Foot expert Kwok Siew Keong leads us through a typical day in the life of a podiatrist. Make sure you keep up!

Podiatrists Siti Nurfarahdillah and Renee performing different aspects of biomechanical assessment.

More than 100 patients are seen at SGH’s podiatry department every day, each one requiring help getting back on their feet. We treat feet issues like walking/running injuries as well as painful ingrown toenails and calluses. Podiatrists are especially crucial in helping patients manage diabetic foot diseases such as ulcers, and in the prevention of amputations. 

The job is fast-paced and the work requires us to think critically and holistically when developing care plans for patients. Despite the physical and mental demands, I derive immense satisfaction from seeing my patients walk out with a lighter step. 

Here’s what a typical day is like. (Watch our Mannequin Challenge on Workplace.) 

8am: Starting the day 

After changing into scrubs, the team gathers for a discussion and reviews the inpatient cases we will be seeing for the day. 

9am: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail 

The team is ready to head out to the wards. Before that, I gather all the equipment and materials I need to help my patients, including appropriate dressing and suitable post-surgery footwear. 

10am: On the go! 

I’m at the wards to attend to my cases; but as the list of patients we have to see grows through the day, I coordinate with my team members on their whereabouts and delegate the work load equally. 

11.30am: Incoming! 

Sometimes, I get a referral from the vascular surgery unit – usually an amputation case. The patient would require advanced wound management like negative pressure wound therapy. This involves using a vacuum assisted closure device. 

1pm: Taking a break 

Being in a clinic setting all day, I enjoy taking a breather by going for lunch together with fellow podiatrists. Occasionally, we take a trip out in search for some gastronomic adventures in the vicinity.

2pm: Back to the grind 

In the afternoon, I return to the outpatient clinics and continue seeing patients. Here, I mainly see patients who have painful feet issues or musculoskeletal-related problems. For example, some problems arise from their feet joints or the way they walk.

I assess and analyse each patient’s foot function and gait to better understand what’s causing the pain, then provide a suitable treatment plan for them. This can include advice on footwear, and stretching and strengthening exercises. 

In addition, I try to correct any functional abnormality of the foot using insoles. Because every patient’s foot is unique, I will incorporate various modifications into the insole to help a patient walk better.

5pm: The day is still young! 

Every now and then, I hang out with my colleagues after calling it a day at work. In our department, we believe in working hard and playing just as hard!

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