E171: Bhavna Mehta - The Role of a Paediatric Specialist Orthotist

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses congenital conditions and discrimination.

Episode 171: Part of the Workforce and Education Series (Part 60)

Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Bhavna Mehta who qualified from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow with an honours degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics in 2021. Bhavna is currently working as a Paediatric Orthotist at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool. She previously worked at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton, London and Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, delivering care to patients with a variety of conditions including MSK, Neuro-muscular and Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV). Bhavna has a keen interest in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within her professional career: being part of EDI focus group, British Association for Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO). Her research interests include Scoliosis, CTEV and biomechanics. This episode is a deep dive into the role of a orthotist, congenital conditions and their treatment.

CPD Reflection Points:

1. reflect on the importance of prosthetists within a multi-disciplinary team.
2. consider the how you could support the prosthetists and orthotists in increasing their visibility within your work place.
3. read about Congenital Talipes Equinovarus: https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/conditions/patient-information-leaflets/club-foot/

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Links from the Episode:

Prosthetics and Orthotics Degree:

• University of Strathclyde – Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics – 4 years full time BSc Prosthetics & Orthotics Bachelor's Degree | University of Strathclyde
• University of Salford – Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics – 3 years full time BSc(Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics | University of Salford
• Keele University – Postgraduate Pre-registration MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics – 2 years full time. Prosthetics and Orthotics - Keele University
• University of Derby- Level 6  BSc (Hons) Prosthetic and Orthotic Degree/ Degree Apprenticeship - 3 years full time Prosthetics and Orthotics Degree Apprenticeship - Apprenticeship courses - University of Derby

British Association Of Prosthetists & Orthotists: 

• Equality Diversity and Inclusion(EDI)

Research links from the episode:

• Attaining a British consensus statement on managing idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus(CTEV) through a Delphi process: a study protocol

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Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

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