Toronto,Canada — A group of enthusiastic pedicurists from across North America and the UK have returned from St. Kitts, West Indies where they received a “Bachelor of Science” (BSc.) in Podology (Natural Health Sciences) from the Open International University for Complementary Medicines.

Courses for the North American School of Podology (NASP) are offered throughout Canada and the U.S., and in February students who had completed levels one through four of education gathered on the Caribbean island to participate in a five-day residency to obtain the designation. The students worked in conjunction with medical liaisons on the island, the NASP team of doctors, and educators at free foot care clinics on the island. The students tended to over 600 patients, teaching proper foot care, providing foot care services and even helping to save some patients from potential amputation.  

“The students came to the island to complete their BSc. Pod degree” says Vicki Malo, President of NASP, “However, the students left with a profound sense of accomplishment in respects to the patients they worked with and the camaraderie with fellow students having the same passion for raising the bar in an industry. Their experiences on the island will not soon be forgotten.”

At the NASP, technicians learn about leading-edge technologies in foot care and obtain the most advanced designations. Students are taught the latest in new products, techniques, diseases and disorders and, most importantly, how to perform a safe, top-quality pedicure.

Here are some quotes from students who attended the St. Kitts residency.

“What an incredible experience. I went to St. Kitts to get my diploma, and I never expected to come back feeling so fulfilled and gratified for helping so many people. This experience has changed my life. I want to do so much more now and help the less fortunate people of the world. It has given me new appreciation of how important foot care really is.”

— Patricia Fougere, BSc. Pod, Nova Scotia

“Our trip to St. Kitts will go down in my personal history book as an experience of a lifetime. If hugs were money, I would be a millionaire, for that’s how the people who attended the Foot Clinics showed their gratitude. The friendly people and of course the outstanding weather perfected my whole experience.”

— Tish Deemer, BSc. Pod, Nova Scotia

“I would go back to St. Kitts. This experience has brought opened my eyes to say the least. Some of the things I saw, I have only seen in textbooks. To see them close up and personal was priceless. To work so closely with such an experienced group of people showed the depth of our skill in unison. I felt so emotional leaving the seed we had planted; I want to watch it grow.

— Karen Le Francois, BS Pod, British Columbia

— Tim