History

The CFPM was created in 1999, under the name CFFS, by a small group of practitioners who recognized a need for a national association that was open for membership to all chiropodists and podiatrists in Canada. In 2004 the Association's name changed to CFPM, Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine, which better represented the Association's mission and membership.
 

Objectives:

  • To aid the profession through representation to the government, educational and regulatory institutions.
  • To promote Podiatric unity in Canada
  • To provide public education
 

What CFPM Does

  • Liaises with government agencies and other professional associations
  • Offers continuing educational opportunities
  • Helps practitioners in their day to day practices
  • Produces a national journal to disseminate information
  • Offers public education of the role of Podiatry
  • Promotes national Podiatric unity
 

Training

Foot problems affect over half the population. Prevention, assesment, diagnosis and treatment require expertise and practical skills. Podiatrists / Chiropodists undergo extensive training to meet these requirements. Many Podiatrists / Chiropodists have taken 7 or 8 years of post secondar school training before beginning to practice.
 

Credentials

A Bachelors Degree in Science, plus a 3-4 year Chiropody / Podiatry Program is generally undertaken in North America. Presently there are 7 American Podiatry schools and 1 Canadian Chiropody school. In Canada, Chiropodist and Podiatrist are interchangeable terms, are the only regulated Foot Professionals educated exclusively in the assessment and treatment of foot disorders.
 

The Chiropodist’s Work

The scope of practice varies from province to province, but generally practitioners will have several controlled acts. These include the treatment of:

  • Bony Foot Deformities
  • Subcutaneous Lesions
  • Corns / Callus / Warts
  • Nail Conditions
  • Biomechanical Dysfunctions
  • Orthotics / Orthopedic Appliances
 

Types of Treatments Offered

Treatments might include:

  • Foot physical therapy
  • Surgical procedures
  • Cutting into subcutaneous tissue
  • Administering by injection into the foot designated substances / drugs
  • Prescription of designated drugs
 

Did You Know?

Studies in North America and Europe have shown that with regular treatment from a Podiatrist / Chiropodist many elderly patients remain ambulatory, active and in their own homes fro a longer time period.
 

For Your Foot Health ...

CFPM encourages all members of the public to have their feet examined as a precautionary measure to promote good foot health and overall well being. See your Podiatrist / Chiropodist, they are an important member of the health care team.
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