National Board recognises the important role of podiatrists in the community

17 Oct 2017

The Podiatry Board of Australia is recognising the important contribution of podiatrists to the health and wellbeing of the Australian community in Foot Health Month this October.

As the body responsible for regulating Australia’s 4,925 registered podiatrists and podiatric surgeons, the Board would like to take the opportunity to highlight the important role that podiatrists play.

‘Podiatrists across Australia work hard supporting healthy feet and contributing to the provision of accessible, high quality healthcare services and advice. Podiatrists provide care to patients across all stages of their lives to help achieve the best foot health outcomes for individuals,’ said Ms Cathy Loughry, Board Chair.

‘I would like to say thank you to those podiatrists and podiatric surgeons who are providing these important services,’ Cathy said.

Cathy says this month is an important time to reflect on how the Board works to protect the patients of podiatric services.

‘The Board plays a key role in regulating podiatrists and podiatric surgeons in the public interest through exercising its functions under the National Law¹, the health and safety of the public is at the core of all our work.’

The Board sets the standards that establish the requirements for podiatrists and podiatric surgeons to be registered to practise competently and safely in Australia. It also publishes codes and guidelines for the profession and maintains the Register of Podiatrists which can be accessed at.

Meeting the Board’s requirements for registration and practice includes completion of the annual continuing professional development requirements, maintaining professional indemnity insurance arrangements and complying with all Board registration standards, codes and guidelines.

‘The Board’s requirements support the safe delivery of podiatry services to the public. We work to ensure that patients can expect that their registered podiatrist or podiatric surgeon is adhering to their professional obligations, suitably qualified and trained, and putting their patient’s best interests first.’

If you are ever unsure of the treatment you have received, you can notify us of your concerns by calling 1300 419 195.

¹ Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, as in force in each state and territory