MEMBER BENEFITS

The Australian Podiatry Association is the independent professional body representing

podiatrists and the podiatry profession in South Australia.  On behalf of the members,

the Association's role is to liaise with Government Agencies, Private Health funds,

Community groups and the general public. The SA Podiatry Association is a member

of the Australasian Podiatry Council (APodC), the national body representing Podiatry

in Australia and New Zealand as well as the Allied Health Professions Association in

South Australia (AHPSA) which is the key body representing the allied health sector in

South Australia.

Besides the individual reasons to join, perhaps now is the time to consider the bigger picture which

has a greater impact on your working life and career advancements. For example, through

national lobbying campaigns by the Association and the Australasian Podiatry Council you are now able to refer a patient for x-ray and ultrasound imaging, a valuable diagnostic tool for every podiatrist in Australia. More recently the Association played a key role in the tansition into the national registration scheme and the implementation of the new national Health Regulation Law 2009.

It’s through the members of the state Associations that national and state based projects are funded and achieved. It’s from the volunteers on Association Boards and Committees that dedicate their time to the advancement of the podiatry profession that projects are realised and you as an individual can extend your scope and receive the recognition which leads to a challenging, diverse work experience for yourself and improved outcomes for your patients. Can you imagine the scope of podiatry had it not been for the advancements made from the professions representing body?

Continuing Professional Development

Association members receive heavily reduced attendance fees at Association Continuing Professional Development (CPD) lectures, workshops, state and national conferences. The Association also hosts mandatory CPR courses required for national registration for members.

Scholarship / Grant Fund
To support local podiatry research, the Association has an annual scholarship fund available to eligible members undertaking clinical research.  In 2010 the scholarship was awarded to members Carla O'Loughlin Chris Bishop.  Applications are open in August of each year.

CPD Online

The CPD Online website developed by the APodC is available to members only to access CPD items, track activities and store CPD information.  Members set up their account at www.cpd.apodc.com.au at no cost.  A valuable tool for CPD requirements.

JFAR - Online Journal Access

Members can access the online Journal of Foot and Ankle Research at no cost.  JFAR is an open access, peer-reviewed journal published by BioMed Central. To access visit www.journalfootandankle.com

Accredited Podiatrist Program

Members of the Association are able to particpate in the Accredited Podiatrist Program in recognition of their ongoing committment to a high standard of professional development.  Accredited Podiatrists are entitled to use the title of Accredited Podiatrist and use the exclusive APP logo in their marketing and promotional material. A recognised symbol of excellence.

Mentoring Program
In 2009 the Association estabished the only state mentoring program, sponsored by Briggate Medical. The program is to assist the transition for new/recent graduates to competent, confident practitioners. The Mentoring Program is a valuable support system for those working their way through many diverse clinical situations often in isolated environments. Besides offering treatment advice the mentors can help launch a mentees career by introducing them to various networks, suppliers and of course colleagues that are passionate about podiatry. The Mentoring Program is a group setting rather than a 1:1 system which ensures broad exposure to best clinical practice techniques.

Indemnity Insurance

Members receive half price premiums through Guild Insurance for their indemnity insurance.  For more information visit the Guild website www.guildinsurance.com.au

Marketing

Association members have the opportunity to participate in Foot Health Month each October with a national publicity campaign on podiatry awareness.  Members are provided with marketing and promotional material to support the Foot Health Month campaign.

Resources

Practice support material such as information brochures, promotional material, report forms, educational DVD's and guidelines are available to members to purchase.  For a list of items refer to the Resource Order Form

Publications

Members of the Association receive the national Podiatry Bulletin, a bi-monthly publication from the national team at APodC (Australaian Podiatry Council) along with the Diabetes Management magazine produced by Diabetes Australia.

Website Access

Members are entitled to access the restricted Members Only section of the APodC website www.apodc.com.au and the SA Podiatry Association website. The members only section contains resources, guidelines, practice support material available only to our members.

Network / Support
As you may already be aware, the Association office spends time supporting members through difficult situations. We also have the ability to support practitioners in their professional life through our team of Councilors and other members who have varying expertise and experience in a range of matters.

Weekly Email Updates

The Association keeps members informed and up to date with a weekly email service highlighting local, national news items. Information from the Podiatry Board of Australia and AHPRA. Employment information, online links, CPD events, resources and community news. Members are entitled to advertise through the weekly email update at no cost.

Membership Benefits at a glance

• Professional representation to address political, social & legislative issues that impact on every podiatrists’ scope of practice
• National representation with government bodies (Medicare) and private enterprise (Health Funds)
• Publications

• Free access to CPD Online http://www.cpd.apodc.com.au/
• Foot Health Month resources and media awareness campaigns
• Public relations campaigns
• Discounted marketing resources such as brochures, posters, forms, promotional material
• Education resources, monthly CPD events, guidelines, policies, educational DVD’s
• Online access to the International Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (JFAR)
• Heavily discounted national and state conference registration fees
• Weekly email updates which includes national & local news items, employment, education events (CPD), conferences
• Employment information and services such as positions available, locum lists, practices for sale
• Access to the Members Only section of the Association’s website
• Discounted professional indemnity insurance premiums with Guild Insurance
• New graduate support through the Association’s Mentoring Program
• Annual research grant and funding opportunities for eligible members
• Networking opportunities with peers, other health organisations (SMA) and suppliers
• Free advertising through the weekly email service and hard copy publications
• Advocacy/support – assisting members dealing with difficult situations involving Health Funds, DVA, Medicare, dissatisfied clients etc.
• Inter-member liaison (e.g. linking members in like-minded fields, referral support).