01/08/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS ( INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS)
RE: New Qualification to Boost Foot Care Training and Diabetes Management
From: Jeff Carnett, DPM, Grad, Dip (Ed), MFA
I was not surprised to see this headline but for U.S. trained podiatrists to understand its significance, I would like to provide a bit of context. To preface my comments, I worked in Asia for 20 years, Australia for 5 years, and New Zealand for 5 years ending in 2023. During my tenure there, I managed the largest podiatry service in the country geographically and perhaps in volume. We were situated under the Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit and as such only provided care to diabetic patients with wounds. General preventative diabetic care was provided by the private sector and once a wound arose the patient was referred back to our service.
In this article, there is mention of difficulty in hiring podiatrists and time to train. To be a 'podiatrist' in New Zealand, one needs a 3-year bachelor's degree in 'podiatry'. This course emphasizes...
Editor's note: Dr. Carnett's extended-length letter can be read here.
01/07/2025
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
New Qualification to Boost Foot Care Training and Diabetes Management
New Zealand Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti has unveiled a new qualification aimed at enhancing foot care training, benefiting individuals with diabetes and other painful conditions. Dr. Reti acknowledged the challenges in accessing timely foot care, particularly in rural and provincial areas, due to a shortage of trained podiatrists. Training new podiatrists is a lengthy process, and the resulting delays in care can exacerbate health outcomes for those living with diabetes.
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Dr. Shane Reti |
Developed in collaboration with the Podiatry Board, the Workforce Development Council, and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), the micro-credential involves 250 hours of training. Half of the training will be conducted online, while the other half will be completed in clinical settings, ensuring practical experience and accessibility.
Source: Devdiscourse [1/3/25]
12/04/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
India's First Specialized Podiatry Hospital Launched
A collaboration between KIMS Hospitals and Dr. Narendranadh Meda, senior consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon, "The Foot Doctor" aims to revolutionize foot care with advanced facilities and a holistic approach.
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India's First Specialized Podiatry Hospital Launched |
"India faces a dire need for specialized podiatric care. The Foot Doctor is here to change that narrative by prioritizing early diagnosis, advanced treatments, and preventative care," said Dr. Meda.
Source: Anoushka Caroline Williams, News Meter [12/2/24]
11/21/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Indian Institute Sees Rise in Diabetic Foot Amputations
Diabetic foot conditions among patients visiting the State-run Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and Research (KIER) are on the rise, especially in males aged between 35 and 55. Overall, from 2022 till October 2024, 17,804 patients have undergone minor and major procedures at the institute. Doctors said the number of amputations are also on the rise. From 55 minor (one to three toes) amputations and 12 major (below or above knee) amputations in 2023, the number shot up to 65 major and 17 minor amputations this year so far.
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Dr. Belehalli Pavan |
Associate Professor Dr. Belehalli Pavan, who heads the Department of Podiatry at the institute, told The Hindu that the average amputation rate at the institute ranged between 8% and 10%. “Many patients, who get surgeries done outside after the diagnosis and evaluation, are not in our records,” he said.
Source: Afshan Yasmeen, The Hindu [11/19/24]
11/19/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Aged Care Podiatrists Need More Funding: Aussie Podiatrist
The Australian Podiatry Association says aged care providers need adequate funding to deliver foot care older Australians need. Increasing admission to podiatry programs at Australia’s universities and talking more about the benefits of a career in aged care are key to solving the current workforce shortages the sector is experiencing, a spokesperson for the podiatry association has told Australian Ageing Agenda.
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Robert Mullins |
According to Robert Mullins, chair of the Australian Podiatry Association’s aged care special interest group, older Australians in need of or receiving podiatry services are among the most vulnerable in the nation. “Podiatry plays an integral part in a holistic manner of overall well-being and health. At our current workforce levels, podiatrists will be forced to increase their workloads which may further diminish the number of podiatrists working. Our profession needs to focus on increasing the workforce,” said Mullins.
Source: Jodie Wolf, Australian Ageing Agenda [10/25/24]
10/25/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
MV Diabetes Launches School of Podiatry in India
MV Diabetes, in collaboration with the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing from the U.S., is launching a one-of-a-kind School of Podiatry. The School, operating under the banner of Diabetic Foot Research India, will provide training for doctors and paramedics on podiatry skills, including nail care and comprehensive diabetic foot care practices currently utilized at MV Diabetes, Royapuram.
