Trainee podiatrist Cassie Portch is studying a Bachelor of Podiatry Medicine and works at the Kirwan Health Campus in Townsville two days a week to gain practical experience in the Queensland Health Podiatrist Trainee Program. Applications for the 2027 program open today and close on 25 September.
Queensland Health is making it easier for aspiring podiatrists to study their degrees thanks to a new trainee program employing podiatry students.
The Podiatrist Trainee Program launched earlier this year gives undergraduate students the opportunity to combine university study with employment in Queensland Health facilities across the state.
For Townsville’s Cassie Portch, the program has made pursuing a career in podiatry a reality while allowing her to stay close to home.
Cassie is studying a Bachelor of Podiatry Medicine and works two days a week as a trainee podiatrist at Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s Kirwan Health Campus.
“It’s been a dream come true,” she said.
“I thought the days of working and training in the profession while studying for it were long gone.
“But here I am, working as a trainee podiatrist under the supervision of some of the best podiatrists in North Queensland while I study my degree.”
Cassie is one of nine students taking part in the inaugural program, gaining practical experience across a range of areas including diagnosing and treating lower limb conditions, assessing blood flow and amputation risk, fitting and adjusting orthopaedic aids, and providing foot care to improve patients’ comfort and mobility.
“I started learning about orthotics before they were even covered in my degree,” Cassie said.
“Being able to see and handle orthotics and understand how they fit in different shoes has really helped me progress through my degree and achieve better learning outcomes.
“There are some things that are best learned in a practical environment.”
Cassie Portch at work in the podiatry clinic at Kirwan Health Campus.
Another trainee, Kyle O’Grady, is studying a Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) while working with Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.
He said the program has strengthened his communication skills by giving him the opportunity to work alongside diabetes nurses, doctors, allied health assistants and surgeons.
Both Cassie and Kyle also have the opportunity to reflect on their practical experiences with their supervisors at the end of each shift, helping them connect what they have learned on the job with their university studies.
“It’s great to be able to ask questions and clarify my learning in real time,” Cassie said.
But one of the biggest benefits of the program for them has been the opportunity to train in their hometowns.
“Being able to study and work where I grew up is great,” Kyle said.
“I’m close to home and I haven’t had to leave behind any family or friends in the process.
“I was considering having to relocate away from my hometown in order to study podiatry, but when I found about the trainee program in Rockhampton my decision to stay and study was easy.”
The Podiatrist Trainee Program will be offered again in 2027 to students studying podiatry degrees at Charles Sturt University, CQUniversity and QUT.
Students can work up to two days a week in a Queensland Health facility as a Health Practitioner Level 1 while completing their studies, giving them the opportunity to develop practical skills and experience alongside their university education.
Applications for the 2027 program open on 7 September 2026 and close on 25 September 2026.
For more information about the program, including available work placement locations, visit the Queensland Health Podiatrist Trainee Program page.