The story following the Australian College of Podiatric Surgeons conference overlooks a number of issues of great significance to patients and GPs.

Everyone should be aware that podiatric surgeons do not have the same skills, education, training or professional surgical expertise as orthopaedic surgeons who perform similar procedures. For example:

• Orthopaedic surgeons have trained for 13 years or more – as a medical practitioner, plus a minimum of five years post graduate surgical training and clinical experience – to carry out complex foot and ankle surgery.
• Podiatric surgeons do not have the equivalent training and their training program is not closely supervised nor accredited by an authoritative independent body.
• Orthopaedic surgeons have full training in pharmacology, have the knowledge to safely prescribe medication and are completely aware of the interaction between various medications. Podiatric surgeons do not have the same training.
• Orthopaedic surgeons have full training in other pathologies around the body that may have an impact on foot surgery. Podiatric surgeons do not.

The qualifications of Australian podiatrists and podiatric surgeons are not recognised in key overseas countries and Australian podiatrists are not allowed to perform surgery in other countries. In fact, Australian podiatrists going to the USA and Canada are required to undertake a medical training entrance examination and then retrain.

The general public expects that titles such as Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dental Surgeon and Veterinary Surgeon represent rigorous training with appropriate independent assessment. This is not the case for podiatric surgeons – indeed, their use of the title surgeon potentially misleads patients, who believe all surgeons are medically trained doctors.

To ensure the best patient care, podiatric surgeons should be required to undergo the same level of training as orthopaedic surgeons and should be accredited by an independent accrediting body.

Dr Graham Mercer, President Australian Orthopaedics Association