A Very Positive Experience....

[FolkGuitar]

... which makes me wonder if Thai Visa is the correct place to tell about it. But there have been enough threads about this in the past that I think this may well be the VERY place to speak about my morning, with hopes that those who need to rant and sling sh!t will stay out of the thread, for there is simply NOTHING about this experience that warrants it! It was a very positive experience. Not as much fun as sex with a beautiful 20-yr old nymphomaniac, but certainly just as rewording. Probably healthier too at my age.

I went to the foot care guy in San Sai and I'm glad I did.

In the flame fest that went on about this place, a lot of people who had never been there made a lot of negative comments, and at the time, I said it's far better to offer comments after experiencing first hand just what his service was all about.

I made an appointment. I went. And I found out it was all about superior service, attention to detail, gentle, and most importantly, very knowledgeable foot care.

My toenails have been in rotten shape for the past 20-30 years. Besides constantly battling to keep ingrown nails from getting too painful, I'd taken to sanding down the nail surface in hopes that the pressure of the foot would be enough to keep the thinner nails from curling inward. But no matter what I did, the nails of the Big Toes would ALWAYS curl into the toe, and although I never let it get to the point of getting infected, it often hurt like hell just trying to cut them. And no matter what I did, my toes would never win any beauty contests. I had Monster Toes. I didn't let it stop me from wearing sandals, but I was uncomfortable because what I had on the ends of my feet really were little monstrosities....

So I made an appointment with the foot care guy. I figured he couldn't do much worse than what I was doing, right?
I call, make an appointment, and they tell me they will pick me up at my condo. Good way to start. The fellow who picked me up was Thai, speaking perfect English, as well as being one of the foot care specialists. The office was in a large mooban, clean, modern, and comfortable. The staff all very friendly. Then I met the head man... And he is a trip! One of the most interesting 'characters' I've met in a long time. He's a 'talker.' He doesn't stop for a minute. He's hyper. The only time he's moving slowly is when he actually working on your feet. He talks about everything from A to Z... but he does it with a purpose...

Often, the problems people come to him with are quite painful. Sometimes his corrections are a bit painful. So he talks to distract you from the pain. It works... a bit. The pain was just a wee bit more intense than when I've let my nails grow a bit too long and are starting to dig in. Enough pain to clench my teeth, but not enough to want to hit him. Certainly less pain than root canal work on your teeth, and for a far shorter time. He talks about what he\s going to do next. He tells you why he'd doing it. He speaks of other cases. He quotes Shakespeare. He talks about his charity work and invites you to join in. (No, he doesn't proselytize, but he is quite passionate about it.) He found little pieces of WOOD, and little pieces of PLASTIC under some of the nails that had been there for years and years, and that's what was causing the nails to grow so strange. I don't really know how they got there, but 25+ years of kicking things in Kung <deleted>, 60+ years of stubbing my toes when walking, etc., must have pushed stuff under the nails, and the skin grew over it. Some of the pieces that he dug out were the size of this letter 'a.' And there were a lot of pieces under several of the nails. I watched and gritted my teeth as he pulled each piece out. Absolutely amazing!

He's passionate about everything. He's especially passionate about helping people with their foot problems. No... that not quite right... He's passionate about helping people, period! But he's a character. He even wears a funny hat. But... he knows his craft well. His skill is obvious from the very start of treatment. Frankly, before he started to work on my feet I was a little bit leery about this rather strange fellow, but as soon as he began to work, his skill and his knowledge became quite obvious, as did my confidence in his ability to correct my problems. He makes no bones about saying that if the problems or situation exceed his ability he will refuse to begin treatments and refer the patients elsewhere. He knows and acknowledges his limitations. I like that in a medical professional. I like playing 'doctor' too, but I leave organ transplants to the qualified professionals.

He spent two and a half hours working on my feet. Slowly, skillfully, carefully, apologizing when he knew what he was about to do would cause some discomfort. When he finished, not only did I NOT have Monster Toes any more (they really look human again. I think I may be developing a foot fetish for my own feet... I keep looking at them and smiling,) and I no longer felt ANY pressure from any of the nails. He assured me that if I followed what he suggested, I wouldn't have those problems again. He requested that I return in a month for some follow-up work, but that would essentially be it.

