The authors report on a 3-year prospective program that included foot-health education and an initial assessment of foot problems in an older population. The program represents a cooperative effort by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine to enhance the quality of life of older citizens. The results show that foot problems are prevalent among older patients. The program also refined a protocol that can be applied in other settings.

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Changes in the health-care system will continue to modify the delivery of podiatric medical care and podiatric medical education. Podiatric medicine and its educational programs will need to focus on the management of care, special populations, and disease prevention. Future providers will need to participate as team members and respond to new patterns of care, including the special needs of the older population. This article explores methodologies for professional activities, administration, incentives for change, academic issues, innovation, implementation, outcome measures, and health policy development. Podiatric medicine must be prepared to establish standards, protocols, and guidelines to serve as the benchmark for foot health.