Brian Head of Podiatry at Queen Margaret University College Edinburgh "I am responsible for the academic development of the subject area of podiatry. I deliver undergraduate and postgraduate learning programmes."

Brian has several aspects to his job. He is active in clinical research. He's investigating the regulation of skin blood flow and the management of leg pain that's caused by poor blood supply. He supervises research students and teaches across a range of podiatry and Allied Health Profession courses. In addition he's active within his profession working with a wide range of advisory bodies, professional and statutory committees.

What do you do as an academic consultant?

I work on a variety of consultancy projects. I'm the director of a podiatric research fund and in this role I manage the research budget and head up a scientific committee – it makes decisions about which projects to fund. I also mentor a colleague in a newly created post – Consultant Podiatrist. This consultant level grade is a new and exciting development for the future of AHPs.

Within the university I am chair of the committee which is responsible for the provision of all taught postgraduate courses. This work requires a high level of commitment and skill in managing some complex issues.

Do you get to work with patients?

I do, but not a lot now. The time I'm with patients is very limited, probably about 3 hours a week. Most of my time in the university is spent teaching, researching or in administration. Some of my teaching involves working with both students and patients in our operating theatre. This type of work is very enjoyable and rewarding.

What problems do the patients have?

The work's varied. We manage a wide range of patients. Our patient group includes infants with congenital lower limb problems, young adults with sports related injuries, and older adults with complex diseases – for instance rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes and disorders connected with it. Podiatrists have important contributions to make to the management of lower limb disorders, we can greatly help improve the quality of patients' lives. Our special contributions are now being recognised.

What do you find the most rewarding?

There are a couple of things really. Firstly assisting the students to reach their full potential – watching them grow and develop in their career. I get great personal satisfaction from contributing to the development of my profession and to increasing the knowledge we have about lower limb disorders.

What do you see as your main challenges?

I would like to increase the amount of research and increase the knowledge base of the profession. I'd like to continue to enable students to reach their full potential. I will continue to work in higher education and contribute to the development of the profession and its knowledge base.