David Allcock’s route into podiatry involved the British Army, ambulance work, overseas travel and a friend who decided to take matters into his own hands.
Originally from Liverpool, David now owns Klinetic Podiatry in Nova Scotia, Canada. In this episode, we explore how he found the profession, why he moved overseas and how he’s building a practice around patient care, professional relationships and the lifestyle he wants.
An Unexpected Introduction to Podiatry
David’s interest in foot care began before university. His father encouraged him to look after his feet, and a foot care course during his military service gave him an early introduction to podiatry.
However, the decisive moment came during a trip to Cape Town. After discussing career options with a friend, that friend applied to the University of Salford on David’s behalf.
It’s one of the most unusual entry stories I’ve heard on the podcast.
From Liverpool to Nova Scotia
David completed student placements in Australia and was offered a job there. While that pathway was taking time, an opportunity in Nova Scotia appeared.
He visited, liked what he saw and decided to give it a go. After working in several settings, including wound care alongside a vascular surgeon, he eventually established his own practice.
His story reminds you that your career may develop in a direction you hadn’t originally planned.
Adapt and Overcome
David describes how the mindset he learned in the military helped him deal with challenges in Canada.
Relocation and practice ownership weren’t straightforward, but he remained determined to build a future there. At the time of recording, he reported being booked out for 11 weeks and was looking for another podiatrist to join the practice.
Designing His Working Week
David compresses his clinical hours into four days and keeps Mondays free from regular patient appointments.
That arrangement gives him a three-day weekend, although he may still do some administration on Mondays. It also leaves an additional clinical day available if he chooses to use it temporarily.
We discuss why finding a pace and appointment structure that suits you is an important part of practice ownership.
Relationships and Patient Care
David credits professional relationships as an important contributor to his practice’s success.
He makes a conscious effort to collaborate with other practitioners, share relevant information and help patients access appropriate care. Within the clinic, he wants patients to feel listened to, welcomed and confident that they’re receiving his attention.
His Approach to Custom Orthotics
We discuss David’s preference, for suitable patients, to explore other options before prescribing custom orthotics.
He also acknowledges that some patients need custom devices promptly. Our conversation highlights how patient needs, clinical presentations and the type of practice you run influence your treatment approach.
Creating a Welcoming Clinic
Natural light, music, plants, comfortable seating and thoughtful presentation all contribute to the experience David wants to create.
He shares how he invested in key equipment, refurbished second-hand waiting room chairs and continued improving the clinic as the business grew.
A Career With Possibilities
David encourages younger podiatrists to consider opportunities beyond their hometown and experience different places.
His message is simple: give opportunities serious consideration, keep learning and recognise that a change of direction could lead somewhere worthwhile.
David’s final tip is, “Don’t be a dickhead”. He got this advice when he was younger, and it has served him well.
Attend A Podiatry Business Online Course
If this episode has made you think about your working week, patient experience or the direction of your practice, visit tysonfranklin.com and click on events. I love doing business coaching and mentoring, but I’m now restricting it to podiatrists who have completed one of my live or online events.
Other episodes that may be of interest:
434 – See the World with Your Podiatry Degree
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