Join our team for your next clinical placement!
Find out what students love about placement with us and hear from our awesome team of Pods below….
Please register your interest in placement here:
We love giving students an amazing clinical placement experience!
Scroll down to find out what our past students and current Podiatrists have to say about their experience at Active Foot Clinic.
Generous grants are on offer for eligible individuals for placement accommodation and travel in our region, but the earlier you get in the better. Location information is below. Register with us now so that we can let you know more.
What makes our clinic a great choice for placement?
Further develop your clinical knowledge and skills with the support of our welcoming team of 14 awesome, dynamic and super supportive podiatrists who will ensure that you have a great experience.
See our multifaceted Advanced Training Program and highly developed Mentoring and Clinical Development Program in action. Our program has been creating exceptional podiatrists for the last 16 years.
You will see a high of biomechanical/musculoskeletal (MSK) patients. Where many clinics will see only a few biomechanical cases per week approximately 60% of our patients see us for MSK concerns. You will definitely get some great exposure to consolidate your biomechanical understanding.
We take the mystery out of biomechanics! Throughout your placement you will get great exposure to interesting and varied MSK cases and gain so much more exposure and understanding about biomechanics and musculoskeletal pain and injury management. Our students regularly say “I used to be scared or overwhelmed by biomechanics however biomechanics makes so much more sense now!’ See biomechanical and musculoskeletal training, lower limb rehabilitation training, therapeutic laser training, laser foot scanning and orthotic therapy training in action.
However, it is not just biomechanics that you will see. We have a highly varied caseload every day and we have a quality care focus for all of our patients. You will see biomechanical, general, surgical, paediatric, sports, laser, orthotic and wound patients on every placement at our clinic.
We utilise the best technology and most progressive treatments.
In Wagga we have 7 pods treating on any given day and have so many interesting cases that we have capacity for 2 students on placement at any one time. In Albury and Bowral we have 2 Pods on site at any one time (Mon-Fri) Our team helps to plan your day so that you can jump between the rooms with the most interesting cases so that you get the most out of your placement. You will definitely see surgeries, wound care, general care and lots of MSK care in action in your time with us.
We also design our own 3D printed orthotics to ensure the best results for our patients. Additionally, we have an in-clinic Comfort Shoe Store.
What Milly thought about her placement with us……
“There are so many great things about Active Foot Clinic. To start with their team were amazing. All the staff could not have been more welcoming and accommodative of me as a student. They were so engaging and would be so willing to explain what was going on within a consult but then after the consult they would unpack the podiatric issue more and answer any questions that I may have had.
Additionally, the facilities at Active are exceptional, they have many clinical rooms and an orthoses and sterilising room which are perfect for an engaging learning environment. The practice was client centred and always wanted what was best for their patients. It was great to observe how the staff were with the patients and be able to witness the value that patient centred care has on the clients. While on my placement there was no two days that were the same, Active offer a variety of podiatric care that I was lucky to see, including routine nail care, wounds, biomechanics, laser therapy, shockwave, neurovascular consults, surgeries and so much more. Seeing such a vast variety of things was so interesting and engaging allowing my knowledge base to increase largely and it meant every day was very engaging. The skills and knowledge in which all the podiatrists had was outstanding, I can only hope that one day I will be able to display the same abilities as all of them at Active.
I believe that after my time at Active I have learnt many skills that will help me be a better podiatrist in my career, I’m so grateful for the time and effort they have put into making my placements there so beneficial and enjoyable. I could not speak more highly of Active Foot Clinic and would recommend this placement to any students if they are lucky enough to be offered it. I loved my time there!
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Suzie’s placement experience…..
“Lina very kindly invited me to spend a week on placement with the Active Foot Clinic team in Wagga Wagga over the summer. I found the practice an enjoyable place to be as a warm, friendly space with large well-equipped treatment rooms and orthosis modification lab.
The team were really friendly and happy to discuss their cases and answer any questions. The patients were also very generous in allowing me to observe their treatments and I enjoyed the not only the learning experience but also hearing about their lives.
During the week I was exposed to a varied caseload including a few conditions I had not seen before (or since) - like late stage lymphoedema. Of particular benefit was the high volume of biomechanical cases, from children through to older adults. I don’t think I’m alone in thinking biomechanics is a conceptually challenging area! And making the transition from classroom learning to real live patients adds a whole new level of difficulty. I advanced my understanding of gait analysis, diagnosis and treatment of foot pain conditions. Special shout out to Sam for telling me to focus on the symptomatic area during gait analysis - thanks Sam! While in my 2nd year I felt pretty overwhelmed by my biomechanical cases at student clinics now as I head into 3rd year I’m looking forward to the challenge.
I think that any pod student with an interest in biomechanics (or a fear of it) would benefit from spending time on placement with the Active Foot Clinic team. You’ll likely also see a wide variety of other cases like nail surgeries, wart debridement, and the like. ”
It is not uncommon for our students to join our Pod team!
Placement is a great way for you to check us out or just a great way for you to see what can be achieved in a progressive clinical environment with a great culture with opportunities for career progression.
