Tanya Hosch is one of the most powerful voices in Australia today – and she’s speaking at #PodConf25
The 2025 Australian Podiatry Conference is shaping up to be one of our most thought-provoking events yet. Opening the conference is keynote speaker Tanya Hosch – whose story is one every podiatrist should hear.
A Torres Strait Islander and the first Indigenous person – and only the second woman – to join the AFL’s executive ranks, Tanya Hosch is the league’s Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy. But it’s her personal experience that holds particular meaning for podiatrists. Speaking at the launch of the Voice campaign in 2023, Tanya said:
“A little over two weeks ago, I had my lower right leg amputated. And so having left hospital- only yesterday – I’m standing here on one leg today.”
Living with type 2 diabetes, Tanya underwent six surgeries over three years to try to save her limb. Her complications stemmed from Charcot foot – a term familiar to every podiatrist. Despite best efforts, amputation became necessary.
Since then, Tanya has worked to build upper body strength, with her rehabilitation supported by exercise physiology – something she credits not just with her physical recovery, but with helping her to stay mentally strong. Her prosthetic limb allows her to move more freely now, but fatigue can be a challenge.
Tanya’s brings a lived experience perspective into the burden of diabetes-related foot complications. She firmly believes in taking responsibility for our health, but with an important caveat: healthcare access must be a right, not a privilege – and it must be delivered within a culturally safe framework.
For podiatrists, her story provides a potent reminder of the impact podiatrists can have – especially in preventing and managing diabetic foot disease. But Tanya also acknowledges how overburdened the system is, and how challenging it can be to deliver quality care within those constraints. Her keynote will shine new light on these long-standing issues, while bringing us back to what matters most: the patients who each have a different story and circumstance.
Tanya is just one highlight in what promises to be a rich and inspiring conference. Held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 June 2025, the program includes:
Set in the sunny Gold Coast, this conference offers far more than just CPD points. It’s a chance to step out of your day-to-day routine, reconnect with your purpose, and leave energised for the year ahead.
If you’ve been on the fence about attending this year – consider this your sign. Tanya’s keynote alone is reason enough to be there. But combined with everything else #PodConf25 has to offer, it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Register now and make sure you’re in the room where it happens.
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