Medstars in their Eyes | Mr Mark O’Sullivan


Mark O'Sullivan, podiatrist in Birmingham

Medstars had the pleasure to meet with Mr Mark O’Sullivan at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for a catch up. Mark is a senior podiatrist based in Birmingham, with an impressive range of postgraduate expertise. 

In his NHS work at a Birmingham teaching hospital, he specialises in treating children and young adults with rare genetic dermatological conditions affecting the feet and is much in demand for his expertise. He has applied this rigour and ambition for excellent patient care to his private practice too, being skilled at innovative treatments for verrucas, ingrown toenails and sports injuries.

In our meeting, Mark was approachable and warm, he even agreed to record some impromptu videos to showcase his expertise!

All yours now, Mark…


My friends and family describe me as…

Organised, active, sociable

I love my job because…

I enjoy the variety that it provides. There is a broad spectrum of what I may come across within my work in the public and private sector. A substantial number of patients will have been suffering from symptoms for a long time before they have been correctly referred to a podiatrist. It is quite often the case that I can provide some immediate relief in the short term as well as a complete resolution in the long term.

My greatest professional accomplishment is…

My work within the specialist dermatology clinics (Epidermolysis Bullosa) at Birmingham Children’s hospital and Solihull hospital, is extremely rewarding. I am very fortunate to have been able to develop a skill set, for a set of patients with a very rare blistering skin condition. It has allowed me to collaborate with similar professionals around the world and raise the profile of Podiatry as a result.

As well as the support provided in a medical capacity by the NHS, these patients are supported socially and beyond by the EB charity DEBRA UK.

Mark O'Sullivan, podiatrist in Birmingham travelling to India
EB team in Bangalore, India

If I wasn’t a podiatrist, I would be a…

My father is a dentist which is a similar kind of clinical set-up, so maybe that. I have always been interested in health and sport – so something in that line for sure.

I’m inspired by…

I like to watch documentary films on people who push the boundaries of what the human body can physically achieve. There are a lot of inspirational people out there who the general public have never heard of. I recently watched the film ‘Free Solo’ about Alex Honnold who climbed El Capitan in Yosemite park without a climbing rope which was inspirational. There are a lot of incredible stories of people who take part in ultra-marathons etc for various personal reasons. I find sporting characters such as Muhammed Ali also very interesting. My son and I have probably watched every film on these characters!

My greatest achievement outside of work is…

Apart from the obvious of being a father to my 15yr old son, I have undertaken a couple of “Ironman” triathlons which took a lot of time and dedication. That is the highlight…so far….but there is always something bigger and better on the horizon!

Mark O'Sullivan, podiatrist in Birmingham running a marathon

My favourite place to visit is…

I have family in Toronto which is a special place for me. I’ve also taken numerous family holidays around Italy which is also a great country.

Music that makes me happy includes…

Again, along with my son, we love listening to big musical scores/soundtracks from various films, (particularly by Hans Zimmer)  that we’ve enjoyed over the years and have some personal meaning such as “Inception”, “Batman”, “Gladiator” and “Free Solo”.

The best advice I have been given is…

In my line of work, a large proportion of my patients are elderly.  I get given the advice ‘do it while you can’ at least once a day. It may be a cliché but I can’t say that I haven’t been warned!

Mark O'Sullivan, podiatrist in Birmingham with his son
Mark skiing with his son

I like Medstars because…

The personal touch is always important when in private practice. I always encourage my patients to contact me if they have any concerns. It’s so easy for patients to send photos over email or text which can significantly increase and improve the patient experience. Medstars is great at promoting this from the very first point of contact which makes my life as clinician easier and the patients’ experience much more focused. 

You can book a consultation with Mr Mark O’Sullivan who has expertise in biomechanics, foot dermatology, toenail surgery, heel pain and sports injuries, here.


MR MARK O'SULLIVAN
Podiatrist

First Visit £35
Birmingham
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