To sum it all up, door to door pickup and delivery, 2.5 hours of treatment, a box of herbal supplements, NO MORE PAIN, and the bill came to 2500 baht. I can live with that. Especially the 'no more pain' part. The man knows what he's doing. Some people will have difficulty with his personality, his hyper-passion about everything, but I doubt there will be many who have difficulty with the results they get from his treatments. Maybe one or two, but even Albert Schweitzer, Jonas Salk, and the Mayo Clinic couldn't please everyone. They just please most folks...

And no... He didn't pay me to write this. No, I am not financially connected to his clinic. No, I am not socially connected to him or his staff. I'm just a very satisfied patient of a medical professional, telling you about my experience with his foot care.

[fcgprg]

A good report thanks from me for taking the time to post it.

[market trader]

Good to read about your positive experience. Now I don't know if TV rules permit, but it would be nice to have his name, address and phone number.

Edited June 21, 2013 by market trader

[FolkGuitar]

Good to read about your positive experience. Now I don't know if TV rules permit, but it would be nice to have his name, address and phone number.

If a Mod will be kind enough to tell me the rules about this, I'd be more than happy to post them publicly. Otherwise, please feel free to pm me and I'll get back to you as quickly as my <deleted>#ked up internet provider will allow...

[Thailand]

A friend has similar problems so I would also be interested in the info to pass on to him. I see no reason that it could not be posted-mods?

But yes, you are right,there will no doubt be those that want to add derogatory, irrelevant posts to the thread,they lurk on TV hiding behind their anonymity in their sad little worlds.

[Ulysses G.]

Thanks for that. I do not have the problems with my feet that you do, but it is nice to know where to go if the in-grown toe nails get worse.

[Tywais]

Good to read about your positive experience. Now I don't know if TV rules permit, but it would be nice to have his name, address and phone number.

If a Mod will be kind enough to tell me the rules about this, I'd be more than happy to post them publicly. Otherwise, please feel free to pm me and I'll get back to you as quickly as my <deleted>#ked up internet provider will allow...

Not a problem. Lot's of recommendations always posted on TV with names/addresses.

I also have a rather nasty inward nail curvatures on my big toes and had a major ingrown nail a few years ago where they had to cut off the side of the nail to fix it. Not a fun experience.

Looking at the end of them, looks a lot like this - C Not sure why I have them as I have not worn closed shoes for years, only open toe sandals.

[elektrified]

O.K. fair enough but if this is the place I think it is, the guy is posing as a Doctor when in fact he is not. Also it has been mentioned that he is selling/offering injections which is believed to be illegal in Thailand unless ordered by a licensed physician.

But everything else seems positive.

[hellodolly]

I almost wanted to go to him a very positive report. My foot problem is diabetic related so he would not be able to help me but very encouraging for people with foot problems.

I recall the previous threads some people were more concerned about paper work than they were there feet a very deplorable situation to be in.

[uptheos]

I almost wanted to go to him a very positive report. My foot problem is diabetic related so he would not be able to help me but very encouraging for people with foot problems.

I recall the previous threads some people were more concerned about paper work than they were there feet a very deplorable situation to be in.

If I remember correctly, it wasn't that people were concerned with the 'paperwork', more that the qualifications put forward were not authentic. I don't think paperwork necessarily makes a good craftsman, but advertising that you have a 'genuine' doctorate, when you do not, is not right. I might be incorrect with my recall (I often am), so if anyone wishes to tell me I'm wrong, or we are talking about a different person please do so.

Dolly, you brought up a very important point and that is diabetes. Diabetes and the slightest problem with foot care, whether from an in-growing toenail to a slip of the cutters, can be catastrophic. I know because I had a very close relative, who whilst having a leg amputated (due to gangrene after a very minor cut that never healed), died during surgery of pulmonary embolism.

By all means let whoever you want take care of your feet, they are yours to do with as you please. If you find someone and they do a good job and you are satisfied, then that's really great, as foot pain is no fun. Just make sure if you are diabetic that they know it and that they don't attempt something that should only be seen by a specialist. Having said that, foot care is one specialty sadly lacking in Chiang Mai.

