Atlantic Podiatry has awarded its first scholarship to science graduate Shea-Lah Thomas, helping to pave the way for her podiatry career in Bermuda.

Ms Thomas will begin a master’s degree in podiatry at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, in September.

The scholarship covers full tuition.

“The amount can fluctuate depending on the length and location of her degree, which complicates things,” Atlantic Podiatry clinical director Matthew Francis said. “Since Shea-Lah has already completed a medical degree previously, she will be doing an accelerated degree, which will have her qualified and returning to the island in the next two years. For simplicity, we will cover all her tuition fees. This policy will apply to any other applicants.”

After Ms Thomas completes her degree and satisfies the professional registration requirements, Atlantic Podiatry intends to offer Ms Thomas a position at its Hamilton practice.

Mr Francis said: “This scholarship has always been about much more than paying tuition fees. We want to create a genuine pathway for Bermudians to enter healthcare, receive excellent professional training and then return home to build their careers here.”

Atlantic Podiatry said demand for high-quality foot and lower-limb care was likely to grow because of Bermuda’s ageing population and the prevalence of diabetes, vascular disease and other chronic conditions.

The practice on Victoria Street provides routine and specialist care, including diabetic screening, nail surgery, diagnostic ultrasound, custom orthotics and care-home services.

Ms Thomas has already earned a bachelor of science in biology from Lynn University. She said reaching that milestone required determination because she has dyslexia, a language-based learning challenge.

“Instead of allowing dyslexia to limit me, I chose to see it as a challenge that would strengthen my determination,” Ms Thomas said. “It taught me patience, resilience and the value of never giving up.”

Earning her degree from Lynn University was a proud milestone and proof that perseverance can overcome obstacles.

“I have wanted to be a doctor from an early age,” she said.

At Queen Margaret University, her training will cover diabetic foot assessment, wound care, biomechanics, gait assessment, orthotic therapy and sports-related foot and lower-limb conditions.

Ms Thomas said: “I am proud of where I have come from, grateful for the lessons learnt through my struggles and excited for the future ahead.”

Atlantic Podiatry began offering the scholarship in 2024 to celebrate its first anniversary in business. It doubled the award in the second year.

“Shea-Lah is our first successful applicant,” Mr Francis said. “We had some initial enquiries, but nothing that ever led to a scholarship.”

Mr Francis suggested this could be because of a lack of local promotion of healthcare careers.

“This is why we try to do as much advertising as we can to highlight careers in healthcare and podiatry, specifically,” Mr Francis said. “We are still offering funding for a second potential podiatrist.”

• For more information, contactAtlantic Podiatry