Magazine Issue

STRIDE: March 2026

Welcome to the March edition of STRIDE magazine

The Australian Podiatry Association reserves the right to edit material for space and clarity and to withhold material from publication. Individual views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association and inclusion of product or service information does not imply Association endorsement unless specifically stated. STRIDE for podiatry is the official monthly publication of the Australian Podiatry Association Limited. STRIDE for podiatry is copyright and no part may be reproduced without written permission from the Australian Podiatry Association. ©2019 AUSTRALIAN PODIATRY ASSOCIATION, 89 Nicholson St, East Brunswick, VIC 3159, P (03) 9416 3111 W podiatry.org.au The Australian Podiatry Association would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of all the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations that make up the great continent of Australia. We would like to pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past and present, also the young community members, as the next generation of representatives.

In this issue

What do you wish you knew when you started out as a podiatrist?

A podiatrist’s long-term take on rural recruitment

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: what patients want podiatrists to remember

PBS access for podiatry - it matters more than ever

The difference a university-industry collaboration can make

2025 APERF grant recipients announced

The latest on Payday Super

The right to disconnect, parental leave, and flexibility

From the President

STRIDE March 2026 | Stories that shape practice, people and progress

As STRIDE returns in 2026, this issue brings together stories that reflect where podiatry is right now – the people behind the profession, advocacy work that is happening as I type, and the latest initiatives to address workforce challenges and shape practice.

SIGs Advice: What I wish I knew
This very special series asks Special Interest Group committee members to share advice to their younger selves when they were starting out in podiatry. Their honest words make for fascinating reading, with plenty of tips shared.
Member Spotlight: Rachel Stone
In this member account – supported by a fascinating audio interview – Rachel Stone shares her professional journey as a rural podiatrist. Rachel reflects on her lessons learned and her long-term approach to rural recruitment. I highly encourage you to listen to her interview as it’s filled with good advice.
Patient Story: Why lived experience matters
This powerful patient story highlights the impact of podiatry care when it comes to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Marilyn Kremmer reinforces the importance of early intervention, collaboration and advocacy – to highlight what she wants every podiatrist to know.
Advocacy Matters: What’s happening right now
This update explores the current inequity around the fact that podiatry patients cannot receive PBS-subsidised medicines from their own podiatrist, despite many podiatrists being endorsed to prescribe. It discusses why podiatrists not only need a seat at this table, but what challenges will continue to exist if this doesn’t happen.
Education in Focus
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is in the spotlight this month with its approach to working with industry and within each student’s home location. The goal being to remove the barrier of distance for students who are not interested in moving home, or unable to relocate to the Albury, NSW area. With a 400% increase in commencing student enrolments, this innovative approach is worth learning about.
APERF Grants: Research shaping the future
This exciting update highlights current APERF grant activity – to share the latest recipients, and how you can help to support APERF’s work.
The right to disconnect – and more
APodA members will benefit from the latest advice on the right to disconnect, parental leave and other HR issues – in a landscape which appears to constantly change.