Edited June 21, 2013 by uptheos

[FolkGuitar]

I also have a rather nasty inward nail curvatures on my big toes and had a major ingrown nail a few years ago where they had to cut off the side of the nail to fix it. Not a fun experience.

Looking at the end of them, looks a lot like this - C Not sure why I have them as I have not worn closed shoes for years, only open toe sandals.

I had 'C's', 'S's', and even a sideways 'z!' (to say nothing of two toenails that must have been written in Klingon.) Not no mo'!

O.K. fair enough but if this is the place I think it is, the guy is posing as a Doctor when in fact he is not

I remember your posts about that, and the school that granted him his Ph.D not being 'accredited.' Did you know that neither Oxford nor Cambridge Universities are accredited?

I almost wanted to go to him a very positive report. My foot problem is diabetic related so he would not be able to help me but very encouraging for people with foot problems.

Perhaps. He's very up-front about what he can or can not do. However... he did specifically say that there were 'certain situations' in which he would be able to deal with the foot problems of diabetics. The best thing to do is ask him about your situation. Everyone is different, and every problem a different one with a different way to deal with it. And... get ready for this... There isn't even ONE CORRECT WAY to cut toenails! Who knew? LOL!

The Podology Center

399/208 M.3. Siriporn Garden Home,

Nr. Sanamaeng, San Sai, Chiang Mai, 50210

Ph: 053-038-084

Dirk Weeber (the German podologist, head of the clinic.)

Wuttipong Khotbuntao 087-343-1424 (he's the Thai associate, and perhaps the best one to call. He doesn't talk so much...)

I hope he's able to help those of you who need it. Please keep in mind that he really IS a character.... Don't let that throw you.

Anybody want to buy photos of my toes now? ROTFLMAO!

[FolkGuitar]

. Having said that, foot care is one specialty sadly lacking in Chiang Mai.

Appearantly not just in Chiang Mai, but all over Thailand. When Khun Wuttipong picked me up, before heading to the clinic we had to stop at the airport to pick up another patient, An Australian fellow who flew in from another province just for treatment...

I didn't mention it in my first post, but while he was working over my feet, he had my sandals 'cooking' in a UV chamber to sterilize them. All his instruments were in sterile packaging as well. This was a very well-run Medical facility.

Keep in mind too, that he is a pedologist, not a podiatrist. Same sort of difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. One is a physician and one is not. But both are addressed as 'Doctor.' And like most optometrists, this pedologist works in conjunction with a physician if needed.

[uptheos]

This is from post 15 of the original thread if anyone is interested.

"My doctor titles I have are doctor titles in Philosophy, of a church and university of the United States of America. To use the titles for both of them is absolutely legal in Thailand. In other countries there might be different laws".

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535372-podiarist-in-chiang-mai/

Folk Guitar you seem to have a lot of input into the previous thread, a year ago, so I'm a bit surprised that your toe nails got into such a state.

[FolkGuitar]

This is from post 15 of the original thread if anyone is interested.

"My doctor titles I have are doctor titles in Philosophy, of a church and university of the United States of America. To use the titles for both of them is absolutely legal in Thailand. In other countries there might be different laws".

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535372-podiarist-in-chiang-mai/

Folk Guitar you seem to have a lot of input into the previous thread, a year ago, so I'm a bit surprised that your toe nails got into such a state.

You are aware, of course, that ALL Ph,D titles are 'Doctor of Philosophy,' no matter which specialty field they may be in, right? A person can be a qualified physician and not have an M.D. degree, only a Ph.D. And a Ph.D holder in the specialty field of "Library Science" is still addressed as 'Doctor.' In the US, we usually do NOT address honorary Ph.D holders as Doctor, and in the U.K. they address their M.D.s as Mister. Different strokes for different folks. What does it really matter. I've had board certified Medical doctors who held both M.D.AND Ph.D degrees who still managed to screw up diagnosis and treatments, and lowly P.A.'s (Physician's Assistants, licensed to prescribe medications) who treated severe medical emergencies with top quality results.

A rose by any other name... I care more about results than about paper on a wall. I care more about what he does than what he says. Although there are several photos of him with members of the Royal Family (his patients,) that didn't impress me half as much as the way he handled the tools of his profession.

