Podiatrists play a key role in preventive healthcare, managing foot disorders and reducing hospital admissions, espcially for the increasing number of patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Traditionally, podiatrists have worked closely with GPs. However, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) reports that Australia faces a ‘staggering undersupply’ of GPs in the next two decades. We need a range of measures to address this – including extending other practitioners’ scope of practice.
That brings us to endorsed podiatry.
What is an endorsed podiatrist?
An endorsed podiatrist has completed additional training, which enables them to prescribe a number of medications to treat common foot and ankle problems.
There are two routes to gaining this qualification:
- Pathway A – gain an approved qualification for endorsement for scheduled medicines
- Program of study is aligned to the NPS MedicineWise Prescribing Competencies Framework and includes education and training in podiatric therapeutics as well as clinically-supervised practice
- Pathway B – supervised practice pathway for registered podiatrists
- Includes supervised practice, mentoring and a portfolio of case studies
What can an endorsed podiatrist prescribe?
An endorsed podiatrist can prescribe:
- Antibiotics – to treat foot infections from wounds or ingrowing toenails
- Antifungals – to treat fungal nail infections
- Steroid injections – to relieve persistent pain and inflammation due to arthritis or injury
- Anaesthesia – methoxyflurane (the ‘green whistle’) anaesthetises without a needle for minor procedures such as removing an ingrowing toenail
- Gout medications – to lower uric acid levels and relieve pain and swelling.
Benefits of working with an endorsed podiatrist
Both patients and practitioners benefit from having an endorsed podiatrist in the practice.
Patients benefit from prompt care. They’ve come to see a podiatrist for a foot or ankle problem. The endorsed podiatrist identifies a need for medical treatment – and can prescribe it immediately. That’s much more convenient than being told they need to see their GP for a prescription, which can delay care and lead to foot problems festering.
You benefit as a practitioner too. Working with highly qualified people at the top of their profession provides an opportunity for you to extend your own skills. You can see what can be possible.
Endorsed podiatrists are in high demand. It takes a high-calibre practice to attract one. If you’re lucky enough to work in a practice with an endorsed podiatrist, then take the opportunity to use their skills. If there’s a patient who could benefit from their skills, then work collaboratively.
If you’re a registered podiatrist, then working alongside an endorsed podiatrist provides a fantastic opportunity to see what an extended scope of practice looks like. Should you decide that you’d like to become an endorsed podiatrist too, you’re in an ideal position to access a supervised practice pathway.
Endorsed podiatry at Gen Health Hamilton
Gen Health Hamilton is a multi-disciplinary clinic servicing the greater Hamilton region.
We strongly believe in a collaborative approach to care. Our physiotherapists, podiatrists and exercise physiologists work together and cross-refer to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.
Our endorsed podiatrist, Steph, is an integral part of our team, working alongside other practitioners and ensuring a high standard of convenient care for patients.
We’re always on the lookout for outstanding allied health practitioners who’d like to join our team. If you’d like to see what it’s like to work alongside an endorsed podiatrist, then please call us on
This information is intended for healthcare professionals.
