I'm with Jim & Kevin on this one. The prupose for which this list is funded for is clearly spelt out when you sign up.
ie:
>A group for the academic discussion of current issues in podiatry
CP
________________________________
From: A group for the academic discussion of current issues in podiatry on behalf of Mark Russell
Sent: Fri 3/09/2004 9:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Grandparenting non state registered chiropodists and podiatrists.
Jim,
I'm terribly sorry if you think this list has been hijacked for purposes
out-with its intended use; perhaps you could enlighten me as to what you
think its intended use actually is? Are there rules and guidelines
somewhere that I have missed? We've seemed to be down that particular road
before vis-à-vis suitability of political postings. As you rightly say,
the delete button comes in awfy handy at times. As a Lang Toun lad (like
myself) you'll understand what it means to scunnered by aw yon gripings.
But it works both ways, doesn't it? Without a dynamic practice base, there
would be little point in podiatric research, aside from some academic
kudos for the individual. Or do you think you exist beyond the
professional bounds? These issues, as unpalatable as they may seem to you,
are critical to this profession's future; and not just in the UK. The role
of the Society and the actions of its officers, have far reaching
implications for everyone in this profession. As Mr Liggins suggests, the
role of their [SCP's] appointed nominee to the HPC impacts on all out
working lives. The Society's forum might have been a more suitable
platform, but given the restrictions on access, not all the profession can
contribute or disseminate the information detailed therein. Besides, this
is the only forum that senior officers of that organisation bother to
respond.
Can I include Clive in the next comment?
It's all very well sounding high and mighty about the ranters and ravers,
but I think you're both missing the point here. Forgive me if I get
personal, but you are both fairly advanced in your careers - a reader of
musculoskeletal disorders and a podiatry manager - you're both doing very
nicely. That is not the case for many others, especially the younger
members and recent graduates.
I'm reasonably fortunate insomuch as I have a parallel career which
enables me to drift in and out of podiatry as I see fit. Recently, I had
the pleasure of working with a new graduate - a young lad from Scotland
whose father grew up with me in (of all places, Jim) Lochgelly. He was an
honours graduate from QMC in Edinburgh; qualified in July this year.
Imagine my horror when he told me that he was packing podiatry in and
starting a Law degree (in three weeks time) because this profession
was "complete pish". When we start losing graduates of this calibre, then
I'm afraid, gentlemen, something has gone terribly awry. You might be
doing all right chaps, thanks very much, but for many others, this
profession is not living up to anything like the expectation it promised
when first we embarked on its path.
It seems to me that there is an unsaid rule that we cannot discuss and
debate governance of this profession. The Society, until recently, never
published concise minutes of the council meetings and barred ordinary
members from attending proceedings aside from their AGM. In a democratic
organisation, this is completely unacceptable and ultimately self
defeating. The entire profession in the UK feels completely alienated and
disenfranchised from the organisation. Last December, less than 15% of its
membership voted in its Council elections. If this was reflected
nationally, there would be a public outcry. Perhaps in your more
reflective moments you might care to ask yourselves, why?
I would suggest that there is a lack of maturity in political debate
within the profession; we all wish for a vibrant, dynamic profession, but
we appear incapable of discussing openly and honestly the critical issues
that are required to get us there. Clive's post earlier today was a good
case and point. I've spent the last four weeks reading all the archives of
this forum since its inception and every so often these issues raise their
heads. Whether it be 'pseudopods' or psychopaths, something always blows-
up and folks get the hump and sulking becomes the order of the day. I know
I've been as guilty as anyone in the past for reactive postings, but it
doesn't do anyone any good at all and what's more the problem about
establishment and structure never gets properly addressed. Net result -
intransigence, bitterness, squabbling and most destructive of all,
division.
The issues that face podiatry today are manifest. We must regain our
independence in the face of political interference. That means taking
difficult and sometimes disagreeable decisions. The matter of registration
and regulation in Britain could be solved if podiatrists resigned en masse
from the HPC and stuck two fingers up at the political masters in
Whitehall. We would have to have a realistic alternative which ensures
public safety and confidence - a task that is not out-with our
capabilities. We could have a closed profession provided all the players
entered into discussion with the same set of goals and ideals. This
profession does best when it employs thinking outside the box; when it
doesn't it becomes parochial and entrenched which invariably leads to self
destruction and annihilation. Whether you like it or not, we're all in
this boat together and no matter if you're at the rudder or the oars, it
makes little difference. Unless we all pull together and start working as
one, landfall will never be reached. Not in our lifetime anyway.
I'm sorry Jim if you feel annoyed at all these posts but try and see it
from the perspective of others for a change. As I said to Ralph some years
ago, the view from the bottom is very much different to that from the top.
Next time you're in Kirkcaldy, there's a pint behind the bar in The Feuars
for you.
Kindest
MR
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