In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I chat with Anne Melville from Gourock, Scotland, and this is one of those conversations that reminds you why you chose this profession in the first place.
Anne’s journey into podiatry wasn’t straightforward. She started her degree, stepped away to raise a family, trained as a nurse, and then, years later, returned to university as a mature-age student. That decision didn’t just change her career… it became a family journey.
Balancing study, travel, and parenting wasn’t easy. But what stood out was the way Anne involved her family in the process. Her children helped her study, travelled with her, and became part of the experience, something that shaped not just her career, but their lives as well.
The Turning Point Most Podiatrists Face
Like many podiatrists, Anne reached a point where she considered walking away from her business. The pressure, the responsibility, and the emotional toll caught up with her, and she even put her practice up for sale.
But what changed everything wasn’t a new marketing strategy or a business course. It was a connection.
The relationships she had built within the podiatry community pulled her back. Conversations with peers, friendships formed at events, and simply knowing she wasn’t alone made the difference.
This reinforces something I’ve said many times: Connected podiatrists don’t leave the profession.
Why Membership Models Are Changing the Game
One of the most valuable parts of this episode is Anne’s experience implementing a membership model in her clinic.
After hearing about it on this podcast (Episode 353: Practice Memberships with Lisa Perrie), she took action and, within months, had nearly 200 patients on a membership plan.
The benefits?
- Predictable monthly income
- Reduced financial stress
- Ability to take holidays without worry
- Stronger patient relationships
- Increased patient retention
But the biggest shift wasn’t financial, it was emotional. Patients didn’t just feel like clients anymore; they felt like they belonged to the practice.
Creating a True Patient Community
Anne didn’t stop at memberships. She took things further by creating a community around her clinic.
She organised a patient event focused on “active ageing,” bringing together:
- A physiotherapist
- A chiropractor
- A yoga instructor
- An MSK podiatrist
Patients attended mini sessions, learned how to stay active, and connected with other health professionals, resulting in stronger patient engagement, better patient outcomes, and a deeper sense of loyalty.
This is where podiatry moves beyond treatment… and into impact.
The Power of Small-Town Practice
Anne’s clinic is based in a town of around 10,000 people, which is proof that you don’t need a big city to build a successful business.
In fact, smaller communities often create stronger relationships, better word-of-mouth, and deeper trust. She also highlighted something many podiatrists overlook: Other local podiatrists are not your competition, they’re your support network.
By building relationships with nearby practitioners, she created a collaborative environment where everyone benefits.
Lessons on Mindset and Confidence
Throughout the episode, Anne shares powerful insights on mindset:
- Stop comparing yourself to others
- Focus on the value you provide
- Recognise that patients choose you, not just your services
- Bring energy and enthusiasm to every appointment
She also touched on imposter syndrome, something almost every podiatrist experiences at some point, myself included, but the reality is, you’re probably better than you think.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a reminder that success in podiatry isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing things differently.
It’s about:
- Building relationships within the podiatry profession
- Creating a community with your patients because they want to belong
- Staying connected with your podiatry friends
- And finding meaning in what you do
Because when you get those things right… Everything else starts to fall into place.
If you enjoyed this episode of Podiatry Legends, please share it with a friend or fellow podiatrist.
If you’re at a point where you’re questioning your next move, whether it’s hiring, scaling, or stepping back, it might be time for a conversation about coaching and mentoring.