Podiatry in Australia - background As providers of comprehensive foot care, podiatrists play an important role in the maintenance of mobility and consequently general health and independence of all members of the community. Along with the treatment of painful and debilitating foot problems, the podiatrist is a valued member of the health care team, conducting targeted screening and risk prevention, providing prophylactic treatment strategies which may delay or prevent hospitalisation and invasive treatment techniques and devising therapeutic care plans which facilitate mobility and activity. Podiatric services offer a range of benefits for a variety of community groups. Podiatrists have an important role to play in maintaining individual mobility and independence by alleviating painful foot conditions, particularly for those aged over 65, for whom an estimated 85% require a range of podiatric services (Robinson, 1989). Diabetes Australia recommends at minimum an annual foot assessment by a podiatrist (Evans, 1997) to identify risk factors and ensure adequate foot health, in order to maintain the activity level necessary for adequate blood glucose control and the prevention of complications such as cardiovascular disease and amputation. Lower limb complications in this country account for the greatest number of bed-stay days of all diabetes related hospital admissions - podiatric interventions, including preventative care, wound management and foot orthoses have been demonstrated to significantly reduce rates of foot ulceration and amputation (Sanders 1994, Edmonds et al 1986). Other chronic conditions such as arthritis, are improved with podiatric intervention, through both the direct effects of the treatment and the indirect benefits of improved mobility. The chronic injuries common amongst athletes, requiring frustrating and expensive ongoing physical therapy and possibly surgery, are increasingly referred for podiatric intervention to correct underlying causative mechanical factors and improve rate of recovery. References Robinson J. (1989) The Aldersgate study.Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, 5042 South Australia. Other references to be submitted shortly.