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Dr. Anthony Iorio |
The inaugural training session to be conducted from October 23 to 25 will host 25 physicians, including a couple of paramedics, from across Tamil Nadu. The three-day course will provide participants with six credits from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council. The curriculum will cover the fundamentals of diabetes, diabetic foot care, surgical interventions for foot issues, and the latest treatment advancements in diabetes management. Anthony Iorio, DPM, Adjunct Professor, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, is one of the faculty in the first program.
Source: The Hindu News [10/22/24]
10/15/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
How PEI's New Podiatry Regulations are Changing Footcare
There may be no greater sign that Prince Edward Island (PEI) now has podiatry regulations in place than the actual sign on John Johnson's clinic door. It used to say Johnson Podiatry. It now says Johnson Footcare, and he is described as a "foot specialist." The head of the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) is happy to see it. "That name is protected — podiatry, podiatrist, podiatric surgeon. So if someone is calling themselves a podiatrist, they need to go through the college to register," said Howard Green, DPM, the CPMA's president.
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Dr. Howard Green |
The college he's talking about is the PEI... College of Physicians and Surgeons. Under PEI's new rules, which took effect Oct. 1, the College is now the regulator of podiatry. That means it is responsible for screening and registering anyone who wants to work as a podiatrist. The key requirement, according to the regulations: "The successful completion of a post-secondary program in podiatry approved by the [College]."
Source: Steve Bruce, CBC News [10/11/24]
08/12/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Canadian Province Moves to Make Podiatry a Regulated Health Profession
The government of Prince Edward Island has published draft regulations that would make podiatry a regulated health profession in the province. The draft regulations, posted on the province's website Thursday, lay out rules for those who want to diagnose and treat foot conditions as podiatrists. They include completing a post-secondary program in podiatry, being covered by liability insurance, and having up-to-date training in first aid and CPR.
Within three years after the rules come into effect, current podiatrists must be able to prove they are up-to-date on professional knowledge and skills associated with their field. The draft regulations make the P.E.I. College of Physicians and Surgeons responsible for determining who can practice as a podiatrist on the Island.
Source: Jessica Mundie, CBC News [8/9/24]
04/12/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS)
From: Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
I am happy to see foot screening occurring in Malta public schools. I have tried multiple times to do school screening of feet here in California with no success. I believe foot screening is as essential as screening for scoliosis. Has anybody been able to break through and get a local school district to do them. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I think this is very important and should be done for all elementary school children.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
04/11/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Podiatry Screening to be Extended to All Malta Government Schools
Podiatry screening of schoolchildren is being extended to all government schools following a successful pilot project earlier this year, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said on Monday. Speaking during a visit to a government school in Sliema, the minister underlined the importance of screening children's feet for early detection and treatment of any problems.
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The health and education ministers look on as a schoolboy has his feet screened. |
The pilot project screened the feet of 235 pupils aged six and seven. 24 were subsequently referred to the Podopaediatrics Clinic in Birkirkara for further investigation. Abela said he looked forward to the screening service being extended to church and independent schools. The minister was accompanied on his visit by Education Minister Clifton Grima.
Source: Times of Malta [4/8/24]
03/29/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Aussie Podiatry Board Seeks Approval to Change the Title of Podiatric Surgeons
Podiatric surgeons may be forced to change the name of their profession after a review found there was widespread confusion among patients and the wider public about the qualifications of the practitioners, who are not medical doctors. The review also found stronger action by the national healthcare regulator is needed to stop repeat offenders from promoting misleading information about their skills and services.
Melbourne Law School fellow Ron Paterson led the review on behalf of the Podiatry Board and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after regulators detected a higher-than-average rate of complaints about podiatric surgeons. Paterson has recommended changing the term to “surgical podiatrist”.
Source: Charlotte Grieve, The Sydney Morning Herald [3/27/24]
03/27/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Lack of Podiatry Services for Diabetic Patients in Leitrim Branded ‘Appalling’
The lack of podiatry services for diabetic patients in Leitrim, Ireland has been branded as appalling. It is believed that the Chronic Disease Management Diabetes Team currently has a reduced cohort of staff including podiatrists, and due to the recruitment freeze, vacancies in the team cannot be filled.
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Martin Kenny |
Martin Kenny, Deputy for Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon and South Donegal, has described the lack of podiatry services for diabetic patients in Leitrim as appalling. Deputy Kenny said he has been contacted by numerous people throughout Leitrim who cannot access podiatry services in the county.
Source: Emma Ryan, Irish Independent [3/25/24]
03/25/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
UK Podiatrists Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Podiatry Association
On the 10th March 1974, 17 chiropodists with vision and energy met in the Medical District of London and signed a memorandum that they would form a body to promote podiatric surgery. In spite of heavy opposition from some segments of the medical profession, and indeed from our own professional body, with the invaluable support of a small number of American podiatrists, the Podiatry Association was formed. From the art of podology, we went to the science of clinical biomechanics, and gradually surgical procedures were introduced.
