Ankush Madan has been making strides in the world of podiatry as founder of his Melbourne practice, Best Foot Forward Podiatry and Orthotics, blending his extensive medical background with a passion for personalised patient care.
Cutting-Edge Treatments
Ankush’s practice is known for addressing a range of foot-related issues, from diabetic wound management to musculoskeletal problems. He has embraced cutting-edge interventions such as nail bracing and laser therapy for fungal infections, and most recently he has adopted AI in his practice with PatientNotes.
“I saw my first significant wound in Singapore during my training, and it was a transformative experience. Seeing a 39 by 42-centimetre wound on a patient made me realise the impact proper wound care can have on patient outcomes. Initially, it was daunting, but with the guidance of excellent mentors, I overcame my hesitations and became confident in managing such cases,” Ankush says.
“Before PatientNotes most of the time I'd hand write dot points. When I started getting quite busy I was managing aged care, 144 beds while I was managing my clinic. I started to record my notes because I want to remember I have two patients: what I've done here and the problem I faced over there.”
“As a mobile podiatrist, if you don't have a good reception or your phone is not able to change the screens quick, you find it hard, you start to lose the data as you're recording it.”
“Then I tried speech text over the iPhone and Google. And I noticed you say “debug” and it would record “debridement”. I didn't say that, it would record the wrong thing.”
“I thought in today's world, AI is spreading and I Googled and PatientNotes popped up. I then searched who made PatientNotes? Who created it? And when I found out somebody in Australia did it, okay, that gave me a bit of confidence - it's safe, let's do it.”
The Importance of Footwear Education
A major part of Ankush's practice involves educating patients about foot health, with a focus on wearing proper footwear.
“When you bend the shoe from the front, it should mimic how your toes bend. A good cushion inside the shoe and a semi-firm outer sole are crucial. Always ensure your heel is snug against the heel counter to avoid slipping.”
He also likes to correct some common misconceptions about footwear.
“People often slide their feet into shoes without properly securing them, which can lead to issues. Your foot should be snug against the heel counter to prevent unnecessary movement. I often show patients how their shoes should fit and the difference it makes in their comfort and foot health.”
“I've got so far in my books 30 regular NDIS clients and I've got 80 home care package clients, which is great because for home care package clients the PatientNotes Patient Summary letter template works perfectly. When I'm doing my recommendations for orthotics, my recommendations for footwear works well for those clients too.”
The Challenge of Patient Documentation
Managing detailed patient notes has always been a time-consuming task for Ankush. Before discovering PatientNotes, he often struggled with maintaining comprehensive records.
“I used to handwrite dot points, but as I got busier, managing aged care with 144 beds and my clinic, it became overwhelming,” he says.
“I stumbled upon PatientNotes while Googling AI solutions for note-taking. Initially sceptical, I found it to be incredibly efficient. The app's ability to capture detailed medical information accurately has significantly reduced the time I spend on documentation, allowing me to focus more on patient care.”
In fact, Ankush’s feedback has been instrumental in refining the app.
“I subscribed to PatientNotes after experiencing the top-tier professional plan on a trial because it provides a high standard of medical transcription. The way AI jots down notes is of a very high calibre. This plan, I believe, should be the standard for all clinicians using the app.”
“Overall I will say it is really great. Of course we all know PatientNotes is a new technology. We are all working together to improve on a daily basis so that we achieve one day of product which is beneficial for all.”
Ankush has found PatientNotes to be reliable, especially in rural settings where connectivity issues are common.
“Even when the app says it's loading, the recording file is there. The desktop version rarely has errors, and overall, the app has been a huge time-saver,” he says.
The integration of PatientNotes with practice management systems like Cliniko has further streamlined his workflow.
“I wasn’t aware of the Cliniko integration initially, but once I added it, it made a significant difference. This integration allows for seamless updates and retrieval of patient records, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in patient care.”
Personalising Patient Care
Ankush aims to become a certified paediatric and sports podiatrist, focusing on the biomechanics and rehabilitation of lower limbs.
“Good subjective information, objective assessment, and patient education are key. Thorough clinical notes that capture all details are essential, especially for legal clarity.”
Ankush’s experience with PatientNotes is a great example of reducing administrative burdens and allowing practitioners to devote more time to patient care, ultimately improving outcomes.
“In today's world, AI is spreading rapidly. PatientNotes is a high-calibre AI tool that makes a real difference in clinical practice. The time saved on documentation is now time I can spend with my patients, ensuring they receive the best care possible,” he says.
Outside of his professional life, Ankush finds joy in hiking, gym workouts, and spending time with his pet. His love for Latin dancing, although on a brief hiatus due to family commitments, continues to be a cherished pastime. “Last two years, I've been kid dancing,” he says, referring to the time spent with his children, which he now has more time to do given the time he’s saving using PatientNotes.
Ankush brings a unique perspective to his practice, based on his years of experience working in hospitals as a medical technologist and phlebotomist.
“Working 11 years of graveyard shifts and 15 years in the health industry, mainly in pathology, I’ve always enjoyed direct patient interaction,” Ankush says.
“Each time I worked closely with patients in ICU and emergency, helping with blood collection and arterial blood gases, I realised I was good at it and enjoyed the direct contact. It took me years to realise that there must be something in this I should pursue more deeply.”
This drive for patient care eventually led him to La Trobe University, where he specialised in podiatry, earning distinction.
“One of the GPs I was working with suggested I look into podiatry. I had no idea what it was at the time, but after meeting with a university coordinator, I decided to give it a shot. My interest grew semester by semester, and by my second year, I was fully invested,” Ankush says.
What makes good clinical notes for podiatrists?
Ankush says a good capture of subjective information is critical to writing great podiatry clinical notes, and ensures the clinician has effectively captured what the patient wants.
“Not just listening, but also ensuring you have captured good objective assessment and good education and good treatment options given to the patient. And then give them your suggestion on why you're choosing this or the others and let the patient decide.”
“In terms of prescribing orthotics, giving the option of both over the counter and custom made. But then giving a suggestion why in certain cases you prefer custom because of the medical conditions which the foot has involved. When you give all these things to the patient and let the patient decide, I think that's what a great podiatrist does.”
“PatientNotes now captures 98% of my information and the way it's actually transcribing the notes, it's of a very high standard and that has impressed me. I was telling my wife I said, wow, this is great. I should have done this before.”
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