Podiatry Legends Podcast
Finding reliable locum cover has always been one of the toughest challenges for podiatry clinics. In this episode, I speak with Hayley Uden about her groundbreaking app, , which simplifies the entire process. From automated invoicing and quick payments to flexible opportunities for podiatrists, is changing how we think about staffing. Tune in to hear how this app could make your professional life easier and more rewarding. Seven Key Takeaways Locuming in podiatry has lacked a centralised, transparent system. connects clinics and locums directly via an easy‑to‑use app. The app...
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This week’s guest is Rebecca Rodger, a podiatrist from Kendal, England, who proves there’s no single path to success in our profession. From running a multidisciplinary clinic to working in COVID vaccination, and now shaping global wound care strategies at Convatec, Rebecca has redefined what it means to be a podiatrist. We discuss networking, mentorship, and the value of exploring non-traditional career paths, as well as why evidence-based wound care should be a priority for every podiatrist. ⭐ 5 Standout Takeaways Your podiatry skills are never lost; they serve as your ultimate...
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Dr. Patrick Agnew joins me for a deep dive into paediatric podiatry and the complexities of treating connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. With over 30 years in practice, Dr. Agnew shares how his early mentorship under Dr. James Ganley shaped his path, and why he believes more podiatrists should embrace niche work, especially with children. “You don’t need 90% of your work to be niche—15% can change your career.” Today, Dr. Agnew is on the board of the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics. He continues to write, speak, and advocate for greater understanding...
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David M Frees returns to the Podiatry Legends Podcast to share a powerful strategic tool borrowed from the military: Red Team, Blue Team, and Purple Team thinking. We discuss how podiatry businesses can use this method to identify vulnerabilities, defend against threats, and uncover growth opportunities – creating a more resilient and profitable practice. Learn more about Dave's Training at . 9 Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Red Team’s job is to identify vulnerabilities and potential attacks on the business. The Blue Team focuses on defending the business and finding growth...
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In this solo episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I open up about the often unspoken reality of running a podiatry business: the loneliness of leadership. While you may be surrounded by patients and staff daily, the emotional weight of being the decision-maker, problem-solver, and motivator can feel isolating. I share personal experiences of burnout and the invisible pressure to always appear composed, even when doubts creep in. But there’s a way through it, and it starts with connection. I explore how support networks, whether through mentors, mastermind groups, or peer circles,...
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Dana Cardinas loved podiatry, and she was damn good at it. But a surprise diagnosis of idiopathic ulnar neuropathy, followed by a shocking discovery of Stage 3C colon cancer, forced her to step away from the profession she adored. In this episode, Dana opens up about how she handled early retirement, battled cancer, and found purpose again through helping others and launching a new business, . From laughing down clinic hallways to launching a neuropathy support group that’s changing lives in , Dana proves that purpose doesn't end with a job title. If you’re a podiatrist, business...
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick DeHeer, who shares his incredible 33-year journey in podiatry, from treating NBA players with the Indiana Pacers to performing life-changing surgeries in Haiti and the Philippines. We talk about innovation in podiatry, global medical missions, and why teaching the next generation keeps him inspired. We also explore leadership, international outreach, his invention of the Aquinas Brace, and why he’s more excited than ever to lead the profession forward. If you’re a podiatrist or healthcare professional looking for a dose of purpose, passion,...
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IS THE LET THEM THEORY RIGHT FOR YOU? In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I host an open debate about The LET THEM Theory by Mel Robbins. I’m joined by Carly O’Donoghue, who loves the book, and Elan Silver, who has a few issues with it. Together, we unpack the real-world relevance of this viral mindset theory for podiatrists and business owners alike. What is the LET THEM Theory? At its core, Robbins encourages us to stop trying to control other people’s reactions. Whether it's a patient, staff member, or family member—"let them" react how they want. It’s not your...
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I’m joined once again by musculoskeletal podiatrist James Ferrie to talk all things shockwave therapy. James delves into what he’s learned over 14 years of clinical experience, including the crucial role of timing, the difference between radial and focused shockwave, and how to maximise outcomes. If you’ve got a shockwave device gathering dust or you’re using it the same way on every patient, this episode is for you. This is one of those episodes you’ll want to listen to more than once. “The same intervention can have a completely different outcome depending on the timing.”...
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In this week’s episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mark McGill, an award-winning real estate agent, property investor, boutique winemaker, Airbnb owner and calculated risk-taker. Mark’s story is inspiring because it’s real. He’s not just doing one thing; he’s doing business and life on his terms. For podiatrists and entrepreneurs alike who want more freedom, impact, and joy from their work, there’s a lot to learn here. “Love the one you’re with; that goes for staff and clients.” - Mark McGill. If you like great...
info_outlineThis episode is not about increasing fees; it's about understanding the value we put on feet. Jonathan Small is a UK podiatrist, and we discuss why the podiatry profession needs to start thinking differently about the value of feet.
