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RESEARCH ARTICLE
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What’s in a name? Why the proposed title change for podiatric surgeons is a step backward

Mark F. Gilheany A *
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A La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia.

* Correspondence to: mark@fasa.net.au

Australian Health Review https://doi.org/10.1071/AH24291
Submitted: 23 October 2024  Accepted: 27 November 2024  Published: 17 December 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA.

Abstract

The Australian Podiatry Board’s proposal to change the title ‘podiatric surgeon’ to ‘surgical podiatrist’ lacks evidence and is contrary to broader healthcare reform agendas. The current title ‘podiatric surgeon’ reflects scope of practice. Instead of a title change, regulators should focus on removing barriers to effective collaborative care.

Keywords: health policy, podiatric surgery, podiatry, Podiatry Board of Australia, regulation of title, scope of practice, specialist podiatry titles, title.

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