Sole Motion Podiatry – Justin Kalopa

  • Member Profile

    Name: Justin Kalopa

    Name of Clinic: Sole Motion Podiatry

    Where do you operate: Point Cook, Melbourne

  • How long have you been in business?

    Since February 2014. I became frustrated with the clinics i was working in at the time, so decided to open up a little spot in a medical centre in point cook. I was getting caught up in the 25 patients per day & patients in & out the door – there wasn’t any ‘getting to know’ the patients – it just seemed like a production line. So, I opened Sole Motion as a difference to the conventional & now offer a modality that is new to a lot of podiatrists

  • What attracted you to Podiatry?

    I was working in London with Harlequinns rugby league at the time as a sports massage therapist & at one particular clinic I was working with this kiwi guy. Every time I would pass his room, he’d be washing people’s feet. I asked him one time what sort of work he did – and he said podiatry.

    I then proceeded to follow what he was doing day in & day out & became fascinated by the scope of what he did – from biomechanics to nail surgery, simple general treatments to working with elderly & kids! I found it fascinating & decided to head back to NZ & study further. I actually applied for an osteopathy degree & got accepted but changed my mind & went for my second option. So glad I did – I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way.

  • What’s driving your passion to be a Podiatry business owner and how will you pass this on, into your business and practice culture?

    Honestly, I don’t know … I just enjoy helping people get better. I’m not a natural leader – I find with all that, I tend to lose direction, so I’m a straight – one simple task at a time kinda guy.

  • What are the largest business challenges facing you right now?

    • Financial management – I’m not a numbers guy & this side of the business really curls my nostrils – (cashflow)
    • Monitoring performance – understanding KPIs & how they are an integral part of the health of the business.
    • Developing a strong team culture where we resonate with our core values

  • What are the 3 worst things you have seen in Podiatry?

    1. Crooked bosses & dodgy Medicare fraud staff members
    2. (this one time, at band camp) I got chased by a dementia patient around an aged care facility – she kept yelling that I was the devil coming to take her legs!!!
    3. My patient had her knickers wrapped around one ankle & it was awkward! To diffuse the situation, I said – oh you’ve got a tissue tangled around your sock – in which I then gave her the opportunity to remove it whilst I turned my back to write my notes on the computer – as I turned around, she was using it to wipe her nose! What the hello! Keep in mind she had poor eyesight!!

  • What are the 3 best things you have seen in Podiatry?

    1. When there is a team focused approach & plan for the patient – they feel a lot more empowered & that people really care about their well-being
    2. When a patient has instant relief from pain due to a simple intervention
    3. Holding my first soccer tournament last year called the Sole Motion Podiatry cup – that was pretty special!

  • Other than being a fabulous Podiatrist, what do you do outside of Podiatry?

    • Spend time with my family – my special place
    • Lift heavy objects – just for the sake of good muscle & brain health
    • Play ukulele & teach my kids to enjoy music as a form of relaxation