Brighton student crowned national Podiatry Student of the Year

Arham, who is studying for a Podiatry BSc(Hons) degree at the University of Brighton, was named Student of the Year at the Royal College of Podiatry Awards, held at the Royal Institution in London on 12 June. The awards celebrate excellence across clinical practice, research, education, leadership, volunteering, workforce development and supporting patients and communities.

Arham’s win comes at a time when the UK is facing a growing demand for foot health services and a shortage of qualified podiatrists. Throughout her studies and clinical placements, she has demonstrated exceptional ability across a range of specialist areas including high-risk foot care, musculoskeletal assessment, wound management and nail surgery. Arham was also selected by the Council of Deans of Health as a student ambassador for International Podiatry Day, helping raise awareness of the profession and encouraging prospective students to consider careers in podiatry.

Reacting to the award, Arham said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. Studying podiatry at Brighton has been a truly rewarding experience and I have been fortunate to learn from inspiring clinicians, educators and patients who have helped shape my development.

Arham Khalid

Royal College of Podiatry Awards

“This recognition reflects the support, encouragement and opportunities I have received throughout my studies. Podiatry is a profession that has the power to make a real difference to people's lives, and I am excited to begin my career and continue developing my skills as a healthcare professional.”

Royal College of Podiatry judges praised Arham's dedication to patient-centred care, professionalism and commitment to advancing the profession.

Dao Tunprasert, Practice Learning Lead for Podiatry at the University of Brighton, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see Arham recognised as the Royal College of Podiatry's Student of the Year.

“This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to her hard work, professionalism and commitment to delivering outstanding patient care. Arham embodies the qualities we strive to develop in all our students. She has consistently demonstrated clinical excellence, compassion and leadership throughout her training. We are incredibly proud of what she has achieved and have no doubt she will go on to make a significant contribution to the profession.”

The award comes ahead of the official launch of a new, state-of-the-art podiatry clinic at the University of Brighton’s Falmer campus, established in partnership with the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust. The facility will expand access to care across Sussex while providing students with enhanced opportunities for clinical learning and professional development.

The recognition also shines a spotlight on the importance of podiatry at a time when foot health services are facing increasing demand. More than six million people in the UK live with diabetes, with many requiring specialist podiatry care to help prevent serious complications including foot ulcers and lower-limb amputations.

As she prepares to begin the next stage of her career, Arham hopes the award will encourage more people to explore podiatry as a rewarding and impactful healthcare profession.

In addition to Arham, two long-standing practice placement educators for the University of Brighton, Simon Croucher and Florentin Baciu, were shortlisted for the Podiatry Careers Champion Award. As founders of Bognor Podiatry Clinic, the pair earned the nomination for their sustained efforts to promote podiatry as a rewarding and accessible career. Together they have supported students and prospective applicants through outreach events, careers activities, university open days and hands-on clinical shadowing opportunities.