60 seconds with Tessa Goldblatt

29 March 2016

Tessa Goldblatt is an advanced wound care podiatrist at the Royal Free Hospital (RFH).

What does a podiatrist do on a daily basis?

A podiatrist is a specialist of the lower limb. This incorporates a variety of foot problems, ranging from sports injuries and pod paediatrics, to advanced wound care specialities. The RFH offers an acute foot wound service so the team (me included) will assess, review and treat chronic foot and lower limb wounds.

What’s your greatest career achievement?

Knowing that I have helped save a limb or life, or made a patient’s life easier…I guess the same as any healthcare practitioner!

What’s the best thing about your job?

No two days are the same and I get to work and mix with a great bunch of people – both patients and staff.

How long have you worked in podiatry?

I have been a podiatrist for more than 20 years (starting out in Oxfordshire). For a large part of that time I have specialised in advanced wound care.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of a career in the podiatric field?

My advice to someone interested in or considering podiatry is go for it. It’s an interesting wide-ranging profession that is always in demand. I work with a variety of multi-disciplinary teams and I’m involved in many complex cases.

Who’s influenced your career most (and why)?

I suppose an ex-colleague influenced my decision to specialise in wound care - he made it fascinating.

What did you want to be as a child?

A dancer.

What would be your perfect day away from work?

The gym, teaching or participating in group exercise classes, and then a long lunch out. Chilling in the evening.

What’s the skill you’d most like to have?

Be more street smart.

What can’t you live without?

Lip balm and wine.

If you were a biscuit, what sort would you be?

Jammy dodger (the one with cream too).

If you could time travel, where would you go?

I think somewhere hot in the 22nd century. I definitely would want to go forwards rather than back.