And yes, we are growing. There will be opportunities that come up to join our team.
Here is what our Pods have to say about being part of our team….
“What I love is that we have a large team of podiatrists, which created such a supportive learning environment for me when I was a new grad. Even now with nearly 5 years of experience, I find myself case conferencing and bouncing ideas off the other podiatrists. This is something that you don’t get at other podiatry clinics.”
“The mentor program has allowed me to be the best Podiatrist that I can be. The support, encouragement and constructive feedback have allowed me to become a growing and flourishing Podiatrist. I feel blessed to have bosses and management that are very caring, understanding and accommodating. They want their Podiatrists to feel comfortable and happy. If I have any concerns, they are there for me.”
“I was extremely daunted by the thought of starting work but was put at ease as soon as I started. I knew that I was going to be at a place where I could continue to learn and have the support I needed. I can ask anyone a question, and they will find the time to answer and help in whatever way possible. The working environment is more than I could have imagined. I almost find that the days go too fast!!”
“A lot of clinics will say that they have a varied caseload. But they may have a biomechanical patient thrown in once a week or a paediatric patient once a month in amongst mostly GTs and home visit/nursing home work. We genuinely get a large variety of these biomechanical patients each day. All 3 clinics are fantastic places to work. Good, new, fresh clinics but also the towns and communities themselves are great to be involved in. All types of sports and extracurricular activities are available. All in close proximity to big cities, the coast, mountains, lakes, rivers, foodie trails, wine regions and the outback so that you can easily get away for weekends. Regional communities are great and so much more affordable.”
“Everyone’s input is acknowledged and appreciated as much as the next person. It is great being able to see such a variety of foot complaints daily. Having this variety means no two days are the same.”
Scroll down further to hear more about what our Podiatrists have to say.
You will also find where we are located, how to get to us. Register to find out about accommodation and travel grants for placements in our region.
More about what our Podiatrists have to say…..
Shannan Russell, Podiatrist with Active Foot Clinic for 5 years, Graduate of Charles Sturt University and lecturer in Paediatrics and Biomechanics at Charles Sturt University.
What I love is that we have a large team of podiatrists, which created such a supportive learning environment for me when I was a new grad. Even now with nearly 5 years of experience, I find myself case conferencing and bouncing ideas off the other podiatrists. This is something that you don’t get at other podiatry clinics.
Jarrod Ryan, Graduate Podiatrist with Active Foot Clinic, a graduate of Charles Sturt University.
It’s been great: Great mentoring support! I’ve been encouraged to engage with cases autonomously and discuss them on the spot or afterwards to refine my technique, and knowledge and build my confidence. What I love is the broad variety of cases that I get access to, from challenging musculoskeletal patients to gratifying general treatment patients, I really enjoy following through to provide positive outcomes for the patient. You can't underestimate the gratitude a routine general treatment patient gives you (I'd never really experienced this in my previous career). I really appreciate that understanding of AFC management, who have been supportive and accommodated travel and leave when family issues have arisen (covid etc).
Zoe Cummings, Graduate Podiatrist with Active Foot Clinic, a graduate of La Trobe University.
My time at Active Foot Clinic
I am a new graduate and since I studied throughout Covid there have been a lot of experiences that I missed out on whilst at Uni. At work, I have been able to learn a range of things and get the practical experience that I have craved and needed.
I was extremely daunted by the thought of starting work but was put at ease as soon as I started. I knew that I was going to be at a place where I could continue to learn and have the support I needed.
6 months in I am still getting the opportunity to sit in on other consults in areas that I seek to improve so I can find ways to improve my own practices
I can ask anyone a question, and they will find the time to answer and help in whatever way possible. The working environment is more than I could have imagined. I almost find that the days go too fast!!
Sophie Keogh Podiatrist, graduated from Charles Sturt University, with Active Foot Clinic for 5 years.
The mentor program has allowed me to be the best Podiatrist that I can be. The support, encouragement and constructive feedback have allowed me to become a growing and flourishing Podiatrist, which has enabled me to rapidly builds up my client base. You don’t feel like you are being thrown into the deep end at all.
I feel blessed to have bosses and management that are very caring, understanding and accommodating. They want their Podiatrists to feel comfortable and happy. If I have any concerns, they are there for me.
The team of Podiatrists are very supportive and encouraging of one another.
When my cohort graduated many of my friends went into private and public positions where they didn’t get a lot of exposure to biomechanics and sporting injuries, prescribing orthotics, in-grown toenails and surgical procedures etc. After a while, my friends told me that they didn’t have the confidence to treat some very basic Podiatry presentations like Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, wart treatments and how to do a Partial Nail Avulsion and so on.
I love the fact that I see a variety of Podiatric conditions, biomechanics, general treatments, dermatology, surgical, diabetes, wounds, sports, paediatrics, and disabilities. I am consistently exposed to so many more patient types now and early on which allowed me to gain competence in all facets of Podiatry quite quickly, allowing my skills to stay consistent across all Podiatry presentations. if you wanted to see more of a particular area it is also possible.
