QMU graduate launches podiatry career with new Penicuik practice
A Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh graduate has launched his own podiatry practice just weeks after graduating with distinction, bringing specialist, evidence-based foot care to the local community.
Alan Findlay, founder of Pentland Podiatry in Penicuik, graduated from QMU with a Master of Podiatry with Distinction. During his final year, he established Pentland Podiatry, where he provides routine foot care alongside musculoskeletal and biomechanical assessments. He is also continuing to develop his clinical expertise by working with experienced podiatrist and fellow QMU graduate Robert McCririck at Tweed Podiatry.
Alongside his academic success, Alan was awarded the OSGO Award for Best Research Project for his master's dissertation investigating musculoskeletal injuries in adult pickleball players in Scotland.
Alan graduated from QMU on Tuesday 7 July at a ceremony at Edinburgh's Usher Hall. He was joined by Queen Margaret University’s Chancellor, Patrick Grant, entrepreneur and judge of BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee, as well as honorary graduate Professor Carolyn McDonald, former Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for the Scottish Government.
Graduating from QMU with distinction was a huge milestone and one I'm incredibly proud of. Receiving the OSGO Award for my research was an added honour and reinforced my passion for evidence-based practice. Establishing Pentland Podiatry shortly after completing my studies was an exciting step, and graduating has given me the opportunity to focus fully on building the practice. I wanted to create a clinic where every patient has the time to be listened to, thoroughly assessed and actively involved in their treatment plan.
Alan says his time at QMU helped shape the direction of his career. He particularly valued the University's supportive learning environment and its specialist healthcare focus, which gave him the opportunity to learn alongside students from a range of allied health professions.
The course also introduced him to emerging areas of podiatry, including injection therapy, shockwave therapy and sports medicine, helping to spark his interest in musculoskeletal podiatry and biomechanics.
Alan added: "One of the things that excites me most about podiatry is how the profession continues to evolve. Alongside essential routine and preventative foot care, there is a growing focus on sport, musculoskeletal conditions and injury management.
"I'm continuing to develop my skills by working alongside Robert McCririck at Tweed Podiatry, where I've gained valuable experience in diagnostic ultrasound and advanced techniques. Having already completed training in injection therapy, I also plan to undertake a postgraduate certificate in foot and ankle diagnostic ultrasound.
"The experiences I had at QMU gave me the confidence to establish my own practice and continue developing in the areas of podiatry I'm most passionate about. I'm looking forward to building my expertise so I can provide the highest standard of evidence-based care for my patients."
For further media information contact Emma Reekie, Media and Content Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: ereekie@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk).
