL
Jul 14, 2009 22:59:58 GMT
Post by robertisaacs on Jul 14, 2009 22:59:58 GMT
This one was always going to get heated.
The quoty thing, for them as don't know, is the second button in from the right on the row above the smilies. Highlight the text, press this one and bob's your mothers brother.
As David says, by whom? A Grandparented pod? More than one? Do you beleive it to be the case? There seems a strong undercurrent of resentment here. I'm genuinely interested to know where it flows from.
Considering the tone of some of the posts on this thread I think that an offer of a private communication is not the most "rude" thing I've read today. But so it goes. We all have different concepts of courtesy. PM ing seems ok to me!
Kind regards Robert
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davidh
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UEL
Jul 15, 2009 4:30:36 GMT
Post by davidh on Jul 15, 2009 4:30:36 GMT
I feel justified in my lack of respect re top up degrees then , seeing as you seem to be saying that they are not that great after all- it seems that it was all about money for bums on seats then? Where did I say that all top-up degrees were not good then? The Durham and Brighton top-ups (two I have experience of) are excellent. It is only the ARU, to my knowledge, which was not running a good top-up, and this may have changed.
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davidh
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UEL
Jul 15, 2009 4:33:47 GMT
Post by davidh on Jul 15, 2009 4:33:47 GMT
All private trainers produce FHPs QED FHPs are OK. Same logic you use to justify PMs on Forums. Where did I ever say that all FHPs were OK? What part of "I take the view that there are many excellent grandparented Pods, but that there are good and bad in both grandparented and diploma/degree-trained Pods." do you not understand? (this thread, post#4) I don't need to justify PMs on forums. Every forum, apart from TFS, that I've come across has them.
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seekerofwisdom
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Jul 15, 2009 5:40:51 GMT
Post by seekerofwisdom on Jul 15, 2009 5:40:51 GMT
Belinda it's up to you if you indulge my nosiness, this is a genuine attempt to 'understand'.
Robert sorry still cannot do the quoty thing I'm just thick.
Belinda you say;
Whilst the IOCP course provided me with sufficient training and insurance to embark upon a career in foot health, the subsequent Continued Professional Development (CPD) that I undertook whetted my appetite for more learning.
The way I read that is that your private training was adequate for you to practice as a chiropodist. Did you have the same opinion after you completed your degree?
Whatever your answer, yes or no, would you be prepared to explain why. The reason is you have done both courses, no degree pod would ever go back and do the 'private course', so it is always a one way route.
Shy.
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