Do you...

• Love working with children and want to play a vital role in their development?
• Have a keen interest in growth and developmental issues in earlier years?
• Want to make a positive impact on young lives?

What is paediatric podiatry?
Paediatric podiatry focuses on the lower limbs and foot health of children, including growth and developmental issues. You can practice paediatric podiatry in a range of healthcare settings such as working as an employee in a clinic, or running your own clinic that focuses on this scope.

What would you do?

Scopes include:

• Gait analysis: Assess how children walk and identify any abnormalities. Create treatment plans which might include exercises, orthotics, or other interventions.
• Developmental disorders: Treat structural issues that can affect a child's development, such as flat feet, in-toeing, and heel pain. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term problems.
• Education and support: Work closely with parents and caregivers, providing guidance on proper foot care and how to support their child's development.

Who would you help?
Infants, toddlers, and adolescents.

Why is it important?
Early intervention can prevent long-term hip, lower limb and foot issues. By treating conditions like flat feet, heel pain, and a range of other presentations, you can help kids grow up with healthy and happy feet.

Join the Australian Paediatrics Podiatry Special Interest group here >>>

Do you...

• Have an interest in business and a knack for management?
• Enjoy the idea of being your own boss and growing a successful practice?
• Like combining clinical knowledge with entrepreneurial skills?

What is it?
This pathway includes running clinics, managing practices, or working in related business roles like orthotics labs.

What do you do?

• Business management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of your practice, including managing a team, finances, and resources.
• Patient care: Provide high-quality care to your patients, ensuring their needs are met and they receive the best possible treatment.
• Growth and development: Continuously look for ways to grow and improve your practice, whether it's through expanding services, marketing, or improving patient care.

Who do you help?
Your patients, your teams and the communities you work in.

Why is it important?
Running a successful practice allows you to provide top-tier care to your patients and develop your team while creating a thriving business. Your work can make a significant impact on your community and the field of podiatry. This pathway can also support a flexible work lifestyle in a range of locations.

Join the Podiatrists in Business Special Interest group here >>>

Do you...

• Enjoy diving into data and uncovering new insights?
• Have a passion for advancing knowledge and improving healthcare?
• Like working on projects that can have a big impact on many people?

What is it?
A research role is varied but it includes conducting studies to advance knowledge and promote evidence-based practice in podiatry and allied health fields.

What would you do?

• Design studies: Plan and conduct research studies, often focusing on specific areas like biomechanics, diabetic foot care, or sports podiatry.
• Analyse data: Collect and analyse data to uncover new insights and trends.
• Publish findings: Share your research through publications and presentations, contributing to the growing body of podiatric knowledge.

Who do you help?
The entire podiatry profession and allied health community.

Why is it important?
Your research can drive innovation and excellence in podiatry. By uncovering new insights and promoting evidence-based practice, you help improve patient care and advance the profession.

Find out more about The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research here >>>

Do you...

• Find advanced medical treatments and surgeries fascinating?
• Enjoy solving complex problems?
• Want to be at the forefront of podiatric care, using the latest techniques and treatments?

What is it?
Advanced podiatry includes a combination of pathways such as prescribing medications and separately, performing surgeries.

What would you do?
Each of these pathways may be separate to one another, representing diverse opportunities to explore.

• Prescribing: Be endorsed to prescribe medications for foot and lower limb conditions; help to manage pain, infections, and other conditions that require pharmaceutical management.
• Surgical intervention: Perform procedures like nail surgeries and more complex reconstructive surgeries to correct structural deformities or injuries.
• Advanced diagnostics: Use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately diagnose and treat complex foot and lower limb conditions.

Who do you help?
Patients who need certain medication or surgical treatment for a range of foot conditions.

Why is it important?
Addressing complex infections, structural deformities, and chronic conditions can significantly improve foot function and quality of life. Your expertise can transform lives, providing relief and restoring mobility to those with severe foot problems.

Join the Medicines in Podiatry Special Interest group here >>>

Do you...

• Want to help people with serious health conditions?
• Have a keen interest in wound care and preventive health?
• Want to make a significant impact on patients' lives by preventing severe complications?

What is it?
Specialised care for those at high risk of serious foot complications, often due to chronic conditions.

What do you do?

• Wound care: Manage and treat wounds, especially for patients with diabetes or vascular disease. This includes cleaning and dressing wounds, monitoring healing, and preventing infections.
• Amputation prevention: Help to reduce the risk of amputation by providing comprehensive care and education to patients. This involves regular check-ups, early intervention, and working closely with other healthcare and medical professionals.
• Patient education: Educate patients on how to care for their feet, recognise early signs of poor foot health, and take preventive measures to avoid complications.

Who do you help?
People with diabetes, vascular issues, and those with compromised immune systems.

Why is it important?
Preventing serious complications like diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathy is crucial for keeping people mobile and healthy. Your care can save limbs and lives, providing essential support to those who need it most.

Do you…

• Love deep diving into a particular clinical presentation or condition?
• Want to manage complex, multi-faceted health conditions?
• Want to provide comprehensive care that addresses a range of areas impacting a patient's health?

What is it?
Podiatrists often work together, as well as with other healthcare professionals to manage complex conditions.

Examples include:

• Diabetes management: Combine routine care, wound care, and public health support.
• Aged care: Address routine needs, biomechanical changes, and prevent complications.
• Sports medicine and injury prevention: Manage sports injuries and prevent them through broader programs.
• Chronic pain management: Use pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Infectious and dermatologic conditions: Treat minor infections and complex cases.
• Rheumatology: Manage chronic inflammation and pain in the foot and ankle joints.

Why is it important?
Collaborative care ensures comprehensive treatment for patients with diverse and interconnected foot and lower limb health needs. By working together, you can provide the best possible outcomes for your patients, to address all aspects of their health.