The results are on the ends of my legs. I can't refute them.

"Fidase." Probability Statment of 1.0 Fact. Ten of 'em, actually.

As for my toes getting 'into such a state,' they weren't.

They weren't infected, and just about reaching the stage where they would start to become uncomfortable. And as long as I was 'careful' about keeping the nails thinned, there was no serious problem. Just a whole heap of Ugly, and a lot of work keep them turning painful. I figured, as long as I'm now back in Chiang Mai, why not see what this guy can do. And what he did was a dam_n site more than any podiatrist had ever done before, in terms of both the way they feel today and the way they look today. And if what he told me can be trusted (and we'll have to see about that later on,) I shouldn't have to do so much work in the future to keep them looking and feeling good. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Edited June 21, 2013 by FolkGuitar

[uptheos]

This is from post 15 of the original thread if anyone is interested.

"My doctor titles I have are doctor titles in Philosophy, of a church and university of the United States of America. To use the titles for both of them is absolutely legal in Thailand. In other countries there might be different laws".

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535372-podiarist-in-chiang-mai/

Folk Guitar you seem to have a lot of input into the previous thread, a year ago, so I'm a bit surprised that your toe nails got into such a state.

You are aware, of course, that ALL Ph,D titles are 'Doctor of Philosophy,' no matter which specialty field they may be in, right? A person can be a qualified physician and not have an M.D. degree, only a Ph.D. And a Ph.D holder in the specialty field of "Library Science" is still addressed as 'Doctor.' In the US, we usually do NOT address honorary Ph.D holders as Doctor, and in the U.K. they address their M.D.s as Mister. Different strokes for different folks. What does it really matter. I've had board certified Medical doctors who held both M.D.AND Ph.D degrees who still managed to screw up diagnosis and treatments, and P.A.'s (Physician's Assistants, licensed to prescribe medications) who treated severe medical emergencies with top quality results.

A rose by any other name... I care more about results than about paper on a wall. I care more about what he does than what he says. Although there are several photos of him with members of the Royal Family (his patients,) that didn't impress me half as much as the way he handled the tools of his profession.

The results are on the ends of my legs. I can't refute them.

"Fidase." Probability Statment of 1.0 Fact. Ten of 'em, actually.

As for my toes getting 'into such a state,' they weren't.

They weren't infected, and just about reaching the stage where they would start to become uncomfortable. And as long as I was 'careful' about keeping the nails thinned, there was no serious problem. Just a whole heap of Ugly, and a lot of work keep them turning painful. I figured, as long as I'm now back in Chiang Mai, why not see what this guy can do. And what he did was a dam_n site more than any podiatrist had ever done before, in terms of both the way they feel today and the way they look today. And if what he told me can be trusted (and we'll have to see about that later on,) I shouldn't have to do so much work in the future to keep them looking and feeling good. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Folk Guitar I have no ax to grind with you, so let's not go down the condescending road of explaining to me what a Ph.D is, for all you know I might have one, but not from a degree mill.

As for your feet, I'm really happy for you / them and I'm sure you will continue to have well turned out nails. There's no need to keep me in the picture about how they turn out, they're your feet and if you have received good treatment then that's all that matters. If these people can do a good job and be responsible regarding their limitations then I hope there will be lots of happy feet in Chiang Mai.

[worgeordie]

My wife looks after my feet and does a good job, she does not have

a Ph.D either,just a first degree in eating and talking !

regards Worgeordie

[uptheos]

My wife looks after my feet and does a good job, she does not have

a Ph.D either,just a first degree in eating and talking !

regards Worgeordie

Not whilst she's doing your feet WG?

[FolkGuitar]

This is from post 15 of the original thread if anyone is interested.

"My doctor titles I have are doctor titles in Philosophy, of a church and university of the United States of America. To use the titles for both of them is absolutely legal in Thailand. In other countries there might be different laws".

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535372-podiarist-in-chiang-mai/

Folk Guitar you seem to have a lot of input into the previous thread, a year ago, so I'm a bit surprised that your toe nails got into such a state.

