What does it take to truly future-proof the podiatry profession? In this episode of Sole Science, hosts Patrick Doan and Darcy Dore sit down with Professor Debbie Turner, Podiatry Program Coordinator at QUT, to unpack the complex intersections of education, advanced clinical technology, and professional longevity. With a career deeply rooted in NHS clinical practice, rheumatology, and diabetes research, Debbie brings a refreshing, evidence-backed perspective to the massive shifts currently reshaping the field. In this episode, we explore: The Power of 'Use It or Lose It': How Debbie’s extensive work with chronic, inflammatory rheumatological conditions reinforces the concept of movement as medicine, and why physical activity remains an under-prioritised tool against irreversible joint damage. The Practicality of Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Why integration beats outsourcing. Debbie explains how highly accessible, modern systems with strong Doppler capabilities can—and should—be standard fixtures for both MSK and vascular assessments in everyday practice. The Logistics of Modern Placements: An inside look at QUT’s flexible, block-based placement model, the freedom it gives students to pursue niche interests, and the genuine struggle to find private practitioners willing to host students for 70-hour blocks. Rethinking the "New Grad" Narrative: Why expecting complete commercial autonomy on day one is unique to podiatry compared to other health disciplines, and how business owners are under-utilising the advanced cultural and entrepreneurial skill sets of today’s graduates. Unpopular Opinions De-brief: The panel goes head-to-head on listener-sourced hot takes, debating whether clinical skills inherently outshine business prowess, the real utility of force plates, and if biomechanics education has truly evolved past rigid root theory. The Circular Economy of Lower-Limb Care: A vital conversation on professional sustainability. Debbie challenges the community to look beyond environmental catchphrases and actively consider the lifetime waste of orthoses, the carbon footprint of the footwear industry, and the power of repairing over replacing. From deep-dives into emerging shear-force smart insoles to a candid look at how social media algorithms shape clinical credibility, this episode serves as an essential pulse-check on where podiatry is heading and how clinicians can actively shape its direction. Connect with our guest: Professor Debbie Turner: Connect with Debbie and view her ongoing academic work via ResearchGate. Join the SEPA Community Enjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field. www.sepa.org.au
