An event titled “Multidisciplinary Approach to Podology” was organized by the Podology Program of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO). All aspects of podology science were thoroughly discussed at the event. Lecturer Birce Buturak Küçük from the Podology Program of Acıbadem University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) participated as a speaker at the event. Küçük emphasized that treatment should progress holistically and that the body should be evaluated as a whole rather than as isolated parts.
Lecturer Birce Buturak Küçük from the Podology Program of Acıbadem University SHMYO was a guest at the event held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus.
The moderation of the event was undertaken by Lecturer Meldağ Turhan from Üsküdar University SHMYO Podology Program and Lecturer Simge Arkan Özdemir from Üsküdar University SHMYO Pathology Laboratory Techniques Program.
Lecturer Birce Buturak Küçük: “Podologists should collaborate with physicians”
Lecturer Birce Buturak Küçük shared essential information about podology with the participants. Stating that every individual should pay attention to foot health, Küçük called for an increase in education on this subject.
Küçük began by defining podology; “Podology is a branch of science concerned with foot health and diseases. The term is derived from the words foot (podos) and science (logos). However, merely using tools and materials is not enough; a multidisciplinary approach is required. Podologists should collaborate with physicians to accelerate the treatment process and increase its effectiveness. The job descriptions for podology include awareness studies for the protection of foot health, medical foot care for healthy individuals, and the evaluation of foot pathologies under the guidance of a specialist physician,” she said.
“We conduct all evaluations for the patient”
Küçük explained the techniques used in the stages of the treatment process; “We conduct all evaluations for the patient. We take anamnesis and gather past medical histories. We perform gait analysis, reviewing stride lengths, shoe prints, and socks. We check the skin and tissues, and evaluate foot and toe deformities. We investigate the causes of callus formation, examining factors such as footwear, deformity, or uneven distribution of body weight. In neurological evaluation, we perform sensory tests; in vascular evaluation, pulse control and mobilization tests. We must note all small details and guide the patient correctly. We cannot evaluate a body as isolated parts. You cannot address only the problem in the right foot and guide the patient. We must evaluate it as a whole,” she stated.
The event concluded with a group photo session after participants' questions were answered.