Podiatric medicine collaboration with Albury-Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service

Charles Sturt University has brought First Nations health and wellbeing to the forefront of learning through a place-based learning model. Under this initiative, a partnership with the Albury-Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) team members Linda Ball (Kamilaroi) and Cate Melville allows podiatry students to complete the subject ‘Podiatry for Chronic Disease Management’ in a real clinical setting. Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine Ms Kirsty Van Grinsven said such authentic cultural learning experiences encouraged systemic change within institutions and professions.

Students can also use knowledge and skills from their experience to work alongside First Nations podiatry patients at the local Westside Community.

“Our students have received excellent feedback from staff and patients alike regarding the way their clinical practice has evolved to be more culturally responsive in this environment,” Ms Van Grinsven said.

This ongoing innovative teaching model has earned two consecutive Teaching Academy Change One Thing Awards.