Shea-Lah Thomas Begins Training In Scotland
Atlantic Podiatry’s investment in Bermuda’s future healthcare workforce is moving from an idea into reality, with scholarship recipient Shea-Lah Thomas beginning her podiatry training at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh this month.
A spokesperson said, “Ms Thomas has received a full-tuition scholarship from Atlantic Podiatry to undertake the two-year MSc Podiatry [Pre-Registration] programme, after which she plans to return to Bermuda and join the clinical team at Atlantic Podiatry.
“For Atlantic Podiatry Clinical Director Matthew Francis, her departure for Scotland represents an important milestone for a scholarship programme that was created not simply to fund education, but to establish a pathway for Bermudians into the profession.”
Mr Francis said: “When we launched the scholarship, we didn’t want it to simply be a cheque towards somebody’s university education. The aim was to create a complete pathway — find a Bermudian interested in podiatry, support them through their professional training, and then provide them with the opportunity to return home and build their career in Bermuda. Seeing Shea-Lah now beginning that journey is incredibly rewarding.”
From Scholarship To Career
A spokesperson added, “Atlantic Podiatry first launched its scholarship in 2024, committing funding to help a Bermudian pursue professional podiatry training overseas.
“The initiative was created in response to the limited number of locally trained podiatrists and as part of Atlantic Podiatry’s wider commitment to investing in Bermuda’s future healthcare workforce.
“Two years later, that commitment has resulted in its first student entering professional training.
“Ms Thomas is a science graduate who previously studied Biology at Lynn University in Florida. Her existing degree has allowed her to enter Queen Margaret University’s accelerated postgraduate podiatry programme.
“The intensive two-year course combines university-based education with approximately 1,050 hours of clinical practice, with students undertaking placements within NHS services throughout Scotland.
“Training includes areas such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, medicine and pathology, musculoskeletal conditions, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, dermatology and management of the high-risk foot.
“On successful completion of the programme, Ms Thomas will be eligible to apply for professional registration as a podiatrist before returning to Bermuda.”
Mr Francis said: “There is still sometimes a misconception that podiatry is mainly about cutting toenails, when the profession is considerably broader than that.
“Podiatrists work across areas including diabetes, wound care, sports and musculoskeletal injuries, biomechanics, gait analysis, orthotics, dermatology, minor surgery and keeping people mobile and independent.
“These are skills that are increasingly important to Bermuda’s healthcare system, particularly with an ageing population and the impact of chronic diseases such as diabetes.”
Bringing The Skills Back To Bermuda
A spokesperson added, “A central component of the Atlantic Podiatry scholarship is that the investment is ultimately intended to benefit Bermuda.
“Following completion of her studies and professional registration, Ms Thomas plans to return home and take up a position with Atlantic Podiatry.”
Mr Francis said: “Businesses often talk about investing in Bermuda. For us, one of the most meaningful ways we can do that is by investing directly in Bermudians.
“We could simply continue recruiting qualified podiatrists from overseas whenever we need to expand. Training a Bermudian takes longer and requires a much greater commitment, but we believe that is exactly the type of long-term investment Bermuda needs.
“The ultimate success of the scholarship isn’t the day we pay the tuition fees. It will be the day Shea-Lah walks into the clinic as a qualified Bermudian podiatrist and starts using those skills to care for patients here at home.”
Ms Thomas said: “I’m extremely grateful to Atlantic Podiatry for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me. Starting the programme at Queen Margaret University is an exciting next step, and I’m looking forward to developing the knowledge and clinical skills I will need to become a podiatrist.
“What makes the opportunity even more meaningful is knowing that there is a pathway for me to bring those skills back home. My goal is to complete my training, return to Bermuda and use what I have learnt to contribute to healthcare in my own community.”
Opportunity Remains For Another Bermudian
A spokesperson added, “Atlantic Podiatry confirmed that Ms Thomas is intended to be the first, rather than the only, Bermudian supported through the initiative, with the practice continuing its commitment to developing another Bermudian podiatrist.”
Mr Francis said: “Shea-Lah is our first scholarship recipient, but we certainly don’t want her to be our last.
“One of the challenges with podiatry is that many young people simply aren’t exposed to it as a potential healthcare career.
“There may be Bermudians studying biology, sports science, health sciences or another degree today who have never considered podiatry. We want Shea-Lah’s journey to demonstrate that there is another career option available — and importantly, there can be a job waiting for them in Bermuda at the end of it.”
A spokesperson added, “Atlantic Podiatry has itself grown significantly since opening in Hamilton in 2023, expanding to a three-podiatrist clinical team and offering services ranging from routine foot care and diabetic assessments to wound care, sports and musculoskeletal podiatry, diagnostic ultrasound, gait analysis, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy and nail surgery.
“Mr Francis said the scholarship is part of ensuring that the practice’s growth also creates opportunities for Bermudians.”
He added: “We are immensely proud of Shea-Lah and excited to see what she achieves over the next two years.
“When we announced the scholarship in 2024, it was a promise to invest in Bermuda’s future. Shea-Lah starting university makes that promise tangible.
“The goal is very simple: learn overseas, qualify, come home and use those skills to benefit Bermuda.”
A spokesperson added, “Atlantic Podiatry is located on the 5th Floor of Weldon House, 7 Victoria Street, Hamilton. The practice is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. No referral is required, with appointments available by calling 533-2508 or booking online at www.AtlanticPodiatry.bm.”
