Globally, podiatric medicine has evolved significantly in both its depth and scope of practice. Continual innovation and a dynamic response to the call for evidence-based practice have led to a rapid revolution in podiatric education, research and practice. Podiatry plays a pivotal role in the early assessment, diagnosis and management of lower limb pathologies as well as in the detection and monitoring of long-term conditions. The time dedicated to podiatric consultation provides an opportunity for dialogue and interaction which places the profession at the heart of public health education. Having a unique role in patient care, podiatrists gain a particular insight into the holistic lives of their patients, and are therefore highly valued members of the extended multidisciplinary team in both primary and secondary care.