Mark
Thanks for your response. In response to some of your questions I offer a personal viewpoint. If the Society (UK) is responsible for setting the syllabus, hopefully in collaboration with those who will teach the program, then one has to assume that all Schools will teach the same subjects at a level which on examination and external scrutiny will be basically the same. The dilemma of course is that if all Schools do not have the same entry requirements then one has to assume the pass goalpost is lowered in some cases or there is a distinct possibility that high failure rates will occur. Hence my point of different entry requirements being acceptable in different universities. This point was based on OZ but may be applicable in the UK.
Although we have competency standards in Australia, set by our national association, these standards are integrated within a curriculum designed by the academic staff of the particular university. The strengths of the program may therefore reflect the strengths and particular interests of the staff. In addition the university through its funding of the course may determine the subjects or the time spent on teaching the subject. For example, to teach medicine, a physician, preferably a consultant, would be appointed but the duration of the appointment may be determined by how much funding will be supplied to cover the associated costs involved.
I have no data to confirm by belief that if Schools emphasize different interest areas, have different academic levels for entry only two things can result:
1. the graduates have different capabilities in the work force,or
2. the difference in capability is not a problem in podiatry practice

You asked the question whether"pushing the boundaries at U/G benefit the profession". I guess we have to ask what one would define as pushing the boundaries. There has always been the view that Schools produce the beginning practitioner, my concern is as above, what is the level of the beginning practitioner?
There are many other points to be raised and I am sure there are many who disagree with my comments but that is democracy. Maybe at some stage in time the profession will realize how important the U/G programs are in preparation for future higher degree studies and the development of specialties. Alan

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