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]
04/25/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
UK Podiatrist Discusses Onychomycosis
Crusty, thickened yellow toenails are a telltale sign of a fungal nail infection – and it’s important to get them checked out and treated quickly, as the infection can spread and be notoriously stubborn. “Fungal nails cause dramatic visual changes, which can be unsightly,” says podiatrist Tony Gavin, founder of Osgo. “They can make the nail change color, thicken, and break more easily.” They can also cause more pressure on the end of the toe and become painful. “As the fungal infection progresses, they can produce a very distinct odor too,” adds Gavin.
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Tony Gavin |
The good news is that fungal nail infections are treatable – although more severe infections may take a while to disappear completely. “There are a variety of treatments, but success depends upon an appropriate plan. Medication needs to act on the affected areas, which can be difficult with topical preparations. A podiatrist may thin down a fungal nail or introduce very small holes into the nail and apply an anti-fungal medication,” says Gavin.
Source: Liz Connor, Lifestyle [4/3/19]
04/01/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS - PART 2
Aussie Podiatrist Creates Orthotic for Alan the Wombat
A Queensland podiatrist and a prosthetist have branched out from their usual profession of treating humans to help create an orthotic for an injured wombat. Rockhampton Zoo staff approached a local podiatrist about an ulcer on wombat 'Alan's' back leg. Fate, it would seem, led them to a podiatrist of the same name, Allan Harwood, who said he was instantly keen to see what he could do for the furry marsupial. "Alan was a wombat that the zoo picked up quite some years ago," Harwood said. "He was hit by a car, which left him with an injury to his right rear foot, which left it misshapen."
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Allan Harwood and Alan the Wombat |
"Standing on that foot, there was a pressure point that kept breaking down. While his health was good, in his latter years, he needed some extra help and the question was asked whether the podiatrist could do anything to help this spot and help heal the ulcer." Harwood said they attempted to take a plaster cast of Alan's foot but he didn't enjoy sitting still for too long. Instead, they managed to take a print of his paw using foam, which they were then able to derive measurements from.
Source: Alice Roberts and Inga Stünzner, ABC Capricornia [3/15/19]
02/04/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
FIP ED Discusses Challenges of Global Communication
Communications pose a particular challenge for Caroline Teugels, executive director of the International Federation of Podiatrists because of IFP’s global membership. Her executive board represents the U.S., Canada, and a handful of countries in Europe, including Belgium, France, Finland, Greece, and Spain. That means it’s not always easy to meet face to face, and there are language and cultural barriers to overcome.
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Caroline Teugels |
She conducts most board meetings via conference call. “The real challenge is making sure that everyone on the call understands what everyone else is saying,” Teugels says. “Even when we talk about podiatry, the professional levels can vary [by country]. Some people might have a completely different definition of what podiatry is depending on where they are from.”
Source: Tim Ebner, Associations Now [2/1/19]
01/23/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
UK College of Podiatry Partners with Scholl
Scholl has partnered with the College of Podiatry to inform pharmacists and patients about footcare, Reckitt Benckiser (RB) has announced. The partnership – announced this month – aims to raise awareness of the importance of good foot health, RB said.
The College of Podiatry is a London-based professional body for the UK’s registered podiatrists. Together with Scholl, it will develop a package of footcare-tailored assets, including a diagnostic tool and in-depth continuing professional development (CPD) module, the manufacturer said. The package aims to give pharmacists the information required to keep patients “on their feet” and to know when to refer to a podiatrist.
Source: chemistsanddruggist.co.uk [1/19/19]
01/21/2019
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
Podiatry Officially Recognized as a Profession in Romania
Podiatry has been officially recognized as a profession in Romania and was introduced in the Romanian Occupational Classification (COR) at the end of last year, according to the Explanatory Memorandum drafted by the Podiatry Association on “The need to introduce the profession of podiatrist with higher education in the COR,” quoted by local Economica.net.
The process will be completed once the joint order signed by the labor minister and the president of the statistics institute INS is published in the Official Gazette, the same document said. Podiatrics are experts in all aspects of the structure, function and health of the foot, ankle and lower extremity.
Source: Marina Marica, Romania-insider.com [1/16/19]
11/23/2018
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS - PART 2
UK Students Given a Unique Look into Podiatry
Twenty-four students studying health courses at East Sussex College Hastings were given an insight into podiatry and anatomy during a recent trip to the Leaf Hospital in Eastbourne. Specialists took students around the clinic and gave them an interactive session on the anatomy of a body that was donated to the center for scientific research. They looked at the structural organs, bones, and soft tissue and were able to get hands-on and palpate the cadavers.
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UK students observe plaster casting for orthotics |
The students were then taught how to plaster and cast the foot and learn about how orthotics are made. Podiatry experts then told the students about the link between podiatry and forensics, and how organizations like the FBI and CSI are able to solve crime cases using gait analysis. The final part of the day enabled the students to observe and learn from third-year university students as they assessed and treated patients with minor foot or lower limb conditions.
Source: fenews.com [11/19/18]
11/23/2018
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS - PART 1
Bahamas Podiatrist Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
While World Diabetes Day was being commemorated last week, Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands brought the dismal news that The Bahamas is the world leader in the prevalence of diabetes. His remarks came as the Bahamas Podiatric Medical Association (BPMA) launched its first annual conference under the theme: “New Hope for Diabetic Feet.”
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Dr. Deborah Raine |
At the conference, BPMA presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Deborah Raine, who in 1974 made history as the first Bahamian podiatrist. She became a founding member of the Bahamas Diabetic Association (BDA). The BDA was established in March 1986. .
Source: Felicity Darville, Bahamas Tribune [11/20/18]
11/09/2018
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS
CA and NY Podiatrists Advocate for Podiatry Specialty in Romania
Lee Rogers, DPM (Diabetes Liaison to the APMA), Daniel Kline (ED of NYSPMA), and Andrew Pavelescu, DPM (YM chair of NYSPMA) spoke at the United Nations Millennium Hilton for the Romanian American Business Council about the wave of diabetes and amputations in Romania and the need to establish the specialty of podiatry to address this growing problem. They cited American data on the success of podiatrists and teams in preventing limb losses and reducing costs in diabetes.
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(L-R) Stefan Minovici (CEO of the Romanian American Business Council), Dr. Andrew Pavelescu, Daniel Kline, and Dr. Lee Rogers |
The audience consisted of the Romanian Secretary of State, Minister of Health, Ambassador to the UN, Ambassador to the U.S., and other government and healthcare leaders from Romania. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams also spoke to the Council.
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