STRIDE: May 2026

STRIDE March 2026 | What’s on podiatrists’ minds right now

This issue of STRIDE reflects a lot of the conversations happening across the profession at the moment:

1. Cost of living pressures: what podiatrists are saying
   Rising costs are affecting podiatry in very real ways. This article shares what podiatrists across the country are experiencing – from how cost pressures are affecting patients, to travel, staffing and the viability of running a practice. Just as importantly, it highlights the practical adjustments podiatrists are already making to keep things working.
2. What do you wish you knew when you started out as a podiatrist?
   If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? In this instalment of our ongoing STRIDE series, MSK Special Interest Group committee member Blake Withers reflects on his own early career decisions. Blake shares why finding the right clinic culture and mentors mattered far more than convenience or early income – and how those choices shaped his confidence, skills and long-term direction.
3. The potential of podiatrists in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy – Part One
   This audio interview summary features podiatrist and PhD candidate Sindhrani Dars, whose research focuses on chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in people with colorectal cancer. Sindhrani reflects on the clinical experiences that led her into research and outlines the role podiatrists can play in assessment, education, symptom management and advocacy. Part Two, including the full 20 minute audio interview, will be available in the next issue of STRIDE.
4. How the updated Pedorthic Footwear Standards can help podiatrists 
   Podiatrist and pedorthist Angus Brewin shares the background to Australia’s updated Pedorthic Footwear Standards. Developed with strong input from podiatry, the standards were designed to be practical and workable, supporting clearer clinical decision making for podiatrists, pedorthists and patients across a wide range of settings.
5. Legal support: included with your membership
   Podiatrists may not be quite sure when legal support might be useful, or whether their question warrants asking a lawyer. In this article, Andrew McKenzie from Maurice Blackburn explains the kinds of calls they receive from podiatrists and how legal advice fits into everyday practice: from navigating compensation schemes and documentation questions, to privacy, AI, note writing and managing risk early. Most importantly, Andrew reinforces that this support is confidential, practical and there to help members talk things through before issues escalate, with most advice provided at no cost as part of APodA membership.
6. How to maximise your practice management software
   Damien Adler from Zanda looks at what running a practice looks like when digital systems and AI supported tools are part of everyday work. In this article, Damien shares his top 10 practical tips to help podiatrists get more value out of their practice management software.
7. Help to shape DVA’s research priorities
   The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is developing a new five year Research Strategy, and podiatrists are invited to contribute. This article explains how you can share ideas and lived experience insights to help future research focus on where it’s needed most.
8. Financial coaching – available to Australian Podiatry Association members
   Building on the cost of living discussion in this issue, the Australian Podiatry Association’s (APodA) member assistance program provider shares an overview of the financial support available to members. APodA members can access free, confidential counselling 24/7, including financial coaching, to receive support through ongoing pressures.

I hope you find something in this issue that speaks to your own experience or gives you something useful to take back into practice.

Andy Cook
President