My job as a Clinical Lead Podiatrist at Spectrum Health

Sylvia Wild Marcos shares her journey as a CORU-registered Podiatrist at Spectrum Health, discussing patient care, leadership, training, and life in Ireland.

We spoke with Sylvia Wild Marcos, Clinical Lead Podiatrist at Spectrum Health, in May 2025 about what it’s like working as a podiatrist, the challenges and rewards of the role, and her journey into the profession. Sylvia also shared her insights into what makes someone successful in this career, and what life is like working at Spectrum Health in Ireland.

What does your job as a podiatrist involve on a day-to-day basis?

Most of my day revolves around seeing patients with foot-related problems. That can include tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, verrucas—usually in children—fungal nail infections, and ingrown toenails. We’ve also started doing nail surgeries, which are often necessary for ingrown toenails. It’s very varied, and no two patients are exactly the same. That’s one of the parts I enjoy most. We also have good flexibility in our schedules. You can plan your own breaks around your appointments, and as long as you're seeing your patients, the company trusts you to manage your time. Because I’m the clinical lead, I also manage the rest of the podiatry team. That involves dealing with any issues or complaints that arise, and being there to support colleagues day to day.

Do you see patients more than once, or is it typically a one-off?

It depends on what they come in for. Someone with a verruca might see me every two weeks until it’s resolved. With tendinopathy issues, I might see them twice a month until they’re discharged. Others might just come in every few months for routine things like hard skin or nail issues. But if they’re happy with the treatment, they tend to come back when they need help again.

What are the most challenging parts of a podiatrist's job?

You have to be quick-thinking, especially with diagnosis. It’s important to explain what’s going on in a way patients can understand—especially with biomechanical issues. Communication is key. You also need to be a people person. I enjoy working with people, but like anyone, I sometimes prefer quiet days. Still, the job involves constant interaction, so you need to be comfortable with that.

And what are the most rewarding aspects?

That sense of helping others is what keeps me going. How did you end up in this profession? It was more of an accident! I always wanted to work in healthcare, but didn’t have a specific field in mind. I remembered needing custom orthotics when I was about 11, and thinking it was pretty cool. So when I saw podiatry as an option while studying in Spain, I went for it. I thought I’d try it and switch if I didn’t like it—but I ended up really enjoying it.

The main reward is knowing you’ve helped someone. When a patient tells you how much better they feel and thanks you, it’s a great feeling.

What are the typical career paths for podiatrists?

With a bachelor’s in podiatry, you can work in either the private or public sector. Some people specialise in sports science or biomechanics, which usually involves doing a master’s degree. Others go down the surgical route, like I did. But if you just want to work in a clinical setting, the bachelor’s is enough to get started. What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a podiatrist? It depends on the country. I studied in Spain, where you follow a healthcare track in secondary school before choosing something like nursing, medicine, physio, or podiatry at university. Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the pathways in Ireland or the UK, but wherever you study, having a passion for healthcare and helping people is essential.

How did you end up working at Spectrum Health in Ireland?

There weren’t many job opportunities in Spain, and I knew there was a shortage of podiatrists in Ireland. I wanted to move abroad and do some travelling. I chose Spectrum because the job description seemed great for someone starting out, and it turned out to be a really good fit. That was three years ago now.

Did you already speak English before moving?

Yes—I was born and raised in Spain, but my father is American, so I grew up bilingual. That helped a lot. But even for those who aren’t bilingual, Spectrum is supportive. As long as you have a reasonable level of English, it’s not a deal-breaker.

What’s life like in Ireland?

I really like it here. I see Ireland as a great place to live for five to seven years—maybe not long-term, because things are getting expensive. But people are friendly, the climate isn’t as bad as people think, and the work environment is really good.

What skills and qualities are important for a podiatrist?

People skills are essential—communication, listening, empathy. You can’t just treat a foot and ignore the person it’s attached to. You need to see the bigger picture and treat patients holistically. Quick thinking and problem-solving are important too, especially for diagnosing and explaining conditions in a way people understand.

What are the qualifications needed to be a podiatrist in Ireland?

A bachelor’s degree in podiatry is the standard requirement. Additional CPD or master’s-level qualifications are a bonus. Employers like to see that you’re interested in learning beyond your basic training. And you must be registered with CORU and SCPI.

Does Spectrum support further training and development?

Yes. Depending on how long you’ve been there and whether you’re full- or part-time, you get an allowance for training. They don’t always provide training directly, but if you find a course yourself, they’re usually happy to pay part or all of it. I’ve never had them say no to any additional training I’ve wanted to do.

About the author

Sylvia Wild Marcos is a CORU-registered Podiatrist and Clinical Lead at Spectrum Health, passionate about patient care and professional development.