You are aware, of course, that ALL Ph,D titles are 'Doctor of Philosophy,' no matter which specialty field they may be in, right? A person can be a qualified physician and not have an M.D. degree, only a Ph.D. And a Ph.D holder in the specialty field of "Library Science" is still addressed as 'Doctor.' In the US, we usually do NOT address honorary Ph.D holders as Doctor, and in the U.K. they address their M.D.s as Mister. Different strokes for different folks. What does it really matter. I've had board certified Medical doctors who held both M.D.AND Ph.D degrees who still managed to screw up diagnosis and treatments, and P.A.'s (Physician's Assistants, licensed to prescribe medications) who treated severe medical emergencies with top quality results.

A rose by any other name... I care more about results than about paper on a wall. I care more about what he does than what he says. Although there are several photos of him with members of the Royal Family (his patients,) that didn't impress me half as much as the way he handled the tools of his profession.

The results are on the ends of my legs. I can't refute them.

"Fidase." Probability Statment of 1.0 Fact. Ten of 'em, actually.

As for my toes getting 'into such a state,' they weren't.

They weren't infected, and just about reaching the stage where they would start to become uncomfortable. And as long as I was 'careful' about keeping the nails thinned, there was no serious problem. Just a whole heap of Ugly, and a lot of work keep them turning painful. I figured, as long as I'm now back in Chiang Mai, why not see what this guy can do. And what he did was a dam_n site more than any podiatrist had ever done before, in terms of both the way they feel today and the way they look today. And if what he told me can be trusted (and we'll have to see about that later on,) I shouldn't have to do so much work in the future to keep them looking and feeling good. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Folk Guitar I have no ax to grind with you, so let's not go down the condescending road of explaining to me what a Ph.D is, for all you know I might have one, but not from a degree mill.

As for your feet, I'm really happy for you / them and I'm sure you will continue to have well turned out nails. There's no need to keep me in the picture about how they turn out, they're your feet and if you have received good treatment then that's all that matters. If these people can do a good job and be responsible regarding their limitations then I hope there will be lots of happy feet in Chiang Mai.

Please forgive me if I sounded condescending. Most people don't really KNOW what a Ph.D represents. Just as not all places that offer honorary degrees are 'degree mills.' Many are. Many are not. According to Dr. (or Mister if you prefer. He seems to prefer to be called by his first name, Dirk,) he was given the degree in recognition of three years of humanitarian work he did with the organization. As I stated in the first post, he is VERY active in charitable organizations, both in terms of giving his time and professional service as well as fund raising.

If these people can do a good job and be responsible regarding their limitations then I hope there will be lots of happy feet in Chiang Mai.

That's all that really matters in the end...

[Mapguy]

The term "podology" was new to me, so I looked it up. A common dictionary definition seems to be "podiatry." Or chiropody.

This web site is helpful in reflecting qualifications: http://www.thefootclinic.ca/chiropodist.html. Another one is very different --- four days training! Check out: http://www.northamericanschoolofpodology.com. So, knowing something about level of training certainly makes sense, to say the least!

Qualified podologists (DPM) are not doctors of medicine, or physicians, unless, of course, they happen to have that qualification as well. But the training for a DPM degree can be quite extensive:

http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/20/Podiatrist_Doctor_of_Podiatric_Medicine#Tab=Requirements.

Finding good foot care in Chiang Mai is a real pain in the arch! I hope OP's podologist will one day be added to the list maintained by Tywais --- after a few more members check that clinic out --- understanding that an MD might be needed,too, as noted above for diabetics. Then, too, maybe an orthopaedist. In the meantime, I hope OP starts another thread with a more helpful topic line.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Mapguy

[hellodolly]

I almost wanted to go to him a very positive report. My foot problem is diabetic related so he would not be able to help me but very encouraging for people with foot problems.

I recall the previous threads some people were more concerned about paper work than they were there feet a very deplorable situation to be in.

If I remember correctly, it wasn't that people were concerned with the 'paperwork', more that the qualifications put forward were not authentic. I don't think paperwork necessarily makes a good craftsman, but advertising that you have a 'genuine' doctorate, when you do not, is not right. I might be incorrect with my recall (I often am), so if anyone wishes to tell me I'm wrong, or we are talking about a different person please do so.

