Soft Skills Needed to Be a Good Pedorthist
Whether you are in the market for a job as a pedorthist or you are a pedorthist yourself, you will find that there are many soft skills you will need to possess to be successful. These include excellent communication skills, extreme customer focus, strong teamwork, and self-motivation.
Communication skills
Having good communication skills is essential to being a successful pedorthist. You will be working with many people in your career, so you will need to be able to effectively communicate with them. The best way to develop these skills is through practice.
Some of the skills you will need to become a pedorthist include good manual dexterity, understanding how the human body works, and being able to problem-solve. You will also need to learn about biomechanics and gait analysis. This will enable you to evaluate footwear and devices.
You will also need to develop a positive attitude, as pedorthists are expected to work with patients and other medical professionals. You will also need to develop a good working knowledge of pedorthics and your state’s regulations.
Extreme customer focus
Putting customers first is no longer a fringe activity. With consumers demanding more and more from their service providers, you have to find ways to keep them around. Fortunately, there are some tricks of the trade that can help you achieve your goal.
The best way to do this is to figure out your customers’ pain points. This can be done through a bit of creativity and a little help from the experts. It’s also a good idea to make sure your employees are well versed in customer service etiquette.
One of the best ways to do this is to implement a customer service policy. This is a best practice for any business, but especially one that is customer-centric. A good customer service policy can make the difference between a churned out customer and one that is more likely to buy from you again in the future.
Self-motivation
Whether you’re an aspiring podiatrist or a seasoned vet, having a solid grasp of self-motivation is a must. Not only does it drive you to complete your tasks, it also helps you to overcome setbacks and achieve your goals.
Getting your act together isn’t easy. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you do it. The Texas Christian University’s Institute of Behavior Research is one such resource. Their site features a 63-page eBook containing a wealth of practical information.
While you’re at it, pick up a copy of BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits. The book is full of practical advice that is easy to implement.
Teamwork
Having good teamwork skills can be a huge boon to your career. Working with others can help you get through the day with ease, while at the same time help you get more done in less time.
Teamwork is not only required to get the job done, it is also a good way to build rapport and make a few friends along the way. To achieve this, you will have to learn the best way to communicate with your coworkers.
For example, showing interest in their projects by asking questions about them will make them feel like they are important to you. You can also show your appreciation by making eye contact with them.
Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physiotherapy and other related fields
Pedorthic management is the study of the musculoskeletal system and the associated pedorthic devices, such as functional foot orthoses, therapeutic shoes and subtalar control foot orthoses. The course teaches the basics of foot and lower limb pathology, as well as the science and art of orthotic device design and fitting. The course also covers the tiniest of details, such as the fact that some knee injuries in young adults can result in degenerative changes.
Pedorthic management is a fun course, but it’s not without its challenges. The lab is designed to be an interactive experience where students practice patient evaluation, material selection and device fitting and modification. This course is a must for any aspiring pedorthist.
Pedorthists work in a variety of settings
Pedorthists are certified healthcare professionals who work with many different types of patients on a daily basis. They specialize in treating conditions of the lower limbs, such as arthritis and congenital deformities. They also have specialized training in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including podiatrists.
In addition to treating patients, pedorthists also research conditions, such as ankle braces, and work with other health care professionals to improve health care. They also provide education on how to prevent and treat foot problems. They also work with athletes who have foot injuries.
Many pedorthists work in specialty shoe stores, healthcare facilities, and hospitals. They may also work in a private practice or on a freelance basis. Pedorthists may also specialize in particular areas, such as geriatrics, amputations, arthritis, and congenital deformities.