I expect after the deluge of emails on a number of issues which began under the heading of grandparenting I may be the last to contribute. Unlike some contributors I find the discussion relevant and interesting even though it does not directly affect the profession in Australia--yet. I believe there is more to podiatry than the latest biomechanical theory or surgical procedure. I applaud those who seek advancement through testing their theories and skills but the profession still owes support and consideration for the opinion of those, probably the majority, who do not get as involved in areas considered more academic.
Personal experience over the years in both the UK and Australia supports the view that our profession has never been politically smart or apparently willing to engage the members in serious debate. Maybe that is changing in the UK but again it may depend on who one believes when reading emails. The message appears to be that communication is not happening on major issues which has the propensity to lead to a feeling of frustration, alienation and in some cases, a resultant backlash from those who still have enough drive and interest to complain.
For those in office there can be nothing worse than having the best interest of your profession at heart and just continually banging your head on the door of political indifference. Communication on all relevant professional matters would hopefully get more people on side and reduce the frequency of headaches.
Someone, and I think it was Ralph, said that almost every country where podiatry was practised, would like to attain the goal of the UK, USA and Australia. I have to ask what it was they found so appealing?
Finally, I would hate to see discussion on political issues banned on the mailbase as obviously the profession has to face up to such issues and be prepared to debate them. There is hopefully a place for all topics as long as they are kept impersonal.
Alan Crawford
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, Australia
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