Kyle, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Kyle Coats, and I’m a Specialist Podiatrist. I graduated in 2019 from Queen Margaret University with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry. Since then, I’ve been working within NHS Fife, gaining experience in a variety of settings. I had the privilege of completing a secondment as Professional Development Lead for Dementia, which expanded my understanding of dementia care and how podiatry can play a crucial role in improving the lives of those living with the condition. Additionally, I’ve just completed my MSc in Dementia Care at the University of the West of Scotland, which I undertook while working full time. My current role sees me split between an acute hospital in Kirkcaldy and Rosyth Health Centre, where I deal with a wide range of foot health issues.
Kyle, why did you choose to become a Podiatrist?
I’ve always had a strong interest in healthcare and knew early on that I wanted to work closely with people to improve their quality of life. Podiatry appealed to me because of its unique blend of hands-on care, problem-solving, and the ability to make a direct and tangible impact on someone’s mobility and well-being. Another thing that drew me to podiatry is the diverse range of specialisations within the field—from biomechanics and sports injuries to wound care and diabetes management, there’s always room for growth and learning. My particular focus on dementia and preventative podiatry allows me to help people stay active, prevent serious issues, and maintain their independence.
Kyle, what is your current role within the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP)?
Currently, I’m a Specialist Podiatrist working within both an acute hospital in Kirkcaldy and a health centre in Rosyth. My role involves dealing with a variety of foot health issues, ranging from musculoskeletal conditions to severe diabetic foot complications. I also have a special interest in dementia care and work closely with patients who have dementia, ensuring that their podiatry care is tailored to their unique needs. Preventative care is a big part of my work, particularly for those who are at risk of complications like ulcers or tissue loss, which could lead to serious health outcomes.
Kyle, what does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different in my role, and that’s something I truly appreciate. On some days, I might be in the health centre treating patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, helping them rehabilitate and regain their mobility. Other days, I’m in the acute hospital, addressing more complex cases such as diabetic foot ulcers, which can be quite severe and require urgent attention, sometimes necessitating collaboration with vascular surgeons. The work can be intense, especially when dealing with life-altering conditions, but it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that helps patients through such challenging times.
Kyle, what’s the most inspiring part of your role?
The most inspiring aspect of my role is being able to support and make a difference in the lives of people who are going through difficult periods. Whether it’s helping someone manage a painful condition or working with a patient to prevent future complications, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work positively impacts their health and well-being. Even when I don’t have all the answers, I find reassurance in knowing that I can collaborate with my colleagues across disciplines to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
Kyle, what advice would you offer to other professionals working in podiatry or dementia care?
My advice would be to never stop learning and stay curious. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the more you learn, the better equipped you are to offer high-quality care. It’s also essential to remember the importance of taking breaks and looking after yourself. Working in healthcare, especially in specialist areas like podiatry and dementia care, can be demanding, so ensuring that you maintain your own well-being is key to providing the best care to your patients.
Kyle, where can people with lived experience find out more about your role as a podiatrist?
For anyone interested in learning more about podiatry and the role of a podiatrist, I recommend visiting the Royal College of Podiatry’s website: https://rcpod.org.uk/become-a-podiatrist/what-is-a-podiatrist. It’s a great resource for understanding the scope of the profession and the variety of areas we work in.
You can also find our Footcare at home information sheet here , our podiatry postcard here and I recorded a short film about the role of podiatry for the Alzheimer Scotland virtual resource centre that you can view here . My colleague Karen, led an @AHPDementia webinar on the use of taking mats as a podiatrist that you can see again here
Thank you for reading my blog
Contributor
@KyleCoats_
Kyle Coats, Specialist Podiatrist, NHS Fife