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UK Podiatrists Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Podiatry Association |
50 years later, the profession in the UK enjoys full recognition, with many podiatric surgeons holding consultant posts and carrying out a full range of foot and ankle surgery. The spin-offs have been that many non-surgical podiatrists hold consultancies and professorships in rheumatology, diabetology, and dermatology. These achievements were marked 50 years later by a lunch on the 9th of March at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Park Lane, London. While only a small number of the signatories are still around, the event was celebrated by the remainder and by a number of our valued supporters. We could not have achieved this without the valued cooperation of our American colleagues.
Source: Barry Francis, Enfield Town, England
12/07/2023
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Aussie Health Minister Concerned By Podiatric Push For Medicare Funding
The controversial training college for podiatric surgeons is lobbying for millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded subsidies, even as Health Minister Mark Butler branded revelations about the industry’s standards “deeply concerning”.
Podiatric surgeon services are not covered by Medicare or most private health funds, so patients are often left out-of-pocket, with invoices seen by this publication ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 for procedures that can be completed for free in the public hospital system.
Source: Charlotte Grieve, WA Today [12/6/23]
11/02/2023
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Podiatry Clinics to be Started in All 36 Indian Gov't Medical College Hospitals
Podiatry clinics will be started in all 36 government medical college hospitals in India, Health Minister Subramanian said. “Diabetes foot surgery services will be started in all government medical college hospitals through the Department of General Surgery in coordination with the departments of plastic surgery and vascular surgery. Through this, we will be implementing the ‘Stop Amputations’ initiative,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
An announcement on the “Foot Clinic/Stop Amputation” initiative to identify foot problems caused by diabetes and vascular diseases early and prevent amputations was made in the Assembly, he said. He added that surgical off-loading would be performed for foot ulcers.
Source: The Hindu Bureau [10/31/23]
06/12/2023
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
RIST Law Increases Scope of Practice for French Podiatrists
The law on improving access to care, known as the RIST law, has recently expanded the skills of podiatrists in prescribing plantar orthotics, allowing them to do so without prior prescription from a doctor. This measure is one of the novelties introduced by this law, which aims to provide better access to care and to facilitate the care pathway for patients.
By authorizing podiatrists to prescribe orthopedic insoles, the RIST law aims to improve access to care and streamline the care pathway for patients. From now on, patients can therefore go directly to a podiatrist to obtain orthotic devices, without having to go through an MD. This measure should make it possible to free up medical time for doctors, while guaranteeing rapid and efficient care for patients suffering from foot disorders.
Source: Archhyde [6/8/23]
03/02/2023
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
25% of Aussie Podiatrists Flee Sector, Impacting Aged Care & Rural Health
When we talk about the healthcare distribution in the bush versus the cities, we rarely consider access to podiatry services. Now a national study of Australian podiatrists between 2017 and 2020 reveals almost a quarter of the podiatrists surveyed are likely to leave clinical practice or the entire field within five years.
This predicted loss of podiatrists nationally is alarming because demand for podiatry services is forecast to increase until the 2050s due to the increasing burden of chronic disease and an ageing population, particularly in regional, rural, and remote locations where there is an increasingly higher prevalence of chronic illness.
Source: Mirage News [2/28/23]
02/24/2023
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
VA Podiatrist Runs Foot Care Clinics in the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Ministry of Health through its primary Health Care Department recently collaborated with the Diabetic Association in conducting free podiatric clinics across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Visiting podiatrist, Rodney A. Kander, DPM from Virginia accompanied by his wife Iris Kander, provided fully booked podiatry clinics throughout the country in January 2023.
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The staff at the clinic on North Caicos with Dr. Rodney Kander and Iris Kander |
Dr. Kander worked closely with the Ministry of Health and the Diabetic Association in providing podiatric services focusing on improving chronic care management, wound care, and treatment of injuries. The ultimate goal of the Ministry of Health is to provide podiatric treatment that could support value-based care by improving chronic care management, boosting patient health outcomes, decreasing healthcare costs, preventing loss of limbs, and saving lives.
02/18/2023
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Irish Nurse Appointed to Podiatrist Registration Board
Following the nomination by the Minister for Education, The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D., has appointed Georgina Gethin to the Podiatrists Registration Board.
