Podiatrists share what they love and the challenges they face
25 Aug 2025
Hundreds of podiatrists across the profession at the APodA 2025 National Conference opened up about the highs and lows of their work, revealing a deep passion for helping patients, balanced by the realities of workload, systemic pressures, and the constant evolution of healthcare demands.
On the positive side, many describe podiatry as a career that combines immediate impact with lasting relationships. From the joy of seeing a patient walk pain-free for the first time in years, to building connections that span generations, podiatrists emphasise the privilege of being part of their patients’ lives.
Others highlight the profession’s versatility, from rural outreach to cutting-edge research, and the satisfaction that comes from problem-solving and professional autonomy.
“There’s nothing like watching someone limp into your clinic and walk out smiling,” said one practitioner. Another added, “We have the unique opportunity to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall health – all from the ground up.”
Flexibility, diverse career pathways, and the chance to work in multidisciplinary teams were also common themes. For some, it’s the personal connection – being the person patients confide in, sometimes as their only social interaction that day – that gives the work its meaning.
Others take pride in the profession’s growing recognition and its ability to make a difference across all age groups and communities.
Yet, the challenges are just as real. Many cited the pressures of increasing patient loads, staff shortages, and the strain of balancing professional and personal commitments.
Rising operational costs, administrative burdens, and limitations in public health funding were frequent concerns. Several noted the difficulty of attracting podiatrists to rural and remote areas, while others pointed to the need for greater awareness of the profession’s full scope.
Some challenges are personal such as burnout, physical strain, and the emotional toll of complex cases, while others are systemic reflecting broader healthcare workforce issues. “We love what we do, but the system doesn’t always make it easy to keep doing it,” one podiatrist remarked.
Despite the hurdles, the passion remains strong. Across hundreds of responses, the message is clear – podiatrists are deeply committed to keeping people mobile, active, and pain-free, and to ensuring their profession continues to grow and adapt in a changing world.
Why it matters
The insights from podiatrists reveal a profession defined by compassion, skill, and adaptability. Understanding both the joys and the challenges helps industry leaders, policymakers, and the community work together to support podiatrists in delivering the best possible care.
By addressing workforce pressures and celebrating the profession’s successes, we can help ensure that podiatry continues to thrive, and that patients everywhere have access to the care they need.
Top themes
What podiatrists love
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Challenges in podiatry
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