Podiatry Practice A Dream For Taitu Kunze
Taitu Kunze fulfilled a lifelong dream to open her own podiatry practice when she established Feet First Podiatry Ltd in the Brown Brangman Building on Reid Street, Hamilton, last month.
Having practised podiatry for more than 19 years in the UK and Bermuda, Ms Kunze felt the time was right to “go solo” and set up her practice, which provides foot and ankle care to patients of all ages.
Feet First Podiatry is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with Wednesdays reserved for mobile podiatry visits including private homes, rest homes and hospital visits. No referral is needed.
“I wrote a letter when I was 12 about wanting to be a podiatrist,” Dr Kunze told Bernews.
“I used to take care of my dad’s feet in between his chiropody appointments.
“I thought, ‘This is interesting. I think this is what I’d like to do’.
“I went to different practices in my teens to see if I’d like it.”
Dr Kunze completed her Bachelor’s degree in podiatric medical studies from the University of Wales in 2006 followed by her Master of Science degree specialising in podiatry with diabetes in 2014.
Her experiences include working as a lead podiatrist with Dr Scholls and a senior podiatris for South Essex Partnership NHS Trust.
In 2015, she returned to Bermuda and has been treating patients with a wide range of conditions in private practice, private homes, rest homes and hospitals.
One of the most common chronic conditions that manifests as foot health problems is Type 2 Diabetes, Ms Kunze said, coupled with peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease.
Dr Kunze, who is chairperson for the Board of Podiatrists [Bermuda Allied Health Council], added: “In Bermuda we have a 13 per cent prevalence of diabetes and it’s important for individuals to have their feet checked regularly.
“We treat skin conditions affecting the feet, these include tinea of the nails and skin [fungus], warts, corns and calluses.
“Sports injuries like Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia are common.
“Also, children can attend to have their foot size checked and overall foot health.
“The most common conditions in children are ingrown toenails, warts and severs [growth plate pain in the heel].”
For more details visit www.feetfirstbda.com or call 261-3338/901-3338.
