Podiatry on firm footing with award wins

After a busy year supporting the local community during the pandemic, the University’s Podiatry team has proved again they are steps ahead with two wins at a national awards ceremony.

The Tomorrow’s Podiatry Awards are the first in the sector that recognise the contributions of those who enrich the podiatry student experience as well as the students themselves.

Held last week, the ‘Educator of the Year’ trophy went to Lecturer Rodrigo Diaz-Martinez. He was nominated by his students for his “excellence in teaching wherever it happens…(as) teachers can inspire, enthuse and motivate students; furthering their quest for knowledge and understanding.”

Rodrigo said of his award: “I’m very happy to have won the award and rather humbled as well, considering what it means and that my students were the ones who nominated me.

“During the pandemic the Podiatry Clinic remained open for emergency cases, so members of the team and I juggled our duties there, with online consultations as well as continuing teaching and learning virtually. We were – excuse the pun – rushed off our feet, but it’s all part of the job and we were more than happy to help our patients and students.”

Podiatry students also won a trophy at the same event for ‘Society of the Year’. Final year student Catriona Doyle is also the Society’s President.

She said: “I am delighted we have won the Podiatry Society of the Year Award. It was very much a team effort, so thank you to my fellow students for helping us toward the win. This feels twice as nice after being nominated – but losing – last year and now winning alongside lecturer Rodrigo. His dedication to his students deserves recognition.

“Despite the restrictions on face-to-face meetings, our Society has thrived and benefitted our members as well as those from other universities – for instance, we organised a bingo evening to help with our learning – and is in a great position to continue doing so for the next academic year.”

Find out more about Podiatry at the University of Northampton.