Why we need consistent allied healthcare terminology
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Why you can’t miss this year’s keynote speech
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.
A voice for equity and strength
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.
What else is on offer at #PodConf25
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:
- Over 80 scientific sessions across three days
- Local and international speakers sharing the latest in podiatric research and innovation
- A vibrant social program with plenty of fun activities on offer
- Opportunities to connect with peers, sponsors, exhibitors and sector leaders
- A dedicated stream for students and early career podiatrists, with tailored networking events
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.
Be part of it
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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STRIDE NEWS | Students and early career podiatrists: this is your moment
The 2025 Australian Podiatry Conference provides a great opportunity for all podiatrists at different career stages. If you are studying podiatry, a new graduate, or in the early stages of your career, there are plenty of opportunities to join fun networking events and meet a range of likeminded people from across Australia.
Thinking of going to the conference? You should definitely attend if you want to…
1. Get involved as a student volunteer
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, meet inspiring people, or explore the future of podiatry, this is your invitation. Register now or apply to be a student volunteer and take your first big step.
One of the best ways to experience the conference is by volunteering. Student volunteers play a vital role in helping the conference run smoothly – from directing guests to supporting speakers and managing session logistics. But it’s not just about giving back – it’s a front-row ticket to the whole experience.
Here’s what you get as a student volunteer:
- Complimentary access to sessions when you’re not rostered on
- A behind-the-scenes look at how a national conference runs
- The chance to build confidence and skills in a professional environment
- Networking opportunities with presenters, attendees and sponsors
- A sense of contribution and pride in being part of something bigger.
Plus: it looks great on your CV. You can express your interest through the Student Volunteer page and apply before spots fill up.
2. Be challenged and stretch your boundaries
Learn about different career paths in podiatry, from private practice to sports, paediatrics, aged care, and more. #PodConf25 is designed with you in mind. You’ll hear from leading podiatrists, ask questions, and see what’s possible in your field. You’ll meet people who understand your journey and want to help you succeed. What’s not to love about that?
3. Network – in a fun and easy way
With support from Plena Healthcare, don’t miss Rising Stars Networking Function, available only to students, graduates and new professionals. As a Supporting Sponsor of this year’s conference, Plena Healthcare offer strong graduate programs, clinical mentoring, and flexible work options.
Well, what are you waiting for?!
Get your conference shoes on and be part of the biggest event this year.
Register now or apply to be a student volunteer – and take the step. (No more foot puns, we promise.)
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STRIDE NEWS | The latest on APodA’s member insurance program
As a leading advocate for the podiatry profession, the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) strives to ensure you’re in good hands as a member. This includes providing member benefits to support you throughout your career.
The APodA Member Insurance Program in partnership with BMS, does just that. The program offers Professional Indemnity and Public & Products Liability insurance – and a suite of additional insurance policies to meet your needs as a podiatrist. Policies under the program are annually reviewed against key areas of risk and claims data to ensure the program continues to provide comprehensive cover.
Benefits of the program include:
- Professional indemnity insurance cover for your scope of practice that meets the insurance registration
- Public & products liability insurance for protection against third-party liability claims
- Claims assistance to support you when you need it most
- Risk resources to help you manage and avoid risk
- An easy-to-use insurance portal to manage your policy all in one place
- Additional insurance policies to cover various areas of your work as your career evolves.
Continuous cover at every career stage
Whether you’re starting out as a graduate podiatrist, pursuing business ownership, or practising as a seasoned professional, various cover options are available to suit your needs.
Students and graduates
As a student, why would you need cover? Having insurance as a student helps to mitigate your risks during clinical placements and internships. Under the APodA Member Insurance Program, complimentary professional indemnity and products & public liability insurance is available to APodA student and graduate members. Lower fees are also offered as a new professional. This is to support you while starting your career.
Professionals, sole traders and business owners
As a working professional, sole trader and/or a business owner, you may require additional insurance to help cover other areas of risk while you practise. As a member of the APodA Member Insurance Program, you get access to a suite of additional insurance policies, all available in the BMS Portal. This includes entity insurance, business insurance, and cyber liability insurance, in addition to the core APodA Professional Indemnity and Products & Public Liability Insurance policy.
Retired professionals
Planning on retirement? As a podiatrist, your professional obligations continue even when you have ceased practising. To support you, run off cover is available under the APodA Member Insurance Program to keep you covered when you cease practicing permanently as a podiatrist. To activate run off cover, speak to BMS on 1800 514 933 or email podiatry@bmsgroup.com to advise your retirement commencement date.
Do I need my own policy if my employer offers insurance cover?
Relying on your employer’s insurance policy could mean you don’t have cover for all aspects of your work. This is true for both private and public health sector workers. Having your own professional indemnity and public & products liability insurance policy offers you control over your cover, helping you ensure it meets your needs.
With your own insurance policy under the APodA Member Insurance Program, you can
be covered for:
- Your services when you transition to a new employer
- Your past services rendered
- Your private practice work
- Services you provide as a contractor, sub-contractor or consultant
- Legal support for regulatory enquiries and/or coronial enquiries.
How do I get cover?
Join or renew your APodA membership, and you can access cover at any time.
For more information visit the APodA member insurance page.
You must be a current Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) member to be eligible to register for the APodA Member Insurance Program. You must be part of the APodA Member Insurance program in order to access additional cover. If your membership ceases you will not be offered renewal when your policy expires. In offering this insurance to our members APodA is a distributor of BMS Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (BMS) AFSL 461594, ABN 45161187980. The insurance is issued by BMS under authority with the insurer. When acting under this authority BMS acts as agent for the insurer and not as your agent. This is general advice only and BMS has not considered whether it was suitable for your personal circumstances, current objectives, needs or financial situation. Please read the Policy Wording/Product Disclosure Statement and the BMS Terms of Engagement which contains the Financial Services Guide before making a decision about purchasing this policy. As a distributor, APodA receives an annual payment from BMS which is used for insurance related marketing and professional development activities to support our members.
No one gets into health to do paperwork, right?
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