3 minute read
Editorial
January sees not only the end of a year but the end of an era. OMNIA MUTANTUR, NOS ET MUTAMUR IN ILLIS is the Latin tag denoting ‘all things change, and we change with them.’ Such is certainly the case today when having just recovered from the covid-19 pandemic, we are plunged into a cost-of-living crisis. Members of the profession reacted well to the epidemic with typical resilience and fortitude; many, with the help of government support packages, managed to keep their practices largely intact. New methods of working with PPE (personal protective equipment) and domiciliary visits replacing surgery-based treatments enabled patients to obtain the treatments they so desperately needed. However, sadly, some members were unable to sustain their business due to the cost of maintaining premises together with the expense of replacing equipment and materials which forced some of our members to look elsewhere for employment. The lesson must be learned if our profession is to move forward. I recall my own father’s reaction during the recession in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His, rather naïve solution, was that if all businesses, including the professions, held their prices and worked harder, the problem would simply disappear. Always a man of actions rather than words and of great moral worth, the inevitable result was that he ended up working a 6-day week, 12 hours per day. Every practice has its pro bono list but, in his case, word spread and he ended with a huge list of gratis or low-fee paying patients and as a result, was unable to replace much needed equipment. Additionally, the necessity to work long hours with a huge list meant that he could not pay a locum and was thus unable to take advantage of CPD to perform new and potentially more lucrative treatments.
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The Institute, as has frequently been the case over many years, now leads the profession in providing innovative CPD including such subjects as Laser Therapy, Dermal Fillers, Steroid Injection, Acupuncture, Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, Therapeutic (and diagnostic) Ultrasound, Cadaver Local Anaesthetics, Minor Surgery, Orthoses Prescription and many more. The CPD roadshows cover the home countries so that there is one near every member and, of course, our hard-working branch officers provide local CPD.
There is now a plethora of varieties of practice and specialities open to podiatrists: general practice, sports, surgical, musculoskeletal, paediatrics, injection therapies, geriatrics, and legal to mention but a few. Inevitably there is some overlap but each speciality requires particular study and techniques which simply cannot be absorbed by every member of the profession. It seems to be purely common sense to inter-refer, as is the case with the medical profession, and the best way to set up such a system is via your local Branch.
Bill Liggins
Regional Director (England Midlands)
Many challenges lie ahead for the single practitioner and an excellent method to deal with these is via the ‘Step Ahead Business Club’ of the Institute. Help is always available as a membership privilege. Unfortunately, fees must inevitably increase, not only because of the cost of living but also to fund CPD and other, equally inevitable rises such as HCPC registration costs. Patients will understand as long as it is explained to them that their treatment will be enhanced in the long run. There are no problems – only future challenges, which the Institute is embracing. We are entering a new year and a new era for both the single practitioner, group practices, and the employed member. There are exciting times ahead.
CARPE DIEM - seize the day.
‘The Queen is Dead. Long Live the King’
Guidelines for new and established authors
Content of your article should be Podiatry or foot health-related. Podiatry Review is mostly in easy-to-read format, and articles for submission should reflect this. CPD Certificates are issued for Case Studies and Articles. Please ensure that your name and title (ie - FHP, Podiatrist, or other) are included with your article. Please proof-read and spell-check your article before submission. It would be helpful to the Editorial Committee if you could reference any books or Papers mentioned in your article. If you are not sure how to do this we are happy to assist. Please see ‘Writing for the Journal’ article on page 10 for further detailed information.
