University of Brighton Podiatry Student and Two Educators Shortlisted for National Awards as New NHS Clinic Opens at Falmer
Arham Khalid, a final-year podiatry student at the University of Brighton, has been shortlisted for the Royal College of Podiatry Student of the Year Award 2026. Photo: University of Brighton
A University of Brighton student and two placement educators have been shortlisted for national podiatry awards, as the university opens a new NHS clinic at its Falmer campus creating more than 4,500 additional appointments a year
Arham Khalid, a final-year podiatry student at the University of Brighton, has been named a finalist in the Student of the Year (Pre-Registration) category at the 2026 Royal College of Podiatry Awards. Two of the university's placement educators, Simon Croucher and Florentin Baciu, have also been shortlisted for the Podiatry Careers Champion Award. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at the Royal Institution on 12 June 2026.
The nominations come as the University of Brighton has partnered with Sussex Community NHS Partnership Trust to open a new podiatry clinic at the Falmer campus this summer. With nearly 10,000 podiatry referrals in the Sussex area alone, the clinic will create more than 4,500 additional appointments annually, helping people across West Sussex and Brighton and Hove to be seen sooner and receive timely care.
About the nominees
Arham Khalid has demonstrated advanced clinical skills in high-risk foot care, musculoskeletal assessment, wound management and nail surgery throughout her training and placements across NHS settings. Her supervisors have praised her professionalism, diagnostic reasoning and patient-centred approach. On International Podiatry Day 2025, Arham was selected by the Council of Deans of Health as a student voice to write a nationally published article encouraging prospective students to consider careers in podiatry.
Arham said: "Being shortlisted for this award is an incredible honour. Throughout my studies and placements, I have been fortunate to learn from inspiring clinicians who have challenged and supported me to grow. This nomination reflects not only my efforts but also the guidance and encouragement I have received from patients, placement educators and university staff along the way."
Simon Croucher and Florentin Baciu are the founders of Bognor Podiatry Clinic and long-standing practice placement educators for the University of Brighton. They have been shortlisted for their sustained efforts to promote podiatry as a rewarding and accessible career, supporting students and prospective applicants through outreach events, careers activities, university open days and hands-on clinical shadowing opportunities.
Faith Lang, a second-year podiatry student at the University of Brighton, said: "Their mentorship hasn't just helped me learn; it has pushed me to want more for myself. They've inspired me to pursue podiatry with even greater determination, giving me the confidence to believe I can achieve my goals within the profession."
Why podiatry matters
Since 2018, podiatry training programmes across the UK and Ireland have reduced by 35%, while the number of new podiatrists entering the profession has declined by 7%. Podiatrists are now listed among the UK's shortage occupations, despite growing demand for specialist foot health services.
Podiatrists play a critical role in preventing serious complications linked to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. More than six million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with over 1.2 million requiring regular podiatry care to reduce the risk of foot ulcers, infection and lower-limb amputation. Among older adults, disabling foot pain and structural foot conditions are major contributors to falls, which account for thousands of hospital admissions each year.
Dao Tunprasert, Practice Learning Lead for Podiatry at the University of Brighton, said: "We are delighted to see Arham, Simon and Florentin recognised at a national level. These nominations reflect the strength of our podiatry community and the dedication shown by students, educators and clinical partners in supporting the next generation of practitioners. Developing the next generation of practitioners has never been more important, and we are proud to be playing our part in meeting that challenge."
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