Dolly, you brought up a very important point and that is diabetes. Diabetes and the slightest problem with foot care, whether from an in-growing toenail to a slip of the cutters, can be catastrophic. I know because I had a very close relative, who whilst having a leg amputated (due to gangrene after a very minor cut that never healed), died during surgery of pulmonary embolism.

By all means let whoever you want take care of your feet, they are yours to do with as you please. If you find someone and they do a good job and you are satisfied, then that's really great, as foot pain is no fun. Just make sure if you are diabetic that they know it and that they don't attempt something that should only be seen by a specialist. Having said that, foot care is one specialty sadly lacking in Chiang Mai.

I believe you are right it was his papers being challenged. To me it is all paper work none of it matters to me if they can do the job. I know of one bone doctor at Ram and one eye doctor who have the paper work and other pencil pusher qualifications . I would recommend a witch doctor before either one of them.

I do hope folkguitar's experience will help others in need of a foot doctor. Door to door service two and a half hours work all for 2,500 baht. What a deal.

Thank you folkguitar for the positive information on quality workmanship.

[hellodolly]

I for one think this was a helpful topic.

I hope you open more helpful topic line's.

[elektrified]

The term "podology" was new to me, so I looked it up. A common dictionary definition seems to be "podiatry." Or chiropody.

This web site is helpful in reflecting qualifications: http://www.thefootclinic.ca/chiropodist.html. Another one is very different --- four days training! Check out: http://www.northamericanschoolofpodology.com. So, knowing something about level of training certainly makes sense, to say the least!

Qualified podologists (DPM) are not doctors of medicine, or physicians, unless, of course, they happen to have that qualification as well. But the training for a DPM degree can be quite extensive:

Precisely the point I made in a previous thread some years back and which uptheos has reiterated. I respect FolkGuitar's input to the forum and consider him very knowledgeable. But his statement "I like that in a medical professional." and lengthy praise for the foot technician was (IMHO) OTT. Podiatrists are Medical Doctors who must complete at least 2 years of University, 4 years medical school, plus 2-3 years as a surgical resident in order to get their license. There is a BIG difference between a Podologist and a Podiatrist. A Podiatrist (DPM) is the only professional who should be working on the feet of a diabetic.

If I understand it correctly, it looks as though the entire set of courses offered at the North American School of Podology in Canada which was cited above, can be completed in in only 19 days.

I realize there is only one Podiatrist in Thailand - in Bangkok, so an Orthopedic Surgeon is a good alternative for diabetics.

Edited June 21, 2013 by elektrified

[FolkGuitar]

Qualified podologists (DPM) are not doctors of medicine, or physicians, unless, of course, they happen to have that qualification as well. But the training for a DPM degree can be quite extensive:

http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/20/Podiatrist_Doctor_of_Podiatric_Medicine#Tab=Requirements.

Unless I miss-read the numbers on his diploma, it appears that the German schools require a 5-year study, rather than the 4-year of American schools. there is no doubt in my mind that he has the skills and the knowledge to be effective. He certainly did more for me with less pain than any M.D. foot specialist I've had treat me in the past. For a lot less money.

In the meantime, I hope OP starts another thread with a more helpful topic line.

LOL! More helpful? Only in ThaiVisa can "A Very Positive Experience..." be seen as not helpful enough.

I thought it would save a lot of time for those who are not interested in a positive experience. They could avoid the entire thread. But I'll certainly try harder in the future.

[hellodolly]

The term "podology" was new to me, so I looked it up. A common dictionary definition seems to be "podiatry." Or chiropody.

This web site is helpful in reflecting qualifications: http://www.thefootclinic.ca/chiropodist.html. Another one is very different --- four days training! Check out: http://www.northamericanschoolofpodology.com. So, knowing something about level of training certainly makes sense, to say the least!