If we think differently, so to will our patients.
Thinking differently is not about charging more, it's about valuing what we do, the service we provide, the lives we change, and the long-term benefits to the patient.
What we do as podiatrists and what the patient gains from seeing us holds tremendous value, more than just pain relief. We can give patients their lives back by allowing them to be active and mobile.
Level of Care & Fee Structures
Podiatrists need to value the solutions we have at our disposal. We can provide services far better than any other health profession, and when we provide this service, we need to value it and charge accordingly.
Respect from our patients only comes once we respect ourselves.
Funding Your Fees
You get what you put out. If you do not value what you do, your patients won’t value it either. Undercutting another podiatrists fees is not good for you, your business or the profession.
You may think patients cannot afford what you're really worth, but is that true?
How are they funding and prioritising other aspects of their life? Haircuts, beauty treatments, teeth whitening, eating out all costs money, and people budget for this, so it's important to remember they also budget for healthcare.
Listen to Patients
Podiatry brings value to patients lives. When someone is in pain, they will probably have a money figure in their head on how much they are prepared to pay to have it fixed.
Therefore when we’re setting our fees, how can we determine what is value for the patient?
What's more important to the patient is not the fee you're charging; it's the cost of it not being fixed properly. This is where the patient really suffers.
If you cut your fees too low, you may unknowingly cut time with the patient or short-cut a service.
Clinic Registration Fee
Jonathan introduced a clinic registration fee for all new patients because a lot of work goes into their first visit before they arrived.
If an insurance company can charge an admin fee, why can't a podiatry business do the same? I think it's brilliant!
You Can't Do That
Some podiatrists will say, 'you can't do that', but Jonathan Small has proven you can. And his business is in a small town with a competitor only 50 meters away.
It's simply a change in mindset.
Defining Our Fees
We shouldn’t define our fees based on what we think is valuable to the patient. We think their health is the most important aspect, but time is more important or convenient for some patients.
Can you have an on-time guarantee or more convenient hours and be prepared to charge a premium for this service?
VIP Experience
Can you create a VIP Experience? That's a game-changer. Are you able to give your patients a choice or different service levels?
Car companies do this all the time. They have the basic model, and then there are added extras. They offer extra because they know a percentage will say YES.
It’s then up to the consumer to decide...not you.
Value Perception
It’s all about each visit's perceived value, but not just from the patient; it's also the perceived value from the podiatrist.
What else can and will you do at each consultation to justify the fee you charge. How else can you increase the value of each visit?
"You’re not going to rush through an appointment if you know you're charging more than your competitors".
While your competitors are bulk billing, cutting fees and rushing patients through their clinic in an attempt to make more money, you can take your time with each patient, add value to each consultation, work fewer hours and in the end make more money and have a better reputation.
Respect
If you want more respect from your patients, you need to be charging what you’re worth.
Stop being told by GP's that you should be bulk-billing certain patients. They have no right to tell us (the podiatry profession) what to do.
Reinvest and CPD
When you're making good profits from your business, it's not about taking more holidays; it's about reinvesting back into your business, buying new equipment and providing more services. This helps your patients and your community.
Don't be 'that podiatrist' that's too busy and flat out with patients, who don’t value their feet, which prevents you from attending CPD events and upskilling.
It's All About the Experience
When patients go to a restaurant and eat a high-quality meal, they’re happy to pay $150-$200, and if the service were good, they'd drop an additional $20 tip without giving it a second thought.
We need to be delivering a nice meal experience.
Final Tip
Step away from you being the only opinion on the value of feet and the value of the services you provide for those feet.
Listen to the A-type patients that happily pay your fees and respect the value you provide. Never listen to C's and D's that do not value their feet, do not listen and want the cheapest treatment possible.
If you have any questions about this episode, please send me an email at , or you can connect with Jonathan at Health First Foot & Gait Clinic.
If you want to learn more about Jonathan's short 2-hour course, follow this link to FOOT VALUE.
Jonathan's previous episodes:
Ep 006: Work Smart, Not Harder
Ep 044: Podiatry Success Is A Mindset
Ep 081: Don't Live In The Land of Low Fees
This episode was sponsored by PODIUM and to learn more CLICK HERE.
My Next Event - Podiatry Marketing: Success Leave Clues
This marketing workshop is like no other, and when you complete this 4-hour workshop you will have a definite competitive advantage over other podiatrists in your area because you will know what makes a podiatry business successful.
Every successful podiatry business leaves clues, and for the past thirty-plus years, I have been paying close attention and taking note of what successful podiatrists have been doing, and it has nothing to do with your podiatry knowledge.
For more detail, please visit my EVENTS PAGE.
If you want to learn more about my next 12-Week Podiatry Business Reboot or join the Podiatry Business Owners Club on Facebook, please follow the links.