promotion
WARNOCK PODIATRY SERVICES (NQ)
I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
Warnock Podiatry Services (NQ) 32 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra Telephone 4725 2988 Email warnockpodiatry@gmail.com
I N H E A LT H
andrea dahlke
OWNER | WARNOCK PODIATRY SERVICES (NQ) Becoming the new owner of Warnock Podiatry Services (NQ) in March this year was a career high for Andrea Dahlke. “Purchasing my own business is the most exciting thing I’ve ever done professionally and taking over from Jason and Ruth Warnock was also a huge honour,” Andrea says. “Warnock’s point of difference is our commitment to consistency of care and dedication to providing the best outcome for each and every one of our patients. We don’t focus on any particular area of podiatry and my colleague Emma and I enthusiastically keep up-to-date with new developments in all areas of our profession.” Andrea has been working in Townsville since completing her degree in 2010. “I studied at Charles Sturt University in Albury, New South Wales, as it’s well known as one of the best podiatry schools in Australia,” she says. From nail care to sports injuries, skin complaints, orthotics and diabetes assessments, the clinic’s scope of practice is vast. “That’s what I love so much about my profession,” Andrea says. “We are qualified health professionals trained to treat any disorder affecting the lower limb. We are also one of only three professions that can operate on the human body – that’s pretty amazing!” Podiatry is a line of healthcare that impacts on a person’s quality of life almost immediately. We have all known the
40 DUO MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 duomagazine.com.au
pain of an ingrown toenail or the discomfort of a corn and how miserable it can make us. “It’s very rewarding to see a client walk out of the clinic with a big smile on their face because we have been able to eradicate their pain on the spot,” Andrea says. “Education is a major part of our role in healthcare and, as podiatrists, we play a primary role in the assessment of diabetes sufferers. A person’s diabetic foot status plays a major part in determining their risk of serious complications, such as ulcerations, infections and even amputation. It’s our role as podiatrists to identify that risk and help educate that person on preventative measures.” Andrea’s youngest patient ever was 10 weeks old and the eldest, 103. She is passionate about helping all age groups enjoy a better quality of life. “It is important that people have only a qualified health professional diagnose and treat any foot condition,” she says. “While over-the-counter orthotics and topical treatments have their place it’s vital that they are used only under professional direction. Similarly, people should not selfdiagnose or treat any condition without appropriate advice. “Every body is different. There are not always textbook (or Google) answers.”