MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Representing You

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 roles 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. Members of the Association are entitled to the benefits offered through the National Council such as national lobbying initiatives, publications, marketing material and discounted conference rates. The SA Association (APodA SA) is also an active member of the Allied Health Professions Association in South Australia (AHPSA) which is the key body representing the allied health sector in South Australia.

Continuing Education and the Accredited Podiatrist Program (APP)
The Association provides regular continuing education seminars and conferences, providing opportunities to share research and professional experiences. Utilising the nationally recognised, Accredited Podiatrist Program, members are able to record any professional development activities they have been involved in over a two year period. The commitment to ongoing education is recognised throughout Australia with members being entitled to use the APP logo on their marketing and advertising material. The APP is endorsed by the Podiatry Board of South Australia and meets the ongoing competency requirements required for annual registration. Professional Development lectures / workshops, CPR Updates and Senior First Aid courses are held regularly.  PD events are available on DVD for loan or purchase through the Resource Order Form (members only).

SA Members attending a Senior First Aid Day

Podiatry Assistant Training
With support from the APodA SA’s corporate partner, Steel Blue, the Association has created a training division called POD In Health Training.  The primary function of POD In Health is to deliver the podiatry assistant units that make up the certificate IV Allied Health Assistance course now available nationally.  The podiatry assistants course is a nationally accredited courses which is offered through registered training organisations (RTO's) and the VET education system.  With the high standard curriculum and trainers (all registered SA Podiatrists with Certificate IV training (TAA) qualifications), the profession can be assured of a highly trained podiatry assistant that will support and assist the podiatrist with routine care and the overall professional standard of podiatry services in Australia.

Communication
Members of the Association receive the national publication, the Bulletin, the joint journal of the APodC and the UK Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, online access to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (JFAR) and the South Australian bi-monthly publication Footnotes. Members also receive access to the Members Only area on the local website, their practice details listed on the online search facility www.findapodiatrist.org and available resources on the APodC website, www.apodc.com. There are also weekly email updates that keep members up to date with what’s on, positions vacant, practices for sale and hot topics. Members may also seek professional and business advice from Councillors and liaise with fellow members with specialist interests.

Findapodiatrist.org
Members are listed on the national web directory, www.findapodiatrist.org. This online search facility is available to anyone who can access the Internet, GP’s, allied health providers, the general public, podiatrists in other states referring patients on. Members can log on to their individual site and update information regularly. Members also have the option of being included on the Health Provider Registry used as a referral service for the medical profession in South Australia.

Employment
The Association offers employment resources such as standard contracts, wage rates, awards and classification scales. Members looking for work can be included on the Locum List, available to podiatry employers in South Australia. Positions vacant and practices for sale are also listed in the bi-monthly newsletter Footnotes and uploaded regularly on the local website.

Mentoring Program

2009 will kickstart the new Mentoring Program, an initiative set up to support final year students, new and recent graduates.  Whilst the details of the program are still in development stage, the concept is to link mentors and mentees together to discuss particular cases, offer career guidance and support.  It's through peer networks that the profession can work together to create a truely dynamic profession that strives to raise standards and increase knowledge. Information will be added to the website on the Mentoring Program throughout the year.  Meanwhile, if you're interested in becoming a mentor please feel free to contact the office.

Members only
The website “members only” section which is the exclusive section containing resources, guidelines and information available for members. Resources for members are available to assist with promoting the podiatry profession at trade shows, community events, school career nights, and the local shopping centre? Promotional items such as posters, flyers, balloons and stickers are available to purchase through the resource order form from the APodC Website. www.apodc.com.au

Advertising / Marketing
The Association supports the promotion of the podiatry profession in South Australia and from time to time will
actively promote podiatry services through various media outlets. Each year Foot Health Week in October receives high media coverage raising the awareness of podiatry to the public.

Insurance and Financial Services for Podiatrists
The Australasian Podiatry Council has a national agreement with Guild who offer members discounted premiums on all their insurance and financial needs. Guild and the APodC have worked closely to develop a liability policy tailored specifically for a podiatric practice and practitioners with a choice of indemnity limits. For information on the premium rates for Members contact Guild SA on (08) 8418 5500

State and National Conferences
Would you like to stay in touch with the latest developments, techniques and products available? Would you like to continuously expand your knowledge and keep up to date with the latest advances in your particular field? Would you like to keep in touch with interstate colleagues? Each alternate year the State Association holds a two-day conference with the National Conference held every other year. Members receive half price registration fees for both conferences. The 2010 State Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel 4th & 5th March.  Details including the call for abstracts and registration information will appear on the home page of the website shortly.

Angelo Salerno conducting a workshop at the State Conference 2008

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