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Georgina Gethin |
She currently collaborates with podiatry colleagues in research and education and is aware of their scope of practice and program of education leading to registration. Gethin currently leads research program in the field of diabetic foot disease which is of direct relevance to podiatrists and to the National Model of Care for the Diabetic Foot.
Source: gov.ie [2/15/23]
11/04/2021
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Podoactiva Will Implement a Degree In Podiatry with the University of Zaragoza
The Huesca company, specialized in podiatry and biomechanics, is promoting the project of its university center in which a Degree in Podiatry will be implemented together with the University of Zaragoza in Spain.
The degree in podiatry is not the only training activity promoted by Podoactiva. About a year ago, the company launched WAPS (World Academy of Podiatric Science), the first specialized training platform in podiatry and biomechanics, with different master’s degrees for graduates, courses, master classes, and other educational content, taught in a 100% digital environment and through microlearning.
Source: Sam Brad, WideWorld Magazine [11/2/21]
04/23/2021
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Shocking Images of UK NH Residents' Feet As Podiatrists Locked Out For Over a Year
A picture of a Scots pensioner's feet in a ‘disgraceful’ condition has sparked reaction over Covid care home restrictions. Care Home Relatives Scotland, a group launched to bring together people who have loved ones in nursing and residential homes, went on social media by sharing the image and claiming podiatrists have not been inside for more than a year.
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Monica Lennon and nursing home resident's foot |
The graphic image of an unknown resident's feet, at an unknown care home, claims to show the results of the elderly going without the service. Monica Lennon MSP, the Scottish Labour Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work re-tweeted the picture and said it shows "too many residents are not getting the right care." Lennon wrote: “Behind the closed doors of care homes, there are still too many residents who are not getting the right care."
Source: Kristy Feerick, Daily Record [4/21/21]
03/10/2021
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
UK Girlguiding Badge Set to Inspire Next Generation of Podiatrists
Academics from the University of Plymouth have created a new Girlguiding badge designed to inspire the next generation of podiatrists across the UK, as well as deliver life skills during lockdown. The Step up challenge badge includes activities ranging from compiling a ‘foot first aid kit’ to making foot-shaped scones, and has already been taken up by hundreds of Girlguiding members in and around Plymouth.
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UK Girlguiding Badge |
The University of Plymouth runs a Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship, getting people into the profession while earning and learning. Following the badge’s early success with Girlguiding Plympton Division, another 1,000 badges are now being made to launch the initiative nationally.
Source: Mirage News [3/8/21]
10/28/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Bahamas Faces Major Shortage of Podiatrists
With one in seven of the population suffering from diabetes, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands is urging Bahamians to make more healthy lifestyle choices to prevent getting the disease. Speaking at the Bahamas Podiatric Medical Association Conference on Friday, Dr. Sands noted that diabetes, which is now the fifth leading cause of death in the country, has become more prevalent in the Bahamas.
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Dr. Duane Sands |
It is for this reason, Dr. Sands said, why prevention of foot ulcers is an important priority for podiatric medicine and the diabetic patient in general. “Podiatry services were reinstated in the public sector about one year ago and since that time, approximately 700 patients were treated. They were aged between three months and 98 years.” Sixty percent were treated for a diabetic foot. There were 161 minor surgical cases. However, as noted by Dr. Sands, there is still a major shortage of podiatrists in the country.
Source: Leandra Rolle, The Tribune [10/15/19]
09/18/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
French Podiatrists Protest Against Planned Pension Changes
Thousands of French professionals, including lawyers and doctors, took to the streets of Paris Monday in a new protest against the government’s planned pension changes. Nurses, podiatrists and other health workers dressed in white coats marched alongside the lawyers, expressing the same fears.
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Céline Ciriani |
Céline Ciriani, a podiatrist in the Paris suburb of Cormeilles-en-Parisis, said the new pension system “will make us lose a lot and could eventually cause offices to close because we don’t have enough money to pay our expenses.”
Source: Sylvie Corbet and Claire Parker, Associated Press [9/16/19]
05/10/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Calls for More Support as Diabetes-Related Amputations Increase
There are calls for more healthcare support for people with diabetes after it was revealed that the disease causes more than 1000 amputations a year in New Zealand. Those with the disease can be susceptible to foot ulcers, which podiatrists treat as part of their care.
Podiatry New Zealand chief executive, Jennifer Pelvin, told Mike Hosking that most amputations would be preventable through early access to podiatrist services. "There is certainly a lot that could have been prevented if they had early podiatric intervention." The number of amputations caused by diabetes has increased by 47 per cent over the last 10 years.
Source: Newstalk ZB [5/9/19]