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Abstract

Purpose. Transitioning to the workforce can be challenging for health professional graduates when they are not adequately prepared for clinical practice. This study explored the perceptions of practising podiatrists, including those who were also clinical supervisors, regarding the preparedness of recent graduates for clinical practice and identified potential improvements in podiatry education to enhance readiness.

Method. Registered, practising podiatrists in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) were recruited from December 2018 to May 2019 via professional organisations and social media. Data were collected through an online survey comprising closed and open-ended questions exploring perceptions of recent graduate preparedness, suggested program changes, and views on post-graduation internships. Responses were analysed using inductive conventional content analysis, with descriptive statistics used to summarise quantitative data.

Results. Eighty-nine podiatrists were recruited, with 80 surveys eligible for analysis. Most respondents (83.8%) were current or former clinical supervisors. Just over half (52.6%, n = 42) perceived recent graduates as ‘somewhat prepared’ or ‘very prepared’ for practice. Perceptions were similar among clinical supervisors (52.3%, n = 35/67), and slightly higher among participants who graduated since 2010 (57.2%, n = 12/21). The majority (82.5%, n = 66) recommended program improvements, with consistent support across subgroups, including recent graduates (87.5%), those trained outside ANZ (88.9%), and clinical supervisors (83.6%). Reported barriers to graduate readiness included insufficient hands-on clinical experience, low self-efficacy, institutional differences, and concerns regarding professional behaviours and attitudes. Recommendations focused on two key areas: the need for additional clinical experience during training, and strengthened supervision practices both before and after graduation. Over half (56.3%, n = 45) supported a post-graduation internship, while 25% were unsure, and 18.8% (n = 15) did not support it.

Conclusion. While most podiatrists considered recent graduates broadly prepared for registration, concerns remained regarding limited clinical exposure and variability in training. Strengthening hands-on clinical experience and supervision, alongside consideration of structured post-graduation internships, may improve transition to independent practice.

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