When Matthew Francis launched Atlantic Podiatry in Bermuda two years ago, he didn’t just want to treat feet, he wanted to plant roots.
Now, with the creation of two $48,000 scholarships aimed at getting Bermudians into podiatry, he’s making good on that goal.
The Atlantic Podiatry Industry Scholarship is one of Bermuda’s newest financial aid offerings, and one of the most targeted. It’s about more than education, it is about creating long-term local capacity in a healthcare field that’s often overlooked, despite its outsized impact.
“Podiatry isn’t the first thing people think of when they consider healthcare,” Mr Francis admitted.
“But it should be. Your feet are your foundation. A lot of long-term issues, from amputations to mobility loss, start with foot problems that could’ve been caught early.”
The scholarship covers full tuition for a podiatry degree in the UK, with a guaranteed job waiting back home. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of local podiatrists, something Bermuda is currently lacking.
“When we offered the first scholarship last year, we didn’t get any applicants,” Mr Francis said.
“That surprised me. So, I started reaching out to schools and networks, even overseas, trying to find Bermudians who might be interested. It turns out we’re not just short on podiatrists, we’re short on awareness.”
That led to a second scholarship this year, doubling down on the original offer.
“We’ve invested nearly $100,000 as a two-year-old clinic,” he said. “That’s a lot for a small business. But I think it’s the best way to create real change.”
Podiatrists make a difference
The urgency is clear. Bermuda has one of the highest rates of amputation per capita in the world with many stemming from complications of diabetes that podiatrists are trained to detect and treat early.
According to Mr Francis, regular foot checks could prevent many of these cases, reducing long-term healthcare costs and saving lives.
The challenge is structural as well as medical.
“We don’t have a podiatrist working at the hospital. That means wounds, infections and high-risk feet are managed without that specific expertise. It’s inefficient and expensive,” he said.
“If someone comes in with an infection, a podiatrist might be able to treat it early. Without that intervention, we end up with partial amputations that snowball into major surgeries.”
His own experience reflects the broader trend. His team now includes a second podiatrist, brought in from the UK.
But he’s mindful of the risk: “Guest workers are amazing, but they don’t always stay.
“If they leave, they take all that knowledge with them. I want Bermudians in those roles, people who are invested in the island.”
That’s why the scholarship isn’t just for high school students. It’s open to any Bermudian, regardless of age or background.
“If you studied finance ten years ago but want a career change — reach out,” he said.
“Podiatry is hands-on, it’s rewarding, and it’s not overly physically demanding. We’re building a team, and there’s room for different skills.”
And for those worried about qualifications?
“I’ll help with that too,” Mr Francis said. “If someone’s interested but unsure if they meet the academic requirements, I’ll work directly with the UK universities to create a path.”
Ultimately, it’s about more than filling job slots. It’s about shifting the mindset around healthcare — from reactive to preventative, from imported to homegrown.
“This is one of those careers where you make a real difference, every day. We just need more people to see that. And once they do, we’ll be ready.”
Anyone interested in the scholarship can visit the Atlantic Podiatry website for further information: www.atlantic-podiatry.com.
Or go on the Bermuda scholarship website and search for “Atlantic Podiatry”: www.bermudascholarships.com
