On 11th August, the Pedorthic Association of Australia (PAA) and the Lincoln Institute of Higher Education (LIHE), Australia, embarked on a pivotal collaboration in pedorthics education and research. Pedorthists, recognised under the Allied Health Professions Australia, are instrumental in enhancing patient well-being through bespoke footwear solutions. Their expertise aids in averting foot complications, promoting mobility, and substantially curtailing risks linked with conditions like diabetes. This venture promises the development of a Global standards Bachelor of Pedorthics programme, revolutionary industry-led training, and unrivalled Work Integrated Learning opportunities for LIHE students. Such endeavours will capacitate them to cater to underprivileged communities, individuals at high foot-care risk, the physically challenged, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

Prof. Amiya Bhaumik of LIHE highlighted the institute's philosophical ethos on health education, expressing a fervent desire to pioneer community service via non-profit health education. PAA's President, Katrin Wegener, alongside Karl-Heinz Schott, emphasised the vast potential of the pedorthist profession in Australia, pointing to job-ready opportunities for students even in nascent study stages and the surging demand in remote areas.

This union was celebrated with the esteemed presence of members from PAA - Katrin Wegener, Karl-Heinz Schott, Khajag Moskofian, Sayed Ahmed; and from LIHE - Prof. Amiya Bhaumik, Dr Tadipatri Prasad, Dhanyānanda Swami, Mark Atkinson, Vijaya Ryali, and Prof. Mahfuz Ashraf. Forward to a brighter, inclusive future in health education!

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