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 Associations 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. We are currently representing every podiatrist in Australia with the transition into the national registration scheme and the implementation of the new national Health Regulation Law 2009. In 2010/2011 we are hoping to receive ministerial approval for South Australian podiatrists to have prescribing rights.

It’s only as a collective group that advancements for every podiatrist extending their scope of practice to acknowledge our ever improving training, knowledge and resources is possible. 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 Associations’ Boards and Committees that dedicate their time to the advancement of the podiatry profession that projects are realized 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?

So what’s on our agenda for 2010 / 2011?

National Registration
2010 is the year every podiatrist transfers into the national registration scheme and the Association is here to support members with the transition. National Law, Standards, Guidelines and Codes are explained, our members are kept informed every step of the way.

Scholarship / Grant Fund
To support local podiatry research, the SA Association has developed an education sub-committee to establish an annual scholarship / grant incentive for members undertaking clinical research (C. Bishop to extend).

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
South Australian Podiatrists have been meeting a high standard of mandatory CPD since 2008 which means the transition to the national education standard is not that difficult. To assist with members meet the CPD requirements, the Association offer a CPD program with monthly lectures and bi-monthly CPR updates and Senior First Aid courses. The CPD Calendar can be accessed from our website www.podiatrysa.net.au

Podiatry Assistants
The SA Association is the only podiatry specific group offering Certificate IV training to podiatry assistants. Government facilities are increasing their usage of podiatry assistants to reduce the workload on podiatrists for low risk clients. The training company run by the Podiatry Association of South Australia, POD In Health Training, offers accredited assistant training, maintaining the quality of assistant expected to be working alongside the qualified professional.

Mentoring Program
In 2009 the Association’s Mentoring program was established sponsored by Briggate Medical. The program has been developed to assist the transition for new/recent graduates to competent, confident practitioner. 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.

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.

State Conference
Update and Educate 2010, has been recorded as being the most successful podiatry state conference ever held in SA. We had a record number of attendees and exhibitors at the Hilton Hotel over 2 days. Conferences are vital to keep up to date on the clinical advancements in podiatry. Members enjoy 50% discount on all state and national podiatry conferences hosted by the Associations and APodC.

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: national bi-monthly publication The Bulletin, the local quarterly publication, Footnotes
• Foot Health Week resources and media awareness campaigns (annually)
• 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
• 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
• Participation in the Association’s Accredited Podiatrist Program (updated 2010)
• 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).

Make 2010 the year, join with your colleagues, attend podiatry specific CPD lectures, network, get involved, be part of the profession and be heard. There are 350 registered podiatrists in SA – 220 of those are members of the SA Association.

Members attending a Senior First Aid course                                                                               Members at the State Conference "Update & Educate 2010"