Professional Ballet Dancer Changes Career to Podiatry after Major Ankle Injury

Ex-professional ballet dancer, Pippa Myres, had to re-think her career after a major ankle injury stopped her from being able to continue dancing. She is now training to become a podiatrist on the MSc Podiatry course at Health Sciences University, Bournemouth. 

Pippa grew up dreaming of becoming a professional dancer.  She attended Central School of Ballet in London, and in her graduating year toured around the UK with Ballet Central, performing pieces such as The Nutcracker and La Bayadère.  A major ankle injury ended her career as a ballet dancer, so Pippa was forced to investigate other career paths. 

After her injury, Pippa moved to Australia to re-train as a personal trainer and had a successful career within the fitness industry.  Whilst in Australia, Pippa’s passion grew for supporting and advising people on how to get the most out of life through movement and exercise.  Then the COVID pandemic happened, and Pippa decided to return to the UK to be with her family. After initially considering physiotherapy courses, as it would be a natural progression from her job as a personal trainer, she then found the podiatry course at AECC University College in Bournemouth (which has since been renamed Health Sciences University).   

Pippa explained “When I was looking for physiotherapy courses, I came across the MSc Podiatry course at AECC UC.  Although I had never thought about becoming a podiatrist, the more I read about the profession, the more excited I became.  The diverse and exciting range of opportunities the podiatry profession offers, wide scope of practice, and job opportunities were strong attractions for me. There was also the opportunity to work in the performing arts again; rather than being on the stage, being part of the team that supported the dancers to have stronger and longer careers.  It seemed too good an opportunity to miss!” 

Pippa added “I am loving every moment of the course so far! I am looking forward to the upcoming clinical placements, developing clinical skills, and putting all I have learned into practice.  I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what podiatry is, but I couldn’t recommend the course more highly. The course is incredibly well organised, and we see patients (with support from qualified Podiatrists) in just five months! There’s never a dull moment with so many opportunities for hands-on practical learning with local anaesthetics, the making of Orthotics and so much more, not to mention the job opportunities when you graduate. This course allows you to work all over the world with the profession in high demand.” 

When asked what Pippa would say to people who are considering a change in career to podiatry, she said “Go for it!  Personally, I am someone who loves change, but I can understand it may be daunting to change careers or countries for some.  You’ll never regret the adventure of pursuing something new!” 

Simon Otter, Course Leader and Associate Professor in Podiatry, said “We were delighted to welcome Pippa and her cohort onto the podiatry course here at Health Sciences University, supporting them on their journey to graduation. Podiatry can sometimes be an overlooked profession when students decide on which health and care career they would like to pursue.  Podiatrists continue to have a really important role in the nation’s health, from early diagnosis and management of active foot complaints; to supporting people living with long-term conditions; and maintaining overall physical activity and wellbeing.  The current shortfall of podiatrists means podiatry roles are in demand, with high employment rates after qualifying, so it’s an excellent career choice.” 

For more details on  the Health Sciences University’s Podiatry course, click here: https://www.aecc.ac.uk/course/msc-podiatry-pre-registration/