Have your say on a proposed change to the protected title for podiatric surgeons

30 Sep 2024

The Podiatry Board of Australia (the Board) is seeking feedback on a proposed change to the protected title for the specialty of podiatric surgery. 

The proposed change to the protected title was one of the 14 recommendations made to the Board and Ahpra in the final report of the Independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons in Australia (the review). 

The review found that many consumers did not understand the term ‘podiatric’, and they thought the use of the title ‘surgeon’ indicated that the practitioner was a medical practitioner and had completed their qualifications and training in medicine.

The review concluded that continued use of the title ‘podiatric surgeon’ is confusing and problematic and recommended that the title be changed to an alternative such as ‘surgical podiatrist’ to make it clear that the practitioner is a specialist podiatrist who performs surgery.

Professor Cylie Williams, Chair of the Podiatry Board of Australia encourages members of the public to have their say. 

‘The Board has accepted the review’s findings and agreed to consult on a change to the protected title’, said Professor Williams. 

‘As practitioners, we often have insight into the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities held by a particular healthcare provider, however, the public may not. Public safety is the board’s highest priority and it is our duty to ensure patients are not confused or unintentionally mislead by a title.’  

Any decision regarding a change to the protected title will be made by Health Ministers. The Board does not have the power to change a protected title, it can only make recommendations to Health Ministers.

How to provide feedback

More information on the consultation and how to provide feedback can be found on the Board’s consultations webpage. If you have any questions, please email podiatryconsultation@ahpra.gov.au.

Be sure to provide your feedback before consultation closes on 8 November 2024. 

Other resources

• Download the final report of the independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons in Australia
• Read the Podiatry Board and Ahpra’s joint response to the final report of the independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons in Australia
• Frequently asked questions about the work of improving regulation of podiatric surgeons