A leading Dorset podiatrist has been recognised with one of the highest honours in her profession after receiving the Royal College of Podiatry Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award.
Debbie Sharman was presented with the award in recognition of her outstanding and sustained contribution to podiatric care, particularly for improving health outcomes for people living with diabetes.
Debbie, from Bournemouth, is a consultant podiatrist for diabetes and professional lead for podiatry at Dorset HealthCare. Since joining the Trust, Debbie has spearheaded the development of the county’s diabetic foot service and has played a pivotal role in enhancing diabetes foot services across the region.
Sam Leonard, the Trust’s head of planned and specialist services, said: “This is brilliant news, and so very well deserved. Debbie is a true trailblazer in her field, championing the care of people with diabetes and always pushing the boundaries of the role of consultant podiatrists.”
Podiatry is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the foot and lower limb. Throughout her career, Debbie has provided expert clinical leadership, helped raise quality standards, strengthened collaboration with other organisations and offered specialist guidance in the management of complex diabetic foot conditions.
She is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Podiatric Medicine, a visiting lecturer at the University of Southampton, and has served on the executive committee of Foot in Diabetes UK, helping to shape national care pathways and research relating to diabetic foot disease.
In addition, Debbie recently completed an eight-year tenure as a specialist panel member for the Health and Care Professions Council, contributing her expertise to the regulation and development of healthcare professionals. She continues to support colleagues through her work in non-medical prescribing, professional leadership, and clinical advice.
The Royal College of Podiatry is the academic authority for podiatry in the UK and the Diamond Award is the highest honour it can bestow, being limited to just 25 living holders at any one time.
More than 160 guests attended the awards ceremony at The Royal Institution in London, including podiatrists, students, researchers, educators, volunteers and leaders from across the UK.
Debbie said: “I am honoured to be recognised by my professional peers for a career devoted to improving care for people living with diabetes and supporting the development of the podiatry profession.”