Qualified podologists (DPM) are not doctors of medicine, or physicians, unless, of course, they happen to have that qualification as well. But the training for a DPM degree can be quite extensive:

Precisely the point I made in a previous thread some years back and which uptheos has reiterated. I respect FolkGuitar's input to the forum and consider him very knowledgeable. But his statement "I like that in a medical professional." and lengthy praise for the foot technician was (IMHO) OTT. Podiatrists are Medical Doctors who must complete at least 2 years of University, 4 years medical school, plus 2-3 years as a surgical resident in order to get their license. There is a BIG difference between a Podologist and a Podiatrist. A Podiatrist (DPM) is the only professional who should be working on the feet of a diabetic.

If I understand it correctly, it looks as though the entire set of courses offered at the North American School of Podology in Canada which was cited above, can be completed in in only 19 days.

I realize there is only one Podiatrist in Thailand - in Bangkok, so an Orthopedic Surgeon is a good alternative for diabetics.

I know of two people thinking of suing one Orthopedic Surgeon who has all the approved acredidation some people require for malpractice. One has already had the butcher job fixed by Dr Sudhee at Ram and the other is waiting for other medical work before he can have the botched job on him fixed. The one who is OK now has decided that he will not sue. It would not be worth the time and worry in a Thai court.

I don't know if it was the same approved to all the standards some people want that wanted to operate on me. But I had already been told by two different Orthopedic Surgeon's in Canada not to do it as long as I could take the pain. A couple of years ago I went to see Dr. Sudhee when he had his clinic and he also said don't do it if I can handle the pain.

But that's OK the Orthopedic Surgeon at the Ram in between Canada and Dr Sudhee had all the accreditation.

Not sure what an Orthopedic Surgeon could do for diabetes caused problems. Back home a friend had a specialized shoe that is made for diabetics. It helped him a lot.

[FolkGuitar]

There is a BIG difference between a Podologist and a Podiatrist.

Yes, you're right. As I posted in #12:

Keep in mind too, that he is a pedologist, not a podiatrist. Same sort of difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. One is a physician and one is not. But both are addressed as 'Doctor.' And like most optometrists, this pedologist works in conjunction with a physician if needed.

If I understand it correctly, it looks as though the entire set of courses offered at the North American School of Podology in Canada which was cited above, can be completed in in only 19 days.

It must make this foot care specialist angry that he had to waste 5 years studying in Germany when he could have gotten the same training in only 19 days had he been Canadian...

Edited June 21, 2013 by FolkGuitar

[Mapguy]

The term "podology" was new to me, so I looked it up. A common dictionary definition seems to be "podiatry." Or chiropody.

This web site is helpful in reflecting qualifications: http://www.thefootclinic.ca/chiropodist.html. Another one is very different --- four days training! Check out: http://www.northamericanschoolofpodology.com. So, knowing something about level of training certainly makes sense, to say the least!

Qualified podologists (DPM) are not doctors of medicine, or physicians, unless, of course, they happen to have that qualification as well. But the training for a DPM degree can be quite extensive:

Precisely the point I made in a previous thread some years back and which uptheos has reiterated. I respect FolkGuitar's input to the forum and consider him very knowledgeable. But his statement "I like that in a medical professional." and lengthy praise for the foot technician was (IMHO) OTT. Podiatrists are Medical Doctors who must complete at least 2 years of University, 4 years medical school, plus 2-3 years as a surgical resident in order to get their license. There is a BIG difference between a Podologist and a Podiatrist. A Podiatrist (DPM) is the only professional who should be working on the feet of a diabetic.

If I understand it correctly, it looks as though the entire set of courses offered at the North American School of Podology in Canada which was cited above, can be completed in in only 19 days.

I realize there is only one Podiatrist in Thailand - in Bangkok, so an Orthopedic Surgeon is a good alternative for diabetics.

I know of two people thinking of suing one Orthopedic Surgeon who has all the approved acredidation some people require for malpractice. One has already had the butcher job fixed by Dr Sudhee at Ram and the other is waiting for other medical work before he can have the botched job on him fixed. The one who is OK now has decided that he will not sue. It would not be worth the time and worry in a Thai court.

I don't know if it was the same approved to all the standards some people want that wanted to operate on me. But I had already been told by two different Orthopedic Surgeon's in Canada not to do it as long as I could take the pain. A couple of years ago I went to see Dr. Sudhee when he had his clinic and he also said don't do it if I can handle the pain.

