Ruby Kourkoumelis was first exposed to podiatry as a teenager, when she needed attention for her flat feet.
“A physiotherapist referred me to a podiatrist for orthotics, and I found it was a very comfortable and caring environment,” she says. “My grandfather, who had diabetes, also used to praise his podiatrist.”
After completing an exercise science degree, Ruby decided to follow up with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Podiatric Practice from Latrobe University. This year, she joined Monash Health as the only podiatrist in the Allied Health Early Graduate Program.
Podiatrists care for patients who have problems with their feet and lower limbs, treating conditions resulting from bone and joint disorders, soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, and neurological and circulatory disease.
“I’ve always wanted to work in the health sector, and I’m enjoying the variety of being in a public hospital,” Ruby says. “I spend time seeing patients on the wards, in the outpatient clinic monitoring discharged patients, and in the high-risk clinic, where I often work with the vascular team and the endocrinology team.
“A lot of our patients have poor blood supply, and we aim to optimise blood flow to ensure amputations aren’t needed.”
Ruby, who also has a keen interest in nutrition and exercise, thinks she would like to stay in public hospitals or community settings.
“I like being a part of a team as we bounce ideas off each other, and colleagues are always happy to help,” she said. “There are many ways to continue learning at Monash Health – I can attend meetings of other disciplines and learn about other treatment methods. There are some great opportunities.”
This profile is part of a series spotlighting our Allied Health Early Graduate Program. We wish them all the best for their time with Monash Health. You can find out about all the great work our Allied Health teams do by attending the Allied Health Awards at 3pm on 2 May 2022.