Introduction to Podiatric Medicine

Abstract

This subject introduces students to general health literacy and professional practice, including professional standards and legal and ethical frameworks, which inform podiatric practice. As communication is a significant aspect of healthcare practice, and forms the basis of successful history taking, students will be introduced to verbal and non-verbal communication strategies which are inclusive, and culturally and socially appropriate. Students will reflect on their values, attitudes and perceptions of others as part of the process of learning about self-awareness, cultural humility and cultural responsiveness. Students will also gain knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of common podiatric conditions and develop skills to identify, understand, and manage a range of cutaneous pathologies relevant to podiatric practice.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Module 1 – Introduction to podiatry: podiatry profession; professional standards; legal and ethical frameworks; reflective practice; evidence-based medicine; Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines (ESM); skills for lifelong learning; ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI);Module 2 – Cultural responsiveness: reflection on self and personal … For more content click the Read More button below. Module 4 – Skin physiology: hyperkeratosis; sweating disorders; inflammatory skin conditions; skin cancers - identifying benign and malignant skin lesions; red flags.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Module 1 – Introduction to podiatry: podiatry profession; professional standards; legal and ethical frameworks; reflective practice; evidence-based medicine; Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines (ESM); skills for lifelong learning; ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI);
Module 2 – Cultural responsiveness: reflection on self and personal values; cultural humility; socially constructed perspectives; problem solving and clinical reasoning;
Module 3 – Communication skills: verbal and non-verbal communication; enabling inclusive, culturally and socially appropriate communication; communication in healthcare settings; telehealth and technology in podiatry practice; clinical documentation and record keeping; and
Module 4 – Skin physiology: hyperkeratosis; sweating disorders; inflammatory skin conditions; skin cancers - identifying benign and malignant skin lesions; red flags.

Assessment items

1. Professional Portfolio

2. Module tests

3. Pre-clinical Requirements

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

describe the role and scope of the podiatrist within the healthcare team and the broader healthcare system;

explain how professional standards, legislation and ethical considerations will impact on their course of study and inform their future and continuing practice as a podiatrist;

articulate the concept of cultural humility and cultural responsiveness as a process of lifelong learning;

communicate using the professional discourse of health and medicine, and self-reflect on appropriate communication strategies to ensure inclusion for diverse groups; and

describe the clinical presentation, aetiology, pathophysiology, and management of a range of cutaneous conditions relevant to podiatric practice.

Enrolment restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the Undergraduate Certificate of Foot Health OR Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine.

Handbook

POD109 - Introduction to Podiatric Medicine