But that's OK the Orthopedic Surgeon at the Ram in between Canada and Dr Sudhee had all the accreditation.

Not sure what an Orthopedic Surgeon could do for diabetes caused problems. Back home a friend had a specialized shoe that is made for diabetics. It helped him a lot.

This is too cynical for me, as is. Obviously, there is a continuum: rotten, so-so, okay, better and best docs, but a legitimate degree in whatever specialty (and some schools are better than others!) is a better start than going to back garden garage mechanics! You do still have to shop around, so to speak. And, sometimes, more than one specialty is called for. A degree is a basic credential. There are other factors. Just try googling "How to select a physician," or something like that. No need to detail them here.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Mapguy

[FolkGuitar]

This is too cynical for me, as is. Obviously, there is a continuum: rotten, so-so, okay, better and best docs, but a legitimate degree in whatever specialty (and some schools are better than others!) is a better start than going to back garden garage mechanics! You do still have to shop around, so to speak. And, sometimes, more than one specialty is called for. A degree is a basic credential. There are other factors. Just try googling "How to select a physician," or something like that. No need to detail them here.

Please forgive me but I have to disagree with you. No disrespect intended, but a degree is just a piece of paper. There are a hell of a lot of 'back yard' mechanics who do much better work than GM or Ford-trained mechanics. But you are correct when you say some schools are better than others. Give me a Rolls Royce-trained mechanic over a GM-trained one, all other things being equal. But there's the rub... All the other things are NOT equal. And THAT is the point. One of my post-graduate degrees is an MBA, but almost any junior high school kid can handle a calculator better than I can. Today many college students graduate having no clue about their field of study, and only passed the classes because they were able to give the answers the teacher 'wanted to see,' which may or may not have been the 'correct' answer. In fact, the teacher may never even see the finished test as it's common to have a Grad student do the scoring, In America, the average two-year Associate's degree student usually has far more 'hands-on' experience than the 4-year Bachelor's degree student in the same field, especially in the hard sciences. There will be an hour or two of lab work required for every one hour of classroom study. And it's that 'hands-on' experience that often makes or breaks the final results, more often than the book knowledge.

You can't judge a book by it's cover, and you can't judge a person's skill by looking at a piece of paper. You need to see the skill. At least, that is MY not so humble opinion!

Edited June 21, 2013 by FolkGuitar

[jackr]

A Very Positive Experience....

Always expect a bit of cringeworthyness from this type of (see, not all the natives are completely useless) thread... when one is paying for it, good service should be a given, should it not, developing country or no? But glad you got sorted, and noted for future ref.

[CMKiwi]

FolkGuitar, a very good and informative post. Although I take on board what other members have to say re qualifications and the like I have to agree with what you say in relation to a persons experience and getting the job done. To use the old cliche (Albeit a catering term) the proof is in the pudding.

You were simply stating that you had a very good experience with this guy and that your feet are a lot better for it. I am happy to take that as your own personal recommendation, should I ever need the service of a podologist/podiatrist then I will likely seek out this person.

Each to their own I suppose and some people prefer qualifications over experience. During my time in the Army I met some very qualified personnel, however not all of them were that bright when it came to what I thought to be common sense. Perhaps the Army wasnt the best place to find that???

Anyway,,,,, good to see a positive post and glad to hear you can walk easier now.

[elektrified]

FolkGuitar, a very good and informative post. Although I take on board what other members have to say re qualifications and the like I have to agree with what you say in relation to a persons experience and getting the job done. To use the old cliche (Albeit a catering term) the proof is in the pudding.

You were simply stating that you had a very good experience with this guy and that your feet are a lot better for it. I am happy to take that as your own personal recommendation, should I ever need the service of a podologist/podiatrist then I will likely seek out this person.

Each to their own I suppose and some people prefer qualifications over experience. During my time in the Army I met some very qualified personnel, however not all of them were that bright when it came to what I thought to be common sense. Perhaps the Army wasnt the best place to find that???

Anyway,,,,, good to see a positive post and glad to hear you can walk easier now.

Sorry but once again, please do not confuse a Podologist with a Podiatrist. A Podiatrist is an M.D. (D.P.M.) who is licensed to perform surgery including amputation of toes, joint fusions, etc.