Matthew Angel, Senior Podiatrist and Mentor, Graduated from Charles Sturt University, with Active Foot Clinic for 8 years.
AFC is a fantastic place to work as we have a great and large team of people who support each other clinically. We all get along great and are more than happy to help each other out when needed. All great people as well.
One of the big things that has always kept me engaged in my work here is the variety of patients we see. From regular GTs to numerous foot pains a day, paeds, IGTs, surgeries, warts, orthotics, and wound care, we see a large variety of it all. A lot of clinics will say that they have a varied caseload. But they may have a biomechanical patient thrown in once a week or a paed once a month in amongst mostly GTs and home visit/nursing home work. We genuinely get a large variety of these biomechanical patients each day.
All 3 clinics are fantastic places to work. Good, new, fresh clinics but also the towns and communities themselves are great to be involved in. All types of sports and extracurricular activities are available. All in close proximity to big cities, the coast, mountains, lakes, rivers, foodie trails, wine regions and the outback so that you can easily get away for weekends. Regional communities are great and so much more affordable.
Amazing reception staff meaning we always have someone doing our sterilising, putting patients through, helping fit footwear etc. This allows us to ensure were running smoothly clinically.
AFC is very accommodating with allowing time for admin, and catch-up time.
We have longer appointments to ensure that we are giving patients a thorough treatment, which patients love. You don’t feel like you need to rush through each patient.
Suits people with a good work ethic and we are financially rewarded for that. But in saying that management is more than accommodating if you need time off or want to use annual leave.
Minimal home visit/nursing homework (we only service 1 nursing home)
Lots of Biomechanical work which is generally most Podiatrists’ interest
Clinical training and close mentoring support. Lots of podiatrists are available anytime for assistance with cases etc.
Ben Paget, Senior Podiatrist and Mentor, Graduated from University of Newcastle, with Active Foot Clinic for 6 years.
Team environment, AFC has a great friendly team environment where ideas can be shared in a non-judgmental way.
Supportive workplace, AFC is supportive of both work-related and non-work related endeavours
Mentoring, there is always someone to bounce ideas off or discuss complex cases
Clinically all the pods stay up to date with the latest treatment methods for different conditions
Pretty much all CPD is organised through our in-house clinical training program, including CPR and Anaphylaxis
Sam O’Connell, Podiatrist, Graduated from La Trobe University, with Active Foot Clinic for 2 years
I love working in an environment with such an amazing team where you can go to anyone for help, no matter the level of experience. Everyone’s input is acknowledged and appreciated as much as the next person.
It is great being able to see such a variety of foot complaints daily. Having this variety means no two days are the same and reduces the monotony that can often be found in some professions.
Accommodation, Travel and Grants
There are some very generous grants available for student placement accommodation and travel in our region for eligible students. We also have made special arrangements for some very affordable central accommodation. Please register below so that we can give you more details and get the relevant links to you so that we can help to make placement happen for you! The earlier you register for grants the better so we recommend that you register below now so that we can get you started.
Our clinic values are teamwork, integrity, mastery, happiness, kindness, and compassion.
Location information
Wagga Wagga
Enjoy space, the river, the mountains and ski fields, local food wine and healthy and affordable regional living without the commute. Wagga boasts great schools, a university, TAFE and Army and RAAF base.
Getting there: Our clinic is a short stroll from the main street and train station. Drive or Direct train from Melbourne/Albury/Sydney/Brisbane or Fly direct to Wagga Wagga from Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane. Free all day clinic parking.
Albury/Wodonga
Home to the winding Murray River and its waterways, Lake Hume (six times larger than Sydney Harbour…), an array of food and vineyards, cultural icons, contemporary museums, links to our migrant history, our indigenous people with resting spots around every corner. Enjoy the river, the mountains, skiing and interesting surrounding towns. It’s a place to come, stay, refresh, connect and live better.
Getting there: Centrally located clinic in the Myer Centrepoint Shopping Centre. Drive or Direct train from Melbourne/Albury/Sydney/Brisbane or Fly direct from Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane. Free all day parking. Great food options and Woolworths within the centre.
Bowral
Immersed in the beautiful, cool Southern Highlands. Surround yourself with Tuscan views, amazing food, and beautiful forests and waterfalls, all just an hour from Sydney and the magnificent South Coast beaches.
Getting there: Drive or Direct train to Bowral from Brisbane/Melbourne/Albury or Fly to Sydney and get a train to Bowral (1hour). Our clinic is located in the centre of town in the historic Springetts Arcade, within walking distance of all services with 2 great cafes on our doorstep plus so many more great eateries a short stroll away! The food in Bowral is awesome! Coles supermarket on the other side of the carpark. Free all day parking available behind Raw & Wild/The Imperial Hotel
We welcome you on placement. Please register your interest here
Interested in finding out a little bit more about us?
Our Podiatrists Sophie, Ben and Lina are featured in the mini-documentary Behind the